Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

The best part of this day is the mix of dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island time without packing and unpacking your beach gear three times. From Black River, you cruise toward Tamarin Bay, stop in clear lagoon water, eat lunch aboard, and finish with time on Ile aux Bénitiers.

I like two things right away: the spacious catamaran gives you room to spread out, and the food and drinks are included rather than treated as expensive extras. The main thing to consider is the dolphin stop. Several boats may gather in Tamarin Bay, and the scene can feel busy, even though this catamaran is described as keeping a respectful distance.

Key points at a glance

• Spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay: You may see dolphins in their natural setting, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• Snorkeling at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse: Swim among tropical fish and coral in a sheltered lagoon area.
• BBQ lunch on board: Fish, chicken, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and vegetarian options are served.
• A roomy catamaran: The boat offers more space than many smaller cruise boats operating nearby.
• Ile aux Bénitiers stop: Take a short break for swimming, a beach walk, sunbathing, or a fresh coconut.
• Drinks throughout the trip: Wine, Phoenix beer, local rum, juices, soft drinks, water, and cocktails are available.

A relaxed start from Black River

You meet at Le Morne Anglers Club jetty in Black River at about 9:00 am. The boat leaves around 9:30 am and returns to the same jetty at approximately 3:30 pm, making this a 6.5-hour outing with no hotel transfer included.

That meeting point matters. You need to arrange your own way to Black River, so this tour works best if you are staying in the southwest or already have transport. Build in time to arrive calmly. A morning spent hunting for the jetty is no way to begin a day on the water.

The catamaran heads west toward Tamarin Bay. The boat is shared, but the layout gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable spot than a small motorboat would. One useful detail from the feedback is that this was described as the largest boat among several nearby tours, with enough room for everyone. That makes a difference during a long day in the sun, especially if you prefer not to sit shoulder to shoulder.

You can settle into the rhythm of the trip quickly: sea views, open decks, drinks, and a crew keeping the day moving. English and French are available, so basic instructions and safety information should be accessible in either language.

Tamarin Bay and the dolphin question

The first main stop is Tamarin Bay, where the crew searches for spinner dolphins. Seeing these animals in open water can be a memorable part of the day, but the wording matters: this is a possible encounter, not a guaranteed show.

Dolphin watching is also the part of the trip that deserves the most thoughtful approach. The bay can attract several boats, and some operators may get too close or try to let people swim with the dolphins. The feedback here gives an important distinction: this catamaran was praised for staying away from the worst of the crowd instead of joining boats that cut across the animals.

That does not mean the bay will feel empty. You may still see boats gathering in the same area. If dolphins appear, keep your expectations sensible. You are watching wild animals, not attending a scheduled performance. The best outcome may be a brief sighting, a fin breaking the surface, or a group moving through the water at a distance.

I appreciate that the stated rules include not touching marine life. Follow that instruction closely. It protects the animals and keeps this part of the cruise closer to wildlife watching than an amusement ride.

Snorkeling at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse

After the dolphin search, the catamaran heads toward the lagoon around La Preneuse. The planned snorkeling stop is at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse, depending on conditions and the captain’s judgment.

This is a good use of the morning. Instead of staying on the boat for the entire trip, you get time in the water among tropical fish and coral. The water is described as clear, and the area offers a look at Mauritius’ marine life without requiring a full-day specialist snorkeling trip.

Snorkeling equipment is available on board, though you can bring your own if you prefer. I would bring personal gear if you already own a well-fitting mask. A mask that leaks or fins that do not fit can sour a short swim quickly. Either way, pack a towel, waterproof bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

The stop is also affected by the sea. The captain may change direction if conditions are rough or the route becomes unsafe. That could mean a different snorkeling location or a modified plan. It is a sensible trade-off for a boat day, and you should treat the listed stops as a general route rather than a rigid promise.

BBQ lunch with a proper choice of food

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran around noon, before the trip continues toward Ile aux Bénitiers. The menu is more substantial than a simple sandwich: grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, seafood, garlic bread, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The meal is one of the strongest value points. Food is already included in the $85 price, and the menu gives you several ways to build a plate. Vegetarians receive grilled vegetarian sausages, salads, seasonal vegetables, bread, and fruit. The children’s menu is the same as the adult menu, which keeps the arrangement simple for families.

