Full-day catamaran cruise Mauritius: snorkel and island lunch

Dolphins show up in Tamarin Bay, but you won't know when.

A full-day catamaran cruise on Mauritius' west coast sails to Bénitiers Island and Crystal Rock with snorkeling, a dolphin-watching stop in Tamarin Bay, and a barbecue lunch prepared onboard. The boat returns at 3:30 p.m. A guide speaks English or French; snorkeling gear, drinks and lunch are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and island visit

• Sail to Tamarin Bay to watch dolphins
• Snorkelling stop
• Visit Bénitiers Island
• Lunch onboard near Crystal Rock

The Experience

The catamaran leaves in the morning and heads first to Tamarin Bay, where the crew watches for dolphins. The sighting is not guaranteed—they come and go—but the bay itself sits in calm water off Mauritius' west coast, and the boat stays long enough to give them a real chance to appear. After that stop, you move to the snorkeling site near Crystal Rock and Bénitiers Island, where the lagoon is shallow and the visibility is good enough to see what lives below. Snorkeling gear is on board; you get in the water on your own terms.

Lunch happens onboard while you're anchored near Crystal Rock, with a view of the Black River mountain range across the water. The crew prepares a barbecue, and the boat carries sodas, bottled water and alcoholic beverages throughout the day. You'll have time on Bénitiers Island itself before the return trip back to the west coast, arriving around 3:30 p.m. The whole day runs about six hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• lunch prepared onboard.
• sodas, bottled water and alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
• a visit to Bénitiers Island and a snorkeling stop near Crystal Rock.
• a dolphin-watching stop in Tamarin Bay.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius

Is this one for you?The boat is shared, so you'll be with other travelers, and the pace is set by the itinerary—the dolphin watch, the snorkel stop and the island visit all happen at fixed times. If you prefer a smaller group or a flexible schedule, a private charter would suit you better.

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Top questions

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel on this catamaran cruise?

The snorkeling stop near Crystal Rock and Bénitiers Island happens in a shallow lagoon, and snorkeling gear is provided. The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels, so you can enter the water at your own pace and stay in as long as you're comfortable.

What happens if dolphins don't show up in Tamarin Bay?

Tamarin Bay is where dolphins are often spotted, but sightings are not guaranteed. The boat spends time there to give them a real chance to appear, but the stop happens regardless, and you'll move on to the snorkeling site near Crystal Rock whether or not they do.

Is lunch included on the catamaran cruise?

Yes, lunch is prepared onboard by the crew and served while the catamaran is anchored near Crystal Rock. The day also includes sodas, bottled water and alcoholic beverages.

How long is the full catamaran cruise?

The cruise runs about six hours total, from departure in the morning until the return at 3:30 p.m. The itinerary includes the dolphin-watching stop in Tamarin Bay, snorkeling near Crystal Rock, lunch onboard, and a visit to Bénitiers Island.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English or French, depending on the departure you choose.