Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

The sea sets the pace here. This six-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise links dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay, snorkeling near La Preneuse, a BBQ lunch, and free time on Ile aux Bénitiers. I like the generous mix of activity and downtime, plus the spacious boat, which gives you room to sit, move around, or simply watch the coast slide by.

I also like the included food and drinks. Fish, chicken, salads, bread, fruit, local rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water make this feel like a full day out rather than a short boat ride. The main consideration is the dolphin stop: sightings are not guaranteed, and several boats may gather in Tamarin Bay. This crew is reported to keep its distance, but the scene can still feel busy.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Dolphin watching begins in Tamarin Bay, with the possibility of seeing spinner dolphins in their natural setting.
• Snorkeling takes place near La Preneuse or L’Harmonie, with equipment available on board, though you may bring your own.
• Lunch is served at sea, with grilled fish, BBQ chicken, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and vegetarian choices.
• Ile aux Bénitiers gives you about 30 minutes of shore time, enough for a swim, beach rest, or short walk.
• The spacious catamaran is a strong point, especially compared with tighter motorboats operating nearby.
• The day runs from about 9:00 am to 3:30 pm from Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River.

Why This Catamaran Day Works So Well

Mauritius has no shortage of boat trips, but this outing gets the basic rhythm right. You spend time looking for dolphins, swimming in a lagoon, eating lunch, and relaxing on an island. No single stop has to carry the whole day.

That matters because sea conditions and wildlife sightings can change. If dolphins stay out of sight, you still have snorkeling, lunch, open water, and Ile aux Bénitiers. If the wind picks up, the captain can alter the route for safety.

At $85 per person, the price is reasonable for a full day on the water. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Black River. Once you reach the jetty, the main costs of the outing are covered, including lunch, drinks, snorkeling access, and the island visit.

I would choose this trip for its easygoing all-day format, not for a single guaranteed highlight. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several west coast sights in one outing without changing boats or arranging separate activities.

Starting at Black River

The meeting point is Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River. The supplied timing information gives both 9:00 am and 9:20 am as the meeting time, so I would plan to arrive by 9:00 am and confirm the exact check-in time when booking.

The boat returns to the same jetty at about 3:30 pm. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, build in time for your own transport and do not schedule a tight afternoon connection.

The catamaran is shared, but the exact passenger count is not provided. That means you should expect other people on board rather than a private sailing. The good news is that the boat is described as spacious, with more room than several nearby boats. That extra space makes a real difference during a long day in the sun.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a waterproof bag, and dry clothes. A light jacket is sensible for the ride back, when wind can make the deck feel cooler. Comfortable beachwear is the right choice.

Tamarin Bay and the Search for Spinner Dolphins

The first sailing section heads toward Tamarin Bay, where the crew looks for spinner dolphins. These animals are known for their energetic behavior, but no wildlife encounter can be promised. The timing places this part of the trip around 10:30 am, though the actual search depends on sea conditions and where the dolphins are moving.

This is best viewed as a wildlife watch, not a guaranteed swim-with-dolphins session. One especially important detail is that some motorboats may approach dolphins too closely or cut across their path. A positive feature of this trip is that the catamaran is reported to stay away from that commotion rather than joining it.

You may see dolphins from the boat, and one account also described seeing a turtle, but neither sighting is assured. Keep your expectations flexible. The best approach is to watch the water, listen to the crew, and accept that respectful viewing may mean staying farther away.

That restraint is worth valuing. Getting a close photograph is not more important than giving marine life space. The rules also ask you not to touch marine animals or plants, and you should take that seriously.

Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie

After the dolphin search, the catamaran continues along the west coast toward the lagoon near La Preneuse. The planned swim stop is around 10:30 am, at L’Harmonie or another nearby snorkeling area such as La Preneuse.

This part of the trip is for a proper swim in clear water, with the chance to see tropical fish and coral. Snorkeling conditions can change with the sea, so the captain may select the more suitable location on the day. That flexibility is useful because the prettiest site on a map is not always the safest or clearest place to swim.

Snorkeling equipment is available on board, and you can bring your own if you prefer a familiar mask and fins. I would bring personal gear if you already have it, especially if fit matters to you. If not, using the equipment supplied is one less item to pack.

The swim stop is a highlight for anyone who likes being in the water, but it may be less appealing if you are not a confident swimmer or dislike saltwater conditions. The cruise is also listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, so access in and out of the boat and water should be considered carefully.

Do not touch coral, fish, or plants. The reef is there to look at, not handle. Sunscreen is essential, but apply it before boarding and follow any instructions from the crew about protecting the water.

BBQ Lunch Served on the Catamaran

Lunch comes after snorkeling, before the boat heads to Ile aux Bénitiers. It is served on board, so you do not lose time looking for a restaurant or waiting for a separate transfer.

The standard menu includes rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, regular bread, and seasonal fruit. The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit.

The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu. That makes the meal simple for families, though anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm details before booking.

The drinks list is generous for a boat trip. You can expect local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic choices are also included in the tour description.

I like this setup because the food is part of the day rather than an extra expense. You can eat while looking out over the water, and there is no need to go ashore for lunch. Several accounts specifically praised the amount of food and the attentive drink service.

Use some common sense with alcohol. You are spending the afternoon on a moving boat in strong sun, so drink water and avoid overdoing the rum or wine before swimming.

