Full Day Catamaran Cruise on shared basis to Bénitiers Island

A catamaran day can feel simple. This one is built around sea time, fishy chances, and island lagoon views. You sail from Le Morne Anglers’ Club toward Bénitiers, dropping anchor in a lagoon by Crystal Rock with the Black River mountain range as your backdrop.

What I like most is the mix of activities without the usual hassle: a dolphin watch stop at Tamarin Bay, then a snorkel session and a proper onboard meal. I also really enjoy that the crew handles the day’s pacing—so you can focus on the water instead of logistics.

One thing to keep in mind: dolphin sightings depend on where the animals are that day, and the dolphin watch time is brief. If you’re expecting a long, guaranteed chase, this format might feel tight.

Key highlights at a glance

• Bénitiers Island lagoon anchor point by Crystal Rock for postcard mountain views
• Onboard lunch plus BBQ-style food prepared by the crew
• Snorkelling equipment included for the water stop near the island
• Dolphin watch at Tamarin Bay with a short scheduled stop
• Small shared group (max 35) for a less chaotic feel

From Le Morne to Bénitiers: the cruise vibe in real life

You start at Le Morne Anglers’ Club, on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire, with a 9:30 am departure. The total time is about 6 hours, and you’re back at the same meeting point at 15h30. It’s a shared-basis cruise with a maximum of 35 people, which matters more than you’d think: there’s less scrambling for space when you’re trying to move between sun, shade, and the best spots on deck.

This isn’t a “tour bus on water.” It’s a sea day that’s meant to feel relaxed and scenic, with downtime built in. One detail I find reassuring is that the plan is structured around specific stops—Tamarin Bay first, then lunch near Crystal Rock, then the Bénitiers Island portion—so you’re not left wondering what happens next.

Also, you get a mobile ticket. That’s great when you’re juggling a day of sun—less paperwork, fewer chances of forgetting something.

Tamarin Bay dolphin watch: what you should expect (and how to enjoy it anyway)

The dolphin part happens at Tamarin Bay. The schedule gives you about 10 minutes to watch for them. Admission is not included for this stop, so if there’s an entry ticket requirement for the dolphin viewing area, you’ll need to handle it separately.

Here’s the realistic way to think about it: dolphin spotting can be amazing, but it’s never fully in your control. The crew can only work with where the dolphins are at that moment. A short stop isn’t a failure—it’s the nature of wildlife viewing. If you go in expecting a quick look and a good chance at the view, you’ll be much happier.

How to make the most of it during those minutes:

• Get to a good vantage spot fast after you arrive.
• Stay ready for motion and wind; the sea can shift plans quickly.
• If you don’t see anything at first, don’t panic. Give it the full stop window.

If you’re the type who needs long explanations or time on land, the dolphin section may feel brief. But if you’re there for the sea and the chance of seeing something wild, it fits the overall rhythm.

Lunch near Crystal Rock: included food that actually matters on a boat day

When the cruise moves to the lunch portion, it happens onboard near Crystal Rock. The description also mentions a barbecue prepared by the crew, and the overall setup is classic catamaran comfort: you eat while the boat is anchored or drifting in a scenic place, not while you’re stuck in traffic or sprinting between venues.

Lunch is included, along with bottled water and soda/pop. Alcoholic beverages are also included, which is a big value boost for many people. On a 6-hour day, that kind of “included refreshment” isn’t a small thing—it’s the difference between paying extra for a drink refill later versus enjoying the day without thinking about your wallet every hour.

The practical takeaway: if your main goal is a smooth, covered package—boat, food, drinks, snorkeling gear—this is one of the more complete options for the price point. You’re paying for time at sea and the key activities, not just sitting on a deck with nothing planned.

Ile aux Bénitiers: lagoon time, island visit, and snorkeling gear included

After lunch, the cruise shifts to Ile aux Benitiers. The scheduled island visit is about 20 minutes. Admission for this island stop is listed as free, which makes the Bénitiers portion simpler to budget for.

This is also where the lagoon setting really becomes the star. The plan includes anchoring in the lagoon near Crystal Rock, and you get a panoramic view of the Black River mountain range from the water. That combination—mountains in view while you’re in a protected lagoon—creates that rare “Mauritius postcard” feeling without you needing to hike or drive anywhere.

