A catamaran day with real water time. This full-day cruise pairs Mauritius’ southwest coast sailing with genuine swim-and-snorkel stops, plus a proper onboard BBQ lunch that keeps the day moving. You’ll pass big scenery landmarks like Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO) while the crew runs the show with music and a good mood.

You’ll also get practical snorkeling time at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie, where the water is clear enough to actually enjoy what’s around you. One drawback to plan for: the experience depends on weather, and the schedule is tight—meet at 09h20 sharp, and make sure your booking details (especially headcount) are correct so nobody gets left out.

Quick Take: What You’ll Love Most

• Southwest coast views with sails past Le Morne Brabant and Black River scenery
• Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie with time to swim, not just look
• Onboard BBQ lunch with fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, and fruit
• Dolphin/whale chances including a possible dolphin encounter in Tamarin Bay
• Ile aux Benitiers stop for a change of pace on the water day
• Good onboard energy—music, friendly crew, and cocktails if they’re available

Price and Value: Is $84.50 Worth a Full Day?

At $84.50 per person for roughly 6 hours on the water, this is priced for travelers who want a full “coast + snorkeling + food” package without the hassle of assembling it yourself. The best value here isn’t just the catamaran. It’s the combination: you’re buying time on the water, a planned swimming/snorkel window, and a full lunch service in one go.

A quick way to judge whether it’s a good fit for you: if you’d normally pay for transport to multiple stops, then add a boat outing, then pay separately for lunch, the math tends to swing in favor of booking this as a single day.

The other value point is group size. With a maximum of 36 travelers, it’s not a cattle-car cruise. It’s still a group day, but you generally feel more like you’re sharing the ride with other passengers than being processed like luggage.

Meeting at Le Morne Anglers Club: Timing Matters

Your day starts at Le Morne Anglers’ Club (Colonel Dean Avenue, Grande Riviere Noire), with embarkation set for 09h20 sharp and departure at 09h30. That “sharp” part is real. If you show up late, you risk spending the morning stressed instead of enjoying the coastline.

One practical tip: arrive a little early, even if you’re already in the area. You’ll want time to check in, get oriented, and settle before the boat leaves. This is especially important because the cruise returns to the same jetty around 15h30, so there isn’t flexibility built in.

The tour is listed with a mobile ticket, which is convenient. Just make sure you can access it offline on your phone when you arrive.

Sailing the Southwest Coast: What You’re Actually Paying For

Once you depart, you’re in the rhythm of a classic Mauritius water day: coast views, slow sailing, and time to take it in without rushing. The cruise is built around the southwest coast, including the area tied to Black River Gorges and the dramatic presence of Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO).

Even if you’ve seen photos of Mauritius before, this part tends to feel different from shore. From the water, coastline scale becomes obvious fast. You get that “wow, this is huge” feeling, especially as you sail past landmark coastlines like the Le Morne area.

The itinerary also highlights an iconic Crystal Rock moment. You may not control exactly what the crew stops for visually, but it’s a good sign the day isn’t just straight transit. It’s aiming for views that people remember.

Tamarin Bay Dolphin Chances: What to Keep Expectations Like

One of the most exciting parts is the possibility of a dolphin encounter in Tamarin Bay. The day also mentions a whale chance if you’re lucky. Here’s the honest way to think about it: marine life sightings are never guaranteed, even on the best days.

So I recommend you treat this as a bonus, not the centerpiece. If you’re expecting dolphins as a must-have, the day can feel stressful. If you treat it as a luck-based reward while you focus on the snorkeling and sailing, you’ll be happier either way.

Also, keep your phone/camera ready, but don’t spend the whole day glued to it. The best sightings usually happen when you’re actually watching the water and not constantly checking screens.

The Snorkeling Stop: La Preneuse or L’Harmonie

This is the heart of the day for most people: swimming and snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie. The exact location can vary, but the goal is the same—clear water and a chance to see marine life up close.

What I like about this setup is that it’s not a rushed “one hour and done” experience. The cruise plans a stop that’s meant for actual time in the water. Even if snorkeling isn’t your main activity, the swim time is often what makes the day feel complete.

