Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

Dolphins, reef water, and lunch at sea. This six-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise brings together the main pleasures of Mauritius’ west coast: a possible dolphin encounter in Tamarin Bay, snorkeling near La Preneuse, a BBQ lunch, and free time on Ile aux Bénitiers. I like the spacious boat and the steady supply of drinks, which make this feel more relaxed than a tight, crowded speedboat trip. I also like that the crew keeps its distance from dolphins rather than joining boats that chase or surround them.

The main consideration is the dolphin stop. Sightings are never guaranteed, and Tamarin Bay can become crowded with several boats trying to get close. You should also know that this is not a good choice if you are prone to seasickness or have mobility limitations.

Key points at a glance

• A roomy catamaran from Black River: The large boat gives you space to sit, move around, and enjoy the sea without feeling packed in.
• Dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay: You may see spinner dolphins in their natural setting, but the encounter is not guaranteed.
• Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie: Expect a stop for swimming among tropical fish and coral, with the exact site depending on sea conditions.
• BBQ lunch served on board: Fish, chicken, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and vegetarian choices make this more than a snack stop.
• A short island break at Ile aux Bénitiers: You get time to swim, walk, sunbathe, or buy a fresh coconut on the beach.
• Good value at $85: The price covers the cruise, lunch, snorkeling stop, and a broad drink selection, but not transport to the jetty.

Starting at Le Morne Anglers Club in Black River

Your day begins at Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River, on the west coast of Mauritius. The stated meeting time is 9:00 am, with departure following around 9:30 am. I would arrive on time rather than cutting it close, since hotel pickup is not included and you are responsible for reaching the jetty.

The cruise returns to the same place at about 3:30 pm. That fixed start and finish makes planning easier if you are staying near Black River, Le Morne, or another part of the west coast. If you are based elsewhere, allow extra time for your own transport.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as spacious and comfortable, with enough room for people to spread out instead of sitting shoulder to shoulder. That matters on a full day at sea. You can switch between shade and sun, find a comfortable place during lunch, and enjoy the ride without spending six hours in one cramped seat.

The crew speaks English and French. The tone is friendly and energetic, with attentive service during the cruise. Drinks are served throughout the day, so you do not need to treat this as a bare-bones boat transfer with one meal attached.

Tamarin Bay and the search for spinner dolphins

The first part of the route heads toward Tamarin Bay, where the crew looks for spinner dolphins. These animals are known for their energetic movement, and the chance to see them in open water is a major reason people choose this cruise.

The key word is possible. Dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. You may see them, but no responsible operator can promise a sighting or a close approach. The boat’s stated approach is to watch rather than force an interaction.

This is also where you need realistic expectations. Several boats can gather in the same area, and some may cut across the dolphins or encourage people to swim close to them. That can make the scene feel hectic and raises fair concerns about the animals’ comfort. One positive feature here is that this catamaran is reported to stay away from the worst of that activity instead of joining the chase.

If you see dolphins, keep your camera ready but do not let filming take over the moment. You are watching wildlife from a moving boat, so sightings can be brief. A turtle has also been seen during this type of outing, but you should treat that as a lucky extra, not part of the promised program.

Snorkeling at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse

After the dolphin search, the catamaran moves toward the lagoon near La Preneuse. The planned stop is around 10:30 am, at L’Harmonie in La Preneuse, although the exact location may change with conditions.

This is the part of the day for getting into the water. The area is described as clear, with tropical fish and coral around the snorkeling site. You can bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer, and the crew also has equipment available according to the activity details and on-board service.

The water stop gives the cruise a useful change of pace. Instead of only looking at the coast from the deck, you get a close look at the marine life below. You can swim, float, and cool off before lunch. Still, do not expect a private reef or a long guided marine biology session. This is a shared boat outing, and the snorkeling break is one part of a larger day.

Bring a towel and a waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and dry clothing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a cover-up are just as important on the boat as they are on the beach. A light jacket is also listed as an essential, since wind can make the return ride feel cooler after you have been in the water.

BBQ lunch with fish, chicken, and local drinks

Lunch is served on board around noon, before the boat continues to Ile aux Bénitiers. The menu is generous for a catamaran excursion. You can expect grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, seafood, garlic bread, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit. Children receive the same menu as adults. If you have a serious food allergy, the supplied details do not explain special allergy arrangements, so ask before booking rather than assuming the crew can adjust every dish.

The meal is one of the reasons the $85 price feels fair. You are not paying only for a scenic boat ride. The package includes a substantial lunch and drinks for most of the day, which reduces the need to buy food and refreshments separately.