Then comes the snorkelling stop. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you don’t have to bring gear or rent it on arrival. That’s a real convenience for shared cruises, because you don’t want to spend half your day tracking down masks and fins while everyone else is already in the water.

What you should do if snorkeling is on your priority list:

• Use the included gear right when it’s offered.
• Don’t treat snorkeling as a “maybe later” activity; boat days move fast.
• Bring extra energy for getting back onboard and finding your shade spot after the swim.

The Bénitiers part is short, so it’s best for people who want a taste of island time plus a snorkel session, not a full day of it.

Price and what makes $90.59 feel fair for a 6-hour sea day

At $90.59 per person, this cruise isn’t a bargain-only deal, but it does look like solid value when you total what’s included. In one ticket, you typically get:

• A catamaran cruise for about 6 hours
• Lunch onboard (near Crystal Rock), including a BBQ-style component prepared by the crew
• Bottled water and soda/pop
• Alcoholic beverages included
• Snorkelling equipment included

That’s a lot of “paid add-ons” packed into one price. If you’ve ever booked island day trips where you pay separately for food, drinks, and gear, you know how quickly the total climbs.

One more value clue: this is commonly booked about 21 days in advance on average. That suggests people plan ahead for the west coast sea days, which can be weather-dependent. Booking earlier often gives you better chance of matching your dates to calmer planning.

Logistics that can make or break your day (transfers, towels, and timing)

Here’s the part you want to sort before you show up: transfer is not included. You’ll need to get yourself to Le Morne Anglers’ Club for the 9:30 am start. The cruise ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not relying on a complicated return.

Also, towels aren’t included. This matters because snorkelling is part of the plan. Even if the water and boat air dry you off a bit, you’ll still want something to change with afterward or to wipe down before you sit in wet swimwear.

The good news: the schedule is clear enough to plan around—back at 15h30. So you can pair this with dinner later without worrying your whole afternoon is gone.

Weather and wildlife reality check: the two “maybes” in the plan

This experience requires good weather. That’s explicitly stated, and it’s also just common sense for a shared catamaran. If conditions are rough, plans can change, or you may be offered a different date or a refund depending on how the operator handles it.

The other “maybe” is dolphins. You’re stopping at Tamarin Bay to watch for them, but the dolphins are wild animals and don’t follow schedules. The most helpful mindset is: enjoy the chance, don’t build the entire day around the one outcome of seeing dolphins at close range.

If your ideal Mauritius day is mostly calm swimming, island views, and a good onboard meal, then even a slower wildlife moment still leaves you with the snorkel and Bénitiers lagoon time.

Who this cruise fits best (and who might want a different plan)

I think this cruise is a great match if you want:

• A single-ticket day that covers cruise time, lunch, and snorkelling equipment
• A short island visit with lagoon views and a swim opportunity
• A relaxed shared-group outing (max 35) rather than a huge crowd

It may not fit as well if you’re expecting:

• A long, guided wildlife expedition with lots of time chasing dolphins
• A fully land-based tour with detailed shore stops
• Everything provided for you start-to-finish (because towels and transfer aren’t included)

If you like your tours with a clear sequence and minimal friction, this one hits that sweet spot.

Should you book the Bénitiers Island catamaran cruise?

Yes—if you’re planning a Mauritius day around sea time and want value that’s bundled together. The combination of cruise + onboard lunch + snorkeling equipment + drinks is the main selling point, and it makes the $90.59 price easier to justify.

I’d book it with two expectations in check: dolphins are a chance, not a guarantee, and you’ll need to handle your own towel and get yourself to the meeting point. If that sounds fine, you’re in for a classic west-coast catamaran day: mountains in view, lagoon calm, and enough variety to keep the hours feeling full without feeling rushed.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the full day catamaran cruise?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at Le Morne Anglers’ Club, Colonel Dean Avenue, Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius.

When does the cruise end?

It ends back at the meeting point, at around 15h30.

Is this a private or shared cruise?

It’s a shared basis cruise with a maximum of 35 travelers.

What’s included in the ticket?

Included are alcoholic beverages, lunch, bottled water, soda/pop, and use of snorkeling equipment.

What is not included?

Transfer and towels are not included.

Are there admission tickets for the stops?

The Tamarin Bay stop lists admission ticket not included, while the Ile aux Benitiers stop is marked as free.

Do I need good weather for this tour?

Yes, this tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.