Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

The best part of this cruise is the mix: you get open-water sailing, a possible dolphin encounter, a swim stop, lunch, drinks, and time on a sandy island without packing several separate tours into one busy day. The catamaran leaves Black River and follows Mauritius’ west coast toward Tamarin Bay and Île aux Bénitiers.

I like the spacious boat, which gives you room to sit, stretch out, and enjoy the sea without feeling packed in. I also like the easygoing food setup: grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, and drinks are served on board. The main drawback is the dolphin stop. Encounters are never guaranteed, and several boats may gather in the same area, so the scene can feel crowded and raises real questions about giving the animals enough space.

Key points at a glance

• Spinner dolphins near Tamarin Bay: The first major stop is a chance to see dolphins in their natural setting, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Snorkeling at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse: Swim among tropical fish and coral in a sheltered part of the west coast.
• A full BBQ lunch on board: Expect grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and seafood.
• Drinks served throughout the day: Local rum, red, rosé and white wine, Phoenix beer, juices, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Free time on Île aux Bénitiers: Walk, swim, sunbathe, or sit by the water during the island stop.
• Six and a half hours for $85: That is a fair package price if you value the food, drinks, boat time, and several coastal stops.

Setting out from Black River at 9:00

You meet the crew at the Le Morne Anglers Club jetty in Black River. The meeting time is listed as 9:00 a.m., with departure from about 9:30. The boat returns to the same jetty at roughly 3:30 p.m., so plan on most of your day being spent on the water.

This is a shared cruise, not a private charter. That matters because the atmosphere depends partly on the group on board. The catamaran is described as spacious, with more room than many of the nearby boats, and that is a useful feature on a long outing. You can move around, choose a sunny or shaded spot, and find a place to sit while lunch is prepared.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own way to Black River and arrive on time. Bring a waterproof bag for phones, wallets, and spare clothes. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cover-up, and a light jacket are also sensible. The west coast can feel warm and exposed, while the boat ride back may feel cooler if the wind picks up.

The tour is offered every day from Monday through Sunday. The languages listed are English and French, which should make basic instructions and safety information easier to follow for many visitors.

Tamarin Bay and the search for dolphins

After leaving Black River, the catamaran heads toward Tamarin Bay in search of spinner dolphins. This is a possible encounter, not a promise. Marine animals move on their own schedule, and the tour cannot guarantee a sighting.

If dolphins appear, the reward is seeing them in open water rather than at a show or enclosed facility. That can be a memorable start to the day. You may see them from the boat, and the activity information also refers to watching dolphins in their natural habitat.

There is one important ethical point here. Dolphin watching can attract several boats, and one account of the outing described nearby vessels cutting across the animals and even letting people swim with them. The catamaran itself was praised for staying away from that commotion, but conditions can vary. I would treat a respectful sighting from a distance as the right outcome, not expect a close swim with dolphins.

This part of the cruise may also test your patience. The crew has to search, and the boat may spend time looking before moving on. If you need a tightly timed, action-packed morning, that uncertainty could be frustrating. If you can accept that wild animals do not follow a schedule, the search is part of the experience.

Snorkeling at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse

The next planned water stop is at L’Harmonie in the La Preneuse area, with the exact snorkeling spot depending on conditions. The water is described as clear, and the setting offers a chance to see tropical fish and coral along the reef.

The snorkeling is a useful change of pace after the dolphin search. Instead of only looking out from the deck, you get time in the water. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer, although equipment is available on board according to the information provided. You should still bring a swimsuit and towel, and a waterproof bag is useful for anything you want to keep dry.

Do not expect a guided marine biology lesson or a long technical snorkeling session. This is one stop within a broad half-day cruise. The value comes from the combination of a swim, a reef setting, a meal, and an island visit.

Conditions matter. The captain can change direction if the sea is rough or impassable, and the snorkeling location may change from La Preneuse to L’Harmonie. That flexibility is a safety measure, not a failure to follow the plan. It also means the exact views and water conditions are not fixed in advance.

Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The boat is large and comfortable, but comfort does not remove the motion of the sea. Take your usual precautions before boarding, and spend time where you feel most stable if the water becomes choppy.

Lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served around noon, before the boat continues toward Île aux Bénitiers. The adult BBQ menu includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

That is a generous spread for a boat day. You are not relying on a snack box or waiting until the island stop to find food. The meal also suits people who want a filling lunch after swimming. A vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu.

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. The included drinks add real value to the $85 price, especially if you plan to spend the full day on board rather than buying refreshments separately.

