Île aux Bénitiers Catamaran Cruise
Full-Day Sailing from the South West Coast · Dolphin Encounter · Crystal Rock · Snorkelling · BBQ Lunch · Open Bar
Child price on request · Regular €87.00 · Hotel transfer extra
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No questions asked.
Everything included:
- Full-day catamaran sailing
- Wild dolphin encounter at Tamarin Bay
- Visit Île aux Bénitiers beach
- Crystal Rock sail-by
- Snorkelling stop (gear provided)
- BBQ lunch — fish, chicken, salads
- Unlimited open bar — beer, rum, soft drinks
- Safety equipment & life jackets
About This Île aux Bénitiers Cruise
Île aux Bénitiers is the laid-back centrepiece of the Mauritian south west, a crescent of white sand and casuarina trees that sits in the shadow of Le Morne Brabant. This full-day catamaran cruise sails from the Black River and Tamarin area to the island, pairing a wild dolphin encounter with a relaxed afternoon on one of the most photogenic beaches in Mauritius.
The day starts early for a reason — the spinner and bottlenose dolphins of Tamarin Bay are most active in the morning, and this cruise times its departure so you have the best possible chance of seeing them in their natural habitat. It is a genuine wild encounter: the dolphins are not trained or fed, and the crew follows respectful viewing practices to keep the experience ethical.
From Tamarin the catamaran heads south towards Île aux Bénitiers, passing the famous Crystal Rock — a limestone pinnacle that rises out of the lagoon and is one of the most photographed landmarks on the west coast. A snorkelling stop in the clear lagoon reveals reef fish and, if you are lucky, a passing turtle.
On Île aux Bénitiers you will find a long, quiet beach with shallow water that is perfect for swimming. The crew prepares a freshly grilled BBQ lunch while you explore, and the open bar keeps everything flowing. With Le Morne towering behind you and dolphins in the bay ahead, this is the south west coast at its very best.
Add a return transfer for the early dolphin start
The dolphin cruise departs early — let us handle the drive. This west coast cruise is available as a combined package with return hotel pickup and drop-off, so you arrive at the Tamarin jetty relaxed.
Full Day Itinerary
Depart from Black River / Tamarin
Board the catamaran and set off along the south west coast. The open bar opens, and the crew briefs you on the day ahead with the dolphin encounter first on the list.
Dolphin encounter at Tamarin Bay
Cruise into the waters where spinner and bottlenose dolphins gather. Keep your eyes on the horizon — pods often ride the bow wave and leap alongside the boat. The crew respects wild viewing guidelines throughout.
Sail past Crystal Rock
Glide past Crystal Rock, the dramatic limestone outcrop that rises from the turquoise lagoon near Île aux Bénitiers. It is a must-have photo and a genuine west coast landmark.
Snorkelling in the lagoon
Anchor in the clear, shallow lagoon for a snorkelling break. Mask and snorkel are provided. The sandy bottom and coral patches hold plenty of colourful fish, and visibility here is superb.
BBQ lunch & beach time
Arrive at Île aux Bénitiers. While the crew grills lunch — marinated fish, grilled chicken, fresh salads — you can swim, sunbathe, or walk the long white-sand beach. Lunch is served on board or on the sand.
Return sail
Re-board for the sail back along the west coast. The bar stays open, music plays, and Le Morne catches the afternoon light. Arrive back at the departure point in the mid-afternoon.
Food & Beverages
BBQ Lunch
- Grilled marinated fish
- BBQ chicken & sausages
- Fresh salads & bread
- Tropical fruit
Vegetarian option available on advance request.
Open Bar
- Local beer
- Rum & punch
- Soft drinks & juices
- Bottled water
Menu subject to change without prior notice.
Important: Dolphin sightings are wild and not guaranteed. The cruise is timed for the best chance, but nature is unpredictable.
What to Bring
- Swimwear— wear under your clothes
- Towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case or camera
- Cash— for optional extras
Meeting Point & Directions
The catamaran departs from the Black River and Tamarin area on the south west coast of Mauritius. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in. If you have booked hotel pickup, your driver will drop you directly at the jetty. Exact departure point is confirmed on booking.
Important Notes
- Maximum 34 passengers per sailing.
- Dolphin sightings are wild and not guaranteed.
- Sailing is subject to weather and sea conditions.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Transportation & Hotel Pickup
Return hotel pickup and drop-off is available from most locations across Mauritius for an additional fee. We operate air-conditioned vehicles and confirm your exact pickup time after booking.
Hotel pickup is available as an optional add-on. Provide your accommodation when booking and we'll confirm your pickup time.
Guest Reviews
“Saw a pod of dolphins within 20 minutes of leaving — magical. Then Crystal Rock, snorkelling, and a perfect beach afternoon on Île aux Bénitiers. The crew were brilliant and the BBQ was delicious. Best day of our holiday.”
Claire B.
France · March 2026
“Île aux Bénitiers is gorgeous and the dolphin encounter was unforgettable. The crew respected the animals which I really appreciated. Snorkelling was clear and calm. Great value for a full day.”
Hannah W.
United Kingdom · February 2026
“Le Morne in the background, dolphins in the morning, Crystal Rock, and a long white beach — this cruise has it all. The crew were professional and fun. Highly recommend the south west coast.”
Stefan K.
Germany · January 2026
“The dolphins swam right alongside the boat — my kids were speechless. Île aux Bénitiers beach was quiet and beautiful. Lunch was fresh and generous. A perfect family day on the water.”
Alessia R.
Italy · December 2025
“Great cruise overall. We did see dolphins and Crystal Rock is stunning. Slight delay at departure but nothing major. The island time was the highlight — such a peaceful beach.”
Ben O.
Netherlands · November 2025
“Beautiful west coast experience. The dolphin encounter was respectful and exciting, and Île aux Bénitiers was picture perfect. Open bar and BBQ lunch were both excellent. Would do it again.”
Priya M.
India · October 2025
“From dolphins at sunrise to a lazy afternoon on Île aux Bénitiers, this was a standout day. Crystal Rock is even more impressive in person. The crew made everyone feel looked after.”
Tom F.
Australia · September 2025
“Loved every minute. The water around Île aux Bénitiers is so clear and warm. Snorkelling was wonderful, food was great, and the dolphins were the cherry on top. Fantastic value.”
Marie L.
Belgium · August 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes
- Max 34 passengers per sailing
- Dolphins: wild, not guaranteed
- Subject to weather & sea conditions
- Pregnant women: not recommended
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
Prices
Promotional rate. Hotel pickup/drop-off available at additional cost. Private charter available — enquire for pricing.
Also Consider
Book Your Île aux Bénitiers Catamaran Cruise
Fill in your details, add an optional hotel transfer, and we'll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Ready to Sail to Île aux Bénitiers?
Dolphins, Crystal Rock, and a perfect white-sand beach on the south west coast. Book direct for the best price.
You May Also Like
You might also love these Mauritius experiences