The drinks are included too. You can choose from local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and cocktails. You do not need to spend the afternoon checking a bar tab every time you want a drink.

That said, this is a boat BBQ, not a restaurant meal. The appeal is the setting and convenience: you eat on the water, with the boat moving or anchored nearby, and do not lose time looking for lunch on shore. If you have strict dietary needs beyond the vegetarian menu, check before booking because no other special arrangements are specified.

Ile aux Bénitiers from 1:30 to 2:00 pm

After lunch, the boat continues to Ile aux Bénitiers. The island stop is short, roughly 30 minutes, so plan for a quick change of pace rather than a full island exploration.

You can walk along the sand, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit and look back across the water. One useful tip is to try a fresh coconut on the beach if one is available for purchase. It adds a small local touch to an otherwise organized cruise.

Do not expect hours of solitude. Ile aux Bénitiers is an iconic stop on this part of Mauritius, and the island can be part of several boat routes. Its value is not in a long cultural visit. It is a chance to get off the catamaran, stretch your legs, and enjoy the shore before returning to the boat.

The short timing also means you should keep your belongings close and listen for the return instructions. If you spend the entire stop wandering, you may have little time left for swimming. For most people, a quick walk followed by a swim is the best use of those 30 minutes.

The return sail and overall comfort

The catamaran returns to Le Morne Anglers Club at about 3:30 pm. By then, you have had a full day at sea, so the boat’s comfort matters as much as the stops.

The strongest practical advantage is space. A spacious catamaran lets you move between shaded and sunny areas, sit with your group, and avoid feeling trapped in one seat. The crew is described as friendly, energetic, and attentive, with drinks offered during the day and clear explanations along the route.

The atmosphere appears lively rather than formal. That suits you if you want music, conversation, drinks, and a social boat day. It may not suit you if you are seeking a quiet private charter or a secluded nature trip.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. Bring a light jacket because conditions can feel cooler once the boat is moving, even in warm weather. A waterproof backpack is useful for keeping clothes and electronics dry.

Is $85 a good value?

At $85 per person, the tour bundles several separate costs into one day: a 6.5-hour catamaran trip, dolphin watching, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and an island stop.

I consider that a fair price for the amount of time on the water, especially because the drinks are not limited to plain water and the lunch includes meat, fish, seafood, salads, vegetables, bread, and fruit. The spacious boat also adds value if you dislike crowded small boats.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is only dolphin watching. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the bay may be busy with other boats. It is better to think of this as a full west-coast cruise with wildlife watching included, not a dedicated dolphin expedition.

You should also factor in transport to Black River. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and personal expenses, such as anything bought on Ile aux Bénitiers, are extra. The booking can be canceled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families with children, and first-time visitors who want a broad sample of Mauritius’ west coast in one outing. An 8-year-old was specifically described enjoying the experience, and the children’s menu matches the adult menu.

It is also a good fit if you want a social day with a friendly crew, plenty of food, and an easy alternation between sitting, swimming, snorkeling, and walking. You do not need to plan separate restaurant stops or arrange several boat transfers.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to seasickness, need step-free access, or want a quiet wildlife experience with no other boats nearby. I would also choose another type of excursion if your priority is a long snorkeling session. Here, the snorkeling is one part of a varied day, not the entire purpose.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly, but do not skip the basics:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel and waterproof bag
• Reef-safe sunscreen or regular sunscreen as required by local guidance
• Hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket
• Comfortable beachwear
• Personal snorkeling gear if you prefer your own equipment

Leave pets at home, except for assistance dogs. Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not litter. Those rules are simple, but they matter in a lagoon environment where careless contact can damage coral and disturb animals.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a well-rounded west-coast day rather than a single focused activity. The combination of a roomy catamaran, included BBQ lunch, broad drink selection, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and Ile aux Bénitiers makes the $85 price sensible.

Go in with realistic expectations about wildlife and the short island stop. Dolphins may appear, sea conditions can change the route, and other boats may gather in Tamarin Bay. If you can accept those limits, this is an easy, sociable way to enjoy Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The tour starts at Le Morne Anglers Club jetty in Black River, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is 9:00 am, with departure planned for around 9:30 am. The catamaran returns to the same jetty at about 3:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Black River.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise offers a possible encounter with spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What food is served?

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

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and cocktails.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. If the sea is rough or impassable, the captain may change direction at their discretion for safety.