Ile aux Bénitiers and a Short Beach Break

The catamaran reaches Ile aux Bénitiers after lunch, with disembarkation planned around 1:30 pm. Free time lasts until about 2:00 pm, so this is a short stop rather than a full island visit.

You can sit on the sand, take a swim, walk along the shore, or simply cool off after lunch. The island stop gives the day a change of pace. After several hours aboard, even a brief stretch on land feels welcome.

Do not expect a long guided exploration. The appeal is simple: sand, warm water, open views, and a chance to recharge. You may find local beach sellers or fresh coconuts available, but those purchases are personal expenses and are not included.

The limited time is both a benefit and a drawback. It prevents the schedule from becoming too slow, but it leaves little room for a long walk or extended swimming session. If you prefer a full island day, this cruise will feel too brief. If you want a small shore break within a larger boat outing, the timing works well.

The boat heads back after the island stop and reaches Black River around 3:30 pm. That gives you a full but manageable day, with enough time afterward for dinner or an evening plan.

Boat Comfort, Crew Service, and Atmosphere

The catamaran itself receives strong praise for comfort and space. One useful comparison is that it felt larger than the other boats nearby, with enough room for everyone to avoid feeling packed together. That is important on a six-and-a-half-hour trip.

You can expect a social atmosphere rather than a quiet private sail. The crew keeps the day moving with drinks, food, safety guidance, and explanations along the route. The available languages are English and French.

The service style sounds warm and energetic. That suits people who enjoy a friendly group outing and a bit of holiday atmosphere. If you want silence, solitude, or a private sailing experience, this is not the right format.

I would also allow for ordinary boat-day realities: sun, wind, salt spray, and changing sea conditions. The captain may change direction if the water becomes rough or impassable. That could alter the exact route or snorkeling location, but safety should come first.

Who Should Book This West Coast Cruise?

This trip is a good fit for you if you want:

• A full day combining wildlife, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time
• A shared outing with a friendly social mood
• Food and drinks included in the price
• A spacious catamaran rather than a small, crowded boat
• A simple way to see several west coast locations in one day
• Time in the water without arranging separate snorkeling plans

Families can consider it, and an 8-year-old was specifically reported to have enjoyed the day. Still, children need to be comfortable with a long boat ride, swimming, sun, and a shared group setting.

Couples will appreciate the mix of scenic sailing and relaxed time together. Solo participants can also fit in easily if they enjoy meeting people and do not need a private experience.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The trip lasts much of the day, and even a stable catamaran moves with the sea. Take advice from your doctor about motion sickness medication, and choose a seat with fresh air and a clear view if you go.

This also is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, getting into the water, and stepping ashore may be difficult.

Is $85 Good Value?

At $85, I consider this good value if you plan to use the whole day. The price includes the catamaran, dolphin search, snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, drinks, and Ile aux Bénitiers. Paying separately for those elements could quickly cost more, and arranging them independently would take extra time.

The value depends on your priorities. If dolphins are your only reason for booking, the price carries more risk because sightings are not guaranteed. If you see the cruise as a complete west coast day, the package makes more sense.

The included drinks also matter. Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum can add up on a long excursion. Just remember that transport to and from Black River, souvenirs, coconuts, and other personal purchases are separate.

For me, the strongest value comes from the balance. You get active time in the water, a proper meal, and pauses to relax. That is more useful than a short sightseeing cruise that leaves you searching for lunch afterward.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive early at the Black River jetty, ideally by 9:00 am because the supplied timing details vary slightly. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can change quickly after boarding.

Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, a waterproof bag, a dry change of clothes, and a light jacket. Keep phones and cameras protected from spray, especially when moving between the boat, the water, and the island.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have equipment that fits well. Otherwise, gear is available on board. Pack only what you need, since loose items can blow around on deck.

Keep your dolphin expectations realistic. The crew may find spinner dolphins, but nature sets the timetable. If boats gather nearby, appreciate the catamaran’s choice to keep a respectful distance.

Finally, save room for the island stop. Lunch, drinks, swimming, and sun can make the day feel full before you reach Ile aux Bénitiers. A little energy left for the beach will make that short visit more enjoyable.

Should You Book It?

I would book this cruise if you want a well-rounded Mauritius sea day with strong inclusions and a comfortable boat. The BBQ, drinks, spacious catamaran, snorkeling, and island stop give you several good reasons to go, even if the dolphins stay hidden.

I would skip it if you need a private boat, dislike group outings, struggle with seasickness, or want a long, detailed visit to Ile aux Bénitiers. Also, do not book solely for a guaranteed dolphin encounter.

For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy swimming and open-water scenery, this is a practical, good-value way to experience the west coast. Keep your schedule loose, pack for sun and spray, and let the sea decide the exact route.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River, Mauritius.

What time does the excursion start and finish?

The meeting time is listed as 9:00 am, with one itinerary detail noting 9:20 am. Plan to arrive by 9:00 am and confirm the exact check-in time. The catamaran returns to the jetty at about 3:30 pm.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, salads, seasonal vegetables, bread, garlic bread, seafood, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu with grilled vegetarian sausages is available, and the children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu.

Are drinks included?

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

Can the route change because of sea conditions?

Yes. If the sea is rough or impassable, the captain may change direction at their discretion for safety. The snorkeling location may also be La Preneuse or L’Harmonie depending on conditions.