Snorkeling at Crystal Rock with Dolphin Swim: Mauritius

Swim with dolphins in their habitat, then snorkel a natural rock formation in clear lagoon water.

A full-day snorkeling activity in Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius, combining dolphin encounters in a private speedboat, snorkeling at Crystal Rock, and a 3-course lunch on Benitier Islet. Hotel pickup is included from anywhere in Mauritius. The guide and all snorkeling equipment are provided. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the outing runs 6 to 7 hours. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphins, snorkeling, lunch at Benitier

• Hotel pick-up in Mauritius
• Drive to La Preneuse/Flic en Flac
• Board speed boat
• Swim with dolphins
• Snorkel at Crystal Rock
• Lunch at Benitier Islet
• Relax on beach and explore lagoons

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive to La Preneuse, a village on Mauritius's west coast, where you board a private speedboat. The skipper and guide explain how to approach dolphins and the rules for swimming near them before you head into open water. When you reach the spot, you enter the lagoon to swim alongside dolphins in their natural environment: no tanks, no barriers, just you and the animals in the water they live in.

After the dolphin encounter, the boat heads to Crystal Rock, a natural formation rising a couple of hundred meters from shore in the lagoon south of Le Morne Mountain. You snorkel the clear water around it, spotting the aquatic life the reef holds. The rock itself sits close enough to shore that you get a full view of it above the surface while you're in the water. Snorkeling gear is provided. Bring a towel and spare clothes.

Lunch happens on Benitier Islet: a 3-course meal of grilled seafood, fish, chicken, sausages, garlic bread, salads, and banana flambé for dessert, with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) included. After eating, you have free time to rest on the beach, walk the island, or explore the lagoons and coral reefs nearby before the boat returns you to your hotel. The whole outing (pickup, boat, guide, snorkeling kit, lunch and drinks) is one booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from any accommodation in Mauritius.
• private speedboat with a certified guide and skipper.
• dolphin swimming in the open lagoon.
• snorkeling at Crystal Rock with all equipment provided.
• 3-course BBQ lunch on Benitier Islet with grilled seafood, fish, chicken, sausages, garlic bread, salads and banana flambé.
• unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) during lunch.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from the boat launch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:45

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, Hindi and Urdu

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying anywhere in Mauritius without a car: hotel pickup means you don't arrange your own transport to the coast, and the private boat keeps the group small and the dolphin encounter personal rather than crowded.

Traveler reviews

4.29★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I do this snorkeling trip if I'm staying in a different part of Mauritius?

Hotel pickup is included from any accommodation anywhere in Mauritius, so the pickup point adjusts to where you're staying. The timing may vary depending on your location, but the boat departure and the rest of the day stay the same.

What exactly is Crystal Rock and why is it worth snorkeling there?

Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation in the lagoon southwest of the island near Le Morne Mountain, sitting just a couple of hundred meters from shore. The water around it is clear and holds rich aquatic life, making it one of the main snorkeling stops in the region.

What happens if I'm not a strong swimmer or have never snorkeled before?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The guide is with you throughout and explains how to move safely around the dolphins and at Crystal Rock. Children from age 4 are welcome on the trip.

Is the dolphin swimming guaranteed, or could we miss them?

The operator takes you to the open lagoon where dolphins are found, and the guide explains the approach and swimming rules before you enter the water. The encounter is the core of the activity, though wildlife sightings depend on the animals being in the area on the day you go.

What's included in the lunch, and can you handle dietary needs?

Lunch is a 3-course meal with grilled seafood, fish, chicken, sausages, garlic bread, salads, and banana flambé, plus unlimited drinks. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking, and you can advise of any food allergies or illnesses in advance.

How long is the whole day, and when do we get back?

The full activity runs 6 to 7 hours from pickup at your hotel to drop-off. The timing depends partly on your pickup location, but the boat schedule and the stops at Crystal Rock and Benitier Islet stay the same.