You should still ask the crew about any serious allergy or dietary need before eating. The supplied details confirm vegetarian food, but they do not give a full allergen policy. Do not assume that every dish is suitable for a particular allergy without checking.

The food is served in a relaxed group setting, not a formal restaurant. That suits the cruise. You can eat with the sea around you, then return to the deck for a drink and more views.

Île aux Bénitiers from 1:30 to 2:00

The catamaran reaches Île aux Bénitiers around 1:30 p.m. You have about 30 minutes of free time before returning to the boat. That is enough for a short walk, a swim, a little time on the sand, or a quick look at the island, but it is not a long island exploration.

The stop works best as a pause rather than the main event. After several hours on the catamaran, you can step onto land, stretch your legs, and enjoy the coast from a different angle. You may want to bring some cash for personal purchases, since personal expenses are not included. One useful tip is to look for a fresh coconut on the beach if one is available, an easy local touch that fits the setting.

The short timing is also a limitation. If you picture a quiet afternoon wandering across the island, this cruise will not provide that. The free time is designed to recharge before the return sailing. Stay aware of the meeting time, because the boat must keep to its afternoon schedule.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, this cruise offers good value for a full-day water outing if you plan to use most of the inclusions. You are paying for about six and a half hours on a catamaran, the dolphin search, snorkeling, a full BBQ lunch, a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and the Île aux Bénitiers stop.

The strongest value is the package itself. If you paid separately for a boat trip, lunch, reef snorkeling, and drinks, the total could quickly rise. The spacious catamaran also matters. A cramped boat can make a long day tiring, while extra room lets you choose how social or quiet you want the experience to be.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long snorkeling session or extended island time. Both are relatively short parts of a wider cruise. You are buying a social sailing day with several highlights, not a specialist snorkeling expedition.

The current rating of 4.9 from 34 ratings supports the idea that the boat, crew, food, and overall value are strong points. The most consistent praise centers on friendly service, an enjoyable atmosphere, plentiful drinks, and the comfortable boat. One family with an eight-year-old found the format worked well, which suggests the cruise can suit families who are comfortable around open water.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple way to see several parts of Mauritius’ west coast in one day. It is especially suited to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a mix of scenery and swimming rather than a single focused activity.

It also suits people who like a lively shared boat atmosphere. The crew is described as warm, attentive, and energetic, so this is not the choice for complete silence or a private sailing mood. The large catamaran gives you physical space, but the experience remains social.

Families should note that the children’s menu is the same as the adult menu. The supplied information does not give a minimum age or specific child safety details, so ask the operator if you have concerns about a young child. An eight-year-old was reported to have enjoyed the day, but every child handles boat motion differently.

I would skip it if you are prone to seasickness, have a mobility impairment, or dislike spending long stretches at sea. The activity is specifically marked as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. You should also look elsewhere if your main goal is a quiet private charter or a long, undisturbed visit to Île aux Bénitiers.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive early at the Le Morne Anglers Club jetty. The meeting time is 9:00 a.m., and the boat leaves around 9:30. Since transportation is not included, leave enough time to reach Black River without rushing.

Wear comfortable beach clothing from the start. Pack a cover-up and dry change of clothes, since you may swim, snorkel, and sit in the wind during the return journey. A jacket is worth bringing even on a hot day.

Use sunscreen often, and do not forget your hat and sunglasses. The water reflects strong sunlight, and the catamaran may offer both sunny and shaded places. Keep valuables in a waterproof bag, and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet.

Respect the reef and wildlife. Do not touch marine life or plants, and never leave rubbish behind. If dolphins appear, follow the crew’s directions and keep your expectations reasonable. A calm sighting from the boat is better than crowding the animals for a closer photo.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Southwest of Mauritius catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded west coast day with a comfortable boat, a proper lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and a possible dolphin sighting. At $85, the combination is strong, and the roomy catamaran helps make the six-and-a-half-hour schedule manageable.

Go in with realistic expectations. Dolphins may not appear, sea conditions can change the route, and Île aux Bénitiers receives only a short visit. If you are happy to let the day unfold around the weather and wildlife, this is a good-value choice for seeing Mauritius from the water. If you want intensive snorkeling, long island exploration, or a private and quiet trip, choose a more focused excursion.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time do I need to arrive?

You should meet the team at 9:00 a.m. Departure is scheduled for about 9:30 a.m.

When does the cruise return?

The catamaran returns to the same jetty at about 3:30 p.m.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The cruise 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 gear if you prefer.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling stop is at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie, depending on conditions.

What food is served?

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

Are drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the Black River meeting point.