Mauritius Catamaran: Dolphins, Crystal Rock & Île aux Bénitiers

A Full Day on the West Coast: Dolphins, Snorkeling & Island Time

You get picked up from your hotel, sail to Tamarin Bay to watch dolphins in open water, snorkel at Crystal Rock, anchor at Île aux Bénitiers for lunch and beach time, and return with unlimited drinks included throughout. The day runs full (plan to be out from morning into late afternoon), and that's what makes fitting the dolphins, the snorkeling, the island and a proper meal into one outing possible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and dolphin watching

• Hotel pick-up in Mauritius
• Travel to Tamarin fishing village
• Pre-departure briefing on catamaran
• Depart to Tamarin Bay dolphin area
• Watch dolphins in natural habitat
• Cruise along coral reefs to La Preneuse lagoon
• Snorkel at Crystal Rock
• Enjoy local music and folklore onboard
• BBQ lunch on catamaran
• Cruise to Benitiers Island
• Relax, swim, and snorkel at Benitiers Island
• Return cruise to Tamarin with open bar

The experience

The dolphins show up without warning. One minute you're scanning the water off Tamarin Bay, and the next there's a pod moving through the lagoon: spinning, diving, moving like they own the place. They do. On this catamaran cruise from Trou d'Eau Douce, you're watching Bottlenose and Spinner Dolphins in their natural habitat, not in a tank or a show. The boat's crew knows where to look and when to cut the engine so you can actually see them without the noise. It's the kind of thing that sounds good in a description and then hits different when it's real.

After the dolphins, the catamaran heads toward Crystal Rock: a limestone formation that rises out of the lagoon a couple hundred meters from shore. You stop there to snorkel, and the water is clear enough that you can see down past your own feet. The crew gives you time to swim or just float if that's more your speed. Then you cruise along the coast toward Île aux Bénitiers, and somewhere in there, usually around midday, lunch arrives on deck. It's a proper BBQ: fresh fish, chicken, rice, pasta salad, a spread of greens, and dessert. The drinks are unlimited, which means wine, beer, local rum, and soft drinks are all included, not something you order and pay for later. The whole thing has the rhythm of a real day, not a checklist.

Benitiers Island itself is the kind of place that makes you understand why people come back to Mauritius. The beach is sand, the water is turquoise, and there's nothing much there except the lagoon and the reef. You get leisure time to tan, walk, snorkel in the shallows if you want, or just sit. The crew plays local sega music, which adds to the feeling that you're not on a standard tour. You're on someone's boat for the day. The catamaran is 40 feet, which means it's big enough to be comfortable but small enough that you're not packed in with a hundred people. Hotel pickup happens in the morning from wherever you're staying in Mauritius, and the whole thing wraps by late afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius in an air-conditioned vehicle, a 40-foot catamaran cruise along the southwest coast, dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay, snorkeling at Crystal Rock with time to swim, a visit to Île aux Bénitiers with beach and lagoon time, a 3-course BBQ lunch with fresh fish and chicken, and unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and local rum throughout the day. Vegetarian meals are available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see dolphins in the wild, snorkel, and spend a full day on the water without arranging transport, boat tickets or meals separately: the hotel pickup and all-inclusive drinks mean you show up and the day unfolds. Plan for a full day out from morning into late afternoon. That's what makes fitting the dolphins, the snorkeling, the island and lunch into one outing work.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the catamaran leave?

The cruise departs at 9:00 am from Tamarin. Hotel pickup happens earlier, with timing depending on where you're staying in Mauritius.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The reference does not specify whether snorkeling gear is included. Confirm with the operator at booking. You should bring your own towel and spare clothes.

What if the weather is bad?

In case of a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, the operator will cancel and issue a full refund.

Is lunch vegetarian?

Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking, and advise of any food allergies.

How long is the full day?

The itinerary runs from morning pickup through late afternoon return. Exact duration depends on hotel location, but plan for a full day out.

Are drinks really unlimited?

Yes. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and local rum are included throughout the day at no extra cost.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, catamaran cruise, dolphin watching, snorkeling at Crystal Rock, visit to Île aux Bénitiers, 3-course BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks.