Black River Mauritius Snorkeling Private Catamaran Bénitiers

Reef snorkeling, island beach time, and a catamaran sail through Tamarin Bay in one full day

A full-day private catamaran tour from Black River, Mauritius, takes you snorkeling at a shallow reef, then to Bénitiers Island for beach time, with snorkeling gear, a BBQ lunch, drinks and a trained crew included. The boat departs from the Black River coast and sails under full canvas; you choose your group size at checkout, from one person to twelve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour to Benitiers Island

• Stop at Tamarin Bay to watch dolphins
• Snorkel at Black River lagoon
• View and photograph Bénitiers Rock
• Take fisherman’s boat to Benitiers Island
• Relax and explore Benitiers Island beach

The Experience

The catamaran leaves the Black River coast and heads first to Tamarin Bay, where the crew watches for spinner and bottlenose dolphins that move through the western waters. From there, the boat sails into the Black River lagoon itself—a patch reef about two meters down, scattered with coral outcrops and white sand. You put on the snorkeling gear provided and swim over butterfly fish, trumpet fish and small crustaceans while a trained crew member stays in the water nearby, ready to help if you need it. The saltwater is clear enough to see the reef structure without effort.

After the reef, the boat anchors near Bénitiers Rock, a limestone outcrop that rises from the turquoise lagoon and appears on most Mauritian postcards. A fisherman's boat ferries you to the island's sandy beach, where you can swim, rest in the sun or walk the shoreline. A few vendors sell straw hats, shell jewelry and sarongs; on quieter days the beach is nearly empty. The crew serves a BBQ of fish and chicken, grilled lobster, local salads and desserts on board, with South African wine, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. The whole outing runs about seven hours from start to finish.

You pick your group size when you book—anywhere from one person to twelve—and the tour operates as a private charter, so the schedule and pace stay with your group. The crew speaks English and French, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Public transport runs near the departure point if you need it to get there.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ lunch with grilled fish, chicken and lobster.
• local salads and desserts.
• South African wine, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
• trained crew member in the water during snorkeling.
• fisherman's boat transfer to Bénitiers Island beach.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by Oceane Cruises Mauritius

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with snorkeling, beach time and a meal all arranged—the private charter means your group sets the pace, and the crew handles the route, the reef entry and the timing around the island visit.

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Top questions

What's the Black River reef like for snorkeling?

The Black River lagoon holds a patch reef about two meters deep with colorful fish, small crustaceans and coral outcrops spread across white sand. The water is clear and calm enough for all swimming levels, and a trained crew member stays in the water with you.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour; you don't need to bring your own or rent it separately.

What happens at Bénitiers Island?

Bénitiers Island is a sandy beach with coconut trees where you can swim, sunbathe or walk around. A fisherman's boat takes you from the catamaran to the shore; vendors sell souvenirs like straw hats and shell jewelry, and you have time to explore before returning to the boat.

Is lunch included in the full-day tour?

Yes, a BBQ lunch with grilled fish and chicken, lobster, local salads and desserts is served on board, along with South African wine, sparkling wine and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

What's the chance of seeing dolphins in Tamarin Bay?

Spinner and bottlenose dolphins move through the western coastline waters near Tamarin Bay, and the crew keeps watch for them. Sightings depend on the day and season, but the bay is a known habitat for these pods.

How do I choose my group size when I book?

You select your group size at checkout—options range from one to twelve people. The catamaran operates as a private charter for your group, so the schedule and route stay with you alone.