Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

The best part of this day is the mix of wildlife, swimming, and slow sailing. You leave Black River for Tamarin Bay, look for spinner dolphins, stop in a sheltered lagoon for snorkeling, then eat lunch on board before spending time on Ile aux Bénitiers.

I like the generous food and drink service, and I like the roomy catamaran, which gives you space to stretch out instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder. The main thing to consider is the dolphin stop. Sightings are not guaranteed, and several boats may gather in the bay, so you should choose this trip for the full day on the water, not only for a close dolphin encounter.

Key points

• Spinner dolphins near Tamarin Bay: You may see dolphins in open water, but the crew cannot promise a sighting.
• Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie: Swim among tropical fish and coral in a calm lagoon setting.
• BBQ lunch on board: Fish, chicken, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and drinks are included.
• Spacious shared catamaran: There is room to sit, move around, and enjoy the sea without feeling packed in.
• Ile aux Bénitiers stop: You get free time for swimming, a beach walk, or a fresh coconut from the shore.
• Easy six-and-a-half-hour format: The cruise runs from Black River and returns to the same jetty at about 3:30 pm.

A full day on Mauritius’ west coast

This is a classic Mauritius sea day, but it has enough variety to keep it from feeling like six hours of sitting on a boat. You start with a wildlife search, add a swim and snorkeling stop, eat a proper lunch, and finish with quiet beach time.

The route begins at Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River. Plan to arrive around 9:00 am, with sailing scheduled from about 9:30 am. The boat returns to the same jetty at approximately 3:30 pm, so you get a half-day-plus outing without the fuss of changing boats or finding your way back from another part of the island.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That makes this trip better for you if you already have a car, taxi, or other way to reach Black River. It is less convenient if you are staying far away and want a door-to-door excursion.

The catamaran is shared, not private. That keeps the price at $85 per person, and the format works well if you want the social feel of a boat day. The spacious layout is a real advantage. You can sit in the sun, find a more shaded spot, or move around when the boat is underway.

Tamarin Bay and the dolphin search

The first major stop is Tamarin Bay, where the crew looks for spinner dolphins. These dolphins are known for their energetic movements, and seeing them in open water can be one of the most memorable parts of the day.

The important word here is possible. Dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. You may see them clearly, or you may spend time searching without a sighting. Sea conditions, animal movement, and boat traffic all affect the experience.

This part of the trip also calls for sensible expectations about wildlife etiquette. Several boats can gather when dolphins appear, and some operators may get too close or allow people to enter the water near the animals. This catamaran has been praised for keeping its distance rather than joining that rush. I consider that a good sign, even if it means your view may be less close.

If a dolphin encounter is your only reason for booking, this may feel like a gamble. If you see it as one part of a complete west coast cruise, the risk is much smaller. The rest of the day still includes snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and an island stop.

Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie

After the dolphin search, the catamaran heads toward the lagoon near La Preneuse. The snorkeling stop may be at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie, depending on conditions and the captain’s decision.

This is where the trip shifts from wildlife watching to an easy water activity. The lagoon offers clear water, colorful coral, and schools of tropical fish. You can swim, look beneath the surface, or simply take a refreshing dip if snorkeling is not your main interest.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. Equipment is available on board, but personal gear can be more comfortable and familiar. A waterproof bag is also useful for keeping phones, wallets, and dry clothes safe during the swim.

The stop is not described as a specialist snorkeling expedition. You should expect a pleasant reef swim rather than a long guided marine biology session. That suits most people who want a look at Mauritius’ underwater life without giving up the rest of the day.

You should also note that the itinerary can change. If the sea is rough or a route becomes unsafe, the captain may alter direction. That could mean a different snorkeling location or a shorter stop, but it is the right trade-off for a boat trip.

Lunch with fish, chicken, and plenty of choice

Lunch is served on the catamaran around noon, before the group continues toward Ile aux Bénitiers. The menu is more substantial than a basic sandwich lunch.

The BBQ includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, seasonal fruit, rice salad, potato and egg salad, and mixed salad. There is also a seafood dish. A vegetarian menu includes grilled vegetarian sausages, salads, vegetables, bread, and fruit.

The food matters because a day at sea can leave you hungry, especially after swimming. You do not need to organize a separate lunch stop, and the meal gives you time to sit down while the boat continues or prepares for the next part of the route.

