Mauritius West Coast Catamaran Tour: Dolphins & Snorkeling

Dolphins show up in Tamarin Bay most mornings, and the catamaran positions you to watch them without chasing.

A full-day catamaran cruise along Mauritius' southwest coast aboard the Spinner Dolphin, departing from Black River at 9:30am and returning around 3:30pm. You sail past Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Black River Gorges, snorkel in clear water at La Preneuse or L'Harmonie to see marine life, and stop at Ile aux Bénitiers. Dolphin and whale encounters happen in Tamarin Bay when conditions allow. BBQ lunch with grilled fish, chicken, salads and local drinks is served onboard; snorkeling gear is included.

The Experience

The Spinner Dolphin catamaran departs at 9:30am sharp from the Le Morne Anglers Club jetty in Black River. The boat sails the Black River coast first, heading into Tamarin Bay where dolphins often appear—the crew knows the waters and the timing that makes sightings likely, though nothing is guaranteed. You'll have time to watch and photograph without the pressure of a rigid schedule pushing you onward.

Two snorkeling stops break up the day. At La Preneuse or L'Harmonie, you enter clear water with the catamaran's snorkeling equipment already aboard and fitted to your size. The crew points out what lives in the shallows—fish, coral, the small things that make a reef worth looking at—and you swim at your own pace. A BBQ lunch follows, served on deck: grilled fish, BBQ chicken, sausage, rice and pasta salads, fresh vegetables, garlic bread and fruit. Local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, juice and soft drinks flow throughout the day, along with tea and coffee at the end.

The afternoon leg sails west along the coast at a leisure pace, with a final stop at Ile aux Bénitiers before the return to Black River around 3:30pm. The whole day runs six hours from departure to dock, and the catamaran's size and layout mean you're not crowded—there's room to move, to sit alone if you want, or to cluster with friends and family. Children from age one ride free; infants sit on an adult's lap, and older kids move around the deck as the boat moves.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ lunch with grilled fish, BBQ chicken, salads and fresh vegetables.
• local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, juice, soft drinks and tea.
• the catamaran cruise itself with stops at La Preneuse or L'Harmonie for swimming and snorkeling, Ile aux Bénitiers, and Tamarin Bay for dolphin watching.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Safari Submarine

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a full day exploring dolphins, reefs, and UNESCO sites in one trip—the catamaran's size and fixed route let you cover more ground than smaller boat options.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

30 verified traveler reviews

5 ★23

4 ★4

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Do dolphins actually show up on this cruise, or is it just a possibility?

Dolphins inhabit Tamarin Bay and the southwest lagoon, so encounters happen regularly when the catamaran sails through in the morning. Whales also appear occasionally. The crew knows where to look and when, but sightings depend on the day's conditions and animal movement—nothing is guaranteed, though the odds are good.

What's the snorkeling like at La Preneuse and L'Harmonie?

Both sites sit in the southwest lagoon with clear water and diverse marine life—fish, coral and smaller reef creatures. The catamaran provides all snorkeling gear, and you enter the water from the boat at a relaxed pace. Swimmers of different abilities go in together, so you set your own depth and time in the water.

Is the BBQ lunch included, or do I need to bring my own food?

BBQ lunch is included: grilled fish, BBQ chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, bread and fruit. Vegetarian options are available on request. Local drinks—rum, wine, beer, juice and soft drinks—are also included throughout the day.

What time does the boat leave and return?

The catamaran departs at 9:30am from the Le Morne Anglers Club jetty in Black River and returns around 3:30pm. You'll need to arrive by 9:15am for the embarkation process.

Can I bring young children on this cruise?

Children are welcome from age one. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. The catamaran has space for families to move around, and the day's pace—sailing, snorkeling stops, lunch—works well for mixed-age groups.

What is Le Morne Brabant, and do we get close to it?

Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage site—a dramatic coastal mountain on the southwest peninsula. The catamaran sails past it as part of the coastal route, giving you views of the landmark and the Black River Gorges from the water.