Mauritius West Coast: Catamaran Cruise with Dolphins & BBQ

Summary

Catamaran adventure to Ile aux Bénitiers with dolphin watch

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup before sailing from Tamarin on a catamaran cruise along Mauritius’ west coast. Watch dolphins play in their natural habitat, snorkel around Crystal Rock’s clear waters, and relax on Benitiers Island’s beaches. Enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch onboard with unlimited drinks and stories from your local crew — moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left the island.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost skipped the early pickup because I’m not a morning person, but seeing the sun just starting to warm up Tamarin village made it worth it. Our guide, Ashvin, greeted us with this big grin and a “You ready for dolphins?” (I was, but also still half-asleep). The catamaran felt bigger than I’d pictured — 40 feet is no joke — and there was this salty breeze that woke me up better than coffee ever could.

We set out along the west coast of Mauritius, gliding past fishing boats and kids waving from the shore. The crew played sega music (Ashvin tried to get us dancing — some people did, I just clapped along) and pointed out where the spinner dolphins like to hang out. When we finally spotted them in Tamarin Bay, everyone got quiet for a second — you could hear their little splashes before you saw them. It’s wild how close they come if you’re patient. Main keyword here: catamaran cruise Mauritius west coast — but honestly, it didn’t feel like a “tour” at all.

After that, we drifted toward Crystal Rock. The water was so clear you could see right down to the coral — I kept thinking it looked fake, like someone had cranked up the color settings. Snorkeling there was my favorite bit; fish everywhere, sunlight flickering through turquoise water. I lost track of time until someone called me back for lunch (BBQ on board: fresh fish, chicken, salads — way better than I expected). Unlimited drinks too, which made everyone a little friendlier by the time we reached Benitiers Island.

I wandered off along the sand while some folks swam or napped under palm trees. There were local families picnicking nearby and kids chasing each other into the lagoon. It smelled faintly of grilled food and sunscreen. On the way back to Tamarin, Ashvin poured us one last glass of local rum and told stories about growing up here — something about his uncle swimming faster than dolphins (not sure I believe him). Anyway, I still think about that view of Le Morne Mountain as we sailed home; it’s stuck with me in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran Cruise and Dolphin Watching

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to Tamarin
• Dolphin watching at Tamarin Bay
• Snorkeling at Crystal Rock and lagoon swim
• BBQ lunch and relaxation at Bénitiers Island

Top questions

What animals will I see on this Mauritius catamaran cruise?

You’ll have the chance to see spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in Tamarin Bay during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling at Crystal Rock is included as part of your catamaran cruise experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Mauritius?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are included from any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

The BBQ lunch includes fresh fish, chicken, rice or pasta salad, various fresh salads, and dessert options.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes, unlimited alcoholic (wine, beer, local rum) and non-alcoholic drinks are available onboard.

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full-day tour starts at 9:00 am and lasts several hours including stops for dolphin watching and beach time.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes; children ages 3 years and under join free (notify for child/infant seat), making it family-friendly.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes; vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle to Tamarin village where you board a 40-foot catamaran with a local guide and crew. You’ll enjoy dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay, snorkeling at Crystal Rock with gear provided, unlimited drinks onboard (including wine, beer & local rum), a fresh BBQ lunch with both vegetarian and non-veg choices plus dessert before relaxing on Benitiers Island’s beaches before returning to your accommodation.