The drink selection includes local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, and cocktails. The selection works well for a sociable group, but moderation matters. You still have a swim stop and a boat ride ahead, and too much alcohol in strong sun is an easy way to turn a good day into a rough one.

Ile aux Bénitiers and two hours to slow down

After lunch, the cruise reaches Ile aux Bénitiers, where you disembark at about 1:30 pm. You have free time until roughly 2:00 pm according to the stated schedule, although the broader description presents this as a relaxed island stop. The detailed timing suggests the actual beach break is fairly short, so do not picture an afternoon-long island visit.

The island stop is simple rather than packed with activities. You can walk along the sand, swim, sunbathe, or sit and enjoy the view. The water, pale sand, open sky, and greenery provide a calm contrast to the more active snorkeling and dolphin portions of the day.

A useful tip is to look for a fresh coconut on the beach if one is available. It is a small extra cost, but it suits the setting far better than another packaged drink. Bring only what you need ashore, since this is a brief stop and you will want to keep valuables secure in your waterproof bag.

I would not book this cruise mainly for Ile aux Bénitiers. The island is a pleasant pause, but the real value comes from combining the boat ride, possible dolphin sighting, snorkeling, meal, and drinks in one outing. The island works best as a place to stretch your legs and enjoy the coast before returning to the catamaran.

What the return ride feels like

The boat heads back toward Le Morne Anglers Club after the island stop and is scheduled to reach the jetty at about 3:30 pm. By then, you will have had a full day in the sun, so the jacket and change of clothes can be useful even in warm weather.

The catamaran’s size helps again here. A roomy boat gives you more options during the return trip, whether you want to sit quietly, take in the coast, or continue chatting with the group. The atmosphere is often upbeat, with drinks available and a crew that keeps the mood friendly without making the day feel like a nonstop party.

Sea conditions can change the route. If the water becomes rough or unsafe, the captain may alter direction for safety. That could mean a different snorkeling location or a modified plan. It is better to view this as sensible seamanship, not a failure to deliver the advertised day.

Is $85 good value?

At $85 per person, this is a solid package if you want several west coast activities in one day. The price includes the catamaran cruise, possible dolphin watching, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. You also receive time on Ile aux Bénitiers, so you are not paying extra for every part of the day once you are on board.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate boat, snorkeling, and lunch arrangements. It is also useful for couples and families who want an easy shared outing rather than managing several providers.

The price does not include hotel pickup, drop-off, or personal spending. You need to arrange your own way to Black River and budget for any beach purchases, such as a coconut. If you already have snorkeling gear, bring it, though equipment is available on board.

The large catamaran is another value point. A cramped boat can spoil a full day at sea, while extra room changes the experience. Here, the boat itself is part of the comfort, not just the transport between stops.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full west coast day with a relaxed pace and several included extras. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, warm-weather scenery, and a sociable boat atmosphere.

It is especially good for an 8-year-old or older child who can manage a long day on the water and enjoys swimming. The schedule has enough variety to prevent the day from becoming one long boat ride.

You may want a different option if you dislike shared excursions or want a private, quiet wildlife outing. The dolphin area can attract multiple boats, and the catamaran is designed for a group experience rather than solitude.

You should also skip this activity if you are prone to seasickness. The cruise lasts around six and a half hours, and the supplied information specifically warns about this. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and assistance dogs are allowed even though ordinary pets are not.

Treat the marine environment carefully. Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not litter. Those rules are basic, but they matter when you are visiting coral areas and watching wild animals.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this catamaran cruise if you want the best mix of comfort, food, drinks, snorkeling, and scenery for one west coast outing. The spacious boat, attentive crew, generous BBQ, and included beverages receive the strongest praise, and the $85 cost is reasonable for what is covered.

Go in with clear expectations: dolphins are not guaranteed, the island stop is short, and the sea can change the plan. If you can accept those limits, this is a well-rounded day on the water and a practical choice for seeing several highlights without juggling separate bookings.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time should I arrive?

The stated meeting time is 9:00 am. The itinerary notes the team meeting around 9:20 am, with sailing beginning around 9:30 am, so arriving at 9:00 am is the safest plan.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty at about 3:30 pm.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

No. The cruise offers a possible encounter with spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay, but dolphins are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available on board. You can also bring your own gear if you prefer.

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ menu includes grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, seafood, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is also available.

What drinks are included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. If sea conditions are rough or impassable, the captain may change direction for safety.

Is the cruise suitable for people with seasickness or mobility limitations?

The cruise is not suitable for people prone to seasickness or people with mobility impairments.