Practical expectations:

• Bring swim gear you’re comfortable using in open water.
• If you’re the kind of person who gets cold easily, water time can feel longer than you think. Plan accordingly.
• If you don’t love snorkeling, still treat it as swim time. You can enjoy the water even without going all-in on searching the reef.

BBQ Lunch On Board: Food That Keeps the Day Fun

Lunch is served onboard, and it’s a BBQ non-vegetarian mix grill. The menu includes:

• Rice salad with vegetables
• Potato & egg salad
• Mixed salad
• Grilled fish (butter & garlic sauce)
• BBQ chicken skewer
• Garlic bread and bread
• Seasonal fruit

What makes this a smart inclusion is that you don’t need to hunt for food mid-day or spend time commuting back to land. You eat where you’re already enjoying the view.

Also, the cruise offers local drinks, and one review note stands out: the crew makes delicious cocktails, so it’s worth asking what’s available. That little detail can turn lunch from “food included” into a mini celebration moment.

Leisure Sailing and Ile aux Benitiers: A Break from the Main Event

After the snorkeling window, the cruise moves into slower pacing with leisure sailing on the west coast. There’s also a stop on Ile aux Benitiers.

This island stop is best thought of as a reset. You’re not just switching from snorkeling to another intense activity—you’re getting a change of scenery and a chance to relax on deck. Even if the stop isn’t framed as a long beach session, it breaks up the day so you don’t feel like you’re doing one event after another nonstop.

If you’re traveling with people who don’t want constant water time, this part helps. Some will want to stay in the shade and enjoy the ride; others may take photos and enjoy the views.

The Crew, Music, and Onboard Vibe

One of the most praised aspects is the overall onboard energy. The crew is part of that, along with music and the general good vibes on board. That matters more than you might think.

On boat days, it’s easy to feel like you’re simply along for the ride. Here, the mood is active enough that the day feels social and enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with friends or want something lighter than a strict sightseeing tour.

If you care about atmosphere, this is a strong point. It’s also where you notice the difference between a bare-bones charter and a day designed for comfortable group fun.

Possible Drawback to Plan For: Booking and Headcount Issues

A concern worth taking seriously: one booking experience described a situation where people were left out even after being added later. That’s not something you want to gamble on.

My advice is simple:

• Confirm the final number of people included in your booking before you arrive.
• If you make changes, follow up and get confirmation tied to the booking.
• Double-check the names/headcount details so the crew has exactly what they expect.

It sounds obvious, but on water days, “we’ll sort it out” can turn into a real headache because the schedule is tight and the boat capacity matters.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This cruise is a good match if you want:

• A single-day plan that mixes sailing, snorkeling, and food
• A west-coast focus with big scenery like Le Morne Brabant
• A social day with music and a friendly crew
• Chance-based marine life viewing (dolphins in Tamarin Bay, possible whales)

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a fully predictable wildlife sighting
• Prefer super-small private tours (this has a max of 36)
• Don’t like weather-dependent plans (the experience requires good weather)

In other words, it fits travelers who want a complete day on the water without overthinking logistics.

Should You Book This Catamaran and Snorkeling Day?

I think it’s worth booking if your priority is a fun, structured full day that includes snorkeling time and a proper onboard lunch. The value is strongest when you compare it to the hassle of piecing together transport, boat time, and meals separately.

Book it with two mindsets:

1) Treat wildlife sightings as luck, not a promise. The sailing and snorkeling are still the main points.

2) Lock in your booking details early. Make sure headcount is correct so you don’t lose time—or access—on the day.

If you like the idea of cruising the southwest coast with time in clear water and a BBQ waiting onboard, this is the kind of trip that makes a Mauritius day feel complete.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

It runs for about 6 hours. The meeting process starts at 09h20, the boat departs 09h30, and it returns around 15h30.

Where does the cruise start?

You meet at Le Morne Anglers’ Club, located on Colonel Dean Avenue, Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius. The trip ends back at the same place.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There’s a stop at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.

What food and drinks are provided?

Lunch is an onboard BBQ non-vegetarian mix grill with options like grilled fish and BBQ chicken skewers, plus salads, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. Local drinks are also available.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes. The experience is listed with a mobile ticket.

How many people are on the cruise?

The maximum group size is 36 travelers.

What if weather is bad?

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