Vegetarians have a stated menu, which is helpful, though you should still mention your needs when booking or on arrival. The children’s menu is the same as the adult menu, so this is not a separate child-sized meal.

Drinks are part of the package. You can expect local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks are also included in the general description. If you plan to drink alcohol, pace yourself carefully. Sun, wind, and time on the water can make alcohol feel stronger than expected.

Ile aux Bénitiers from 1:30 to 2:00

The island stop is short but gives the day a useful change of pace. Around 1:30 pm, you disembark on Ile aux Bénitiers for free time until about 2:00 pm.

You can swim, sit on the sand, walk along the shore, or simply take in the open sea views. The island is a good place to slow down after the activity of snorkeling and the energy of lunch.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick walk or swim, but not enough for a long exploration. You should not expect a full island tour. Think of this as a beach break, not a major sightseeing stop.

A fresh coconut on the beach is a worthwhile extra if one is available. It is the sort of small local detail that suits this part of the trip, though personal purchases are not included in the $85 price.

The short timing also means you should keep an eye on the boat and follow the crew’s return instructions. The catamaran must continue its route back to Black River, and the island stop is not open-ended.

Why the catamaran layout matters

A boat can make or break a day at sea. On this trip, the catamaran’s size and open layout are among its strongest features.

You get more room than you would on a small motorboat. That makes it easier to find a comfortable place, enjoy lunch without feeling cramped, and move around when the view changes. The spacious design also helps if members of your group want different things. One person can sit quietly, while another watches the sea from the front or side.

The boat still has shared-tour limits. You will not control the route, choose the exact snorkeling time, or decide how long to stay on the island. The crew sets the schedule, and the captain can change direction for safety.

That trade-off is fair for the price. A private charter would give you more control but would cost much more. Here, you pay for a straightforward day with the main expenses bundled together.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, this is good value if you use the whole package. You receive about 6.5 hours on the water, a catamaran cruise, a possible dolphin sighting, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and the Ile aux Bénitiers stop.

The included food and beverages are especially important. A cheaper boat trip can become less affordable once you add lunch, soft drinks, beer, and equipment. Here, those costs are largely covered from the start.

You still need to budget for transport to Black River, personal purchases, and any beach items you buy on Ile aux Bénitiers. Hotel pickup is not included, so calculate the cost of reaching Le Morne Anglers Club before comparing this with a hotel-based excursion.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and small groups who want a relaxed day with several activities. It is less useful for you if you want serious snorkeling, a private boat, or a long island visit.

Who should book this cruise?

This trip suits you if you want a social, easygoing day at sea with a good amount included. Families can appreciate the simple plan, and an 8-year-old has a mix of wildlife, swimming, food, and beach time to enjoy.

It is also a good fit for first-time visitors who want to see several west coast highlights without arranging separate activities. You get a taste of Tamarin Bay, La Preneuse or L’Harmonie, and Ile aux Bénitiers in one outing.

You should think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The boat is exposed to changing sea conditions, and the experience includes several hours on the water. Bring a jacket even on a warm day, since wind can make the ride feel cool.

The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to manage the jetty, catamaran, swimming stop, and island disembarkation. Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothes, a waterproof bag, and a light jacket. Comfortable beachwear is the right choice. Do not touch marine life or plants, and keep litter off the boat and beaches.

Final verdict: a strong all-round boat day

I would book this cruise if I wanted one well-priced day covering the west coast’s main sea experiences. The spacious catamaran, included BBQ, steady drink service, and friendly crew give it a comfortable feel, while the dolphin search and snorkeling add real interest.

I would not book it solely for swimming with dolphins, since sightings are uncertain and responsible viewing may keep you farther away. I would also skip it if you dislike boats, need a private itinerary, or want hours of serious reef snorkeling.

For most visitors, though, the balance is right. You get wildlife, water, food, beach time, and a return to the same jetty by mid-afternoon. Cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve early if the date matters to your plans.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is around 9:00 am. Sailing begins at approximately 9:30 am.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran returns to Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty at about 3:30 pm.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew searches for spinner dolphins near Tamarin Bay, but sightings depend on the animals and sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on board. You may also bring your own equipment if you prefer.

What food is served?

The BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, chicken sausage, vegetables, salads, bread, garlic bread, a seafood dish, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River.