Full Day Private Catamaran Cruise to Bénitiers Island

Tamarin Bay is the main event here: you head out by private catamaran to look for dolphins in their natural home, then combine that wildlife encounter with snorkeling, lunch near Crystal Rock, and free time on Ile aux Benitiers. I like the private group format, which gives your party the boat rather than placing you with strangers.

I also like the practical mix of activities. You get time on the water, a snorkeling stop, a meal with a view, and a quiet island break in about six hours. The main consideration is cost: at $1,112.85 for up to 15 people, it makes far more sense for a full group than for a couple. Lunch, drinks, towels, and transport are extra, so budget for those before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Dolphin search at Tamarin Bay: Look for dolphins in their natural surroundings rather than at a marine park.
• Private boat for up to 15 people: Your group has the catamaran to itself, a useful choice for families and friends.
• Snorkeling equipment included: A stop at La Preneuse gives you time in the water without renting basic gear separately.
• Lunch beside Crystal Rock: The boat pauses near one of Mauritius’s well-known offshore sights for the meal.
• Ile aux Benitiers free time: The island stop gives you a change of pace after the morning on the water.
• Food package costs extra: Lunch, alcoholic drinks, soda, towels, and hotel transfers are not included.

A private morning on Mauritius’s southwest coast

This cruise begins at 9:00 am from L’Estuaire in Grande Riviere Noire. The meeting point is listed as J9PG+MJR, Grande Riviere Noire, so check your route carefully before the day and allow time to arrive without rushing.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 3:30 pm. That makes the outing easy to fit into a day based in the southwest, but transport is not part of the booking. You will need to arrange your own way to and from the marina.

The catamaran is reserved for your party, with a maximum of 15 people. That matters more than it may first appear. A private charter lets your group share the day at its own pace within the fixed route, instead of adjusting every moment around a large mixed group. It can also make the outing more comfortable for families, birthday groups, or friends who want to spend the day together.

The trade-off is simple: the total price is high for one or two people. At $1,112.85 per group, the mathematics improve as your party gets larger. A group of 10 to 15 can spread the cost among several people, while a small party may find a standard shared cruise better value.

Looking for dolphins at Tamarin Bay

The first stop is Tamarin Bay, where the crew searches for dolphins in their natural environment. The listed time is about 15 minutes, though the focus is on finding the animals rather than following a rigid viewing performance.

That natural setting is the strongest reason to choose this excursion. You are not promised a guaranteed animal encounter, and the information provided does not say how long the boat will search if dolphins are not immediately visible. Wildlife follows its own schedule, so you should treat the sighting as a possibility rather than a certainty.

The description also says you get the chance to swim with the dolphins. That is an exciting part of the plan, but the conditions of the swim are not spelled out. The listing does not explain the exact time in the water, how many people may enter at once, or what happens if sea conditions make swimming unsuitable. Ask the operator for current details if that point is important to you.

The short listed duration means this is not an all-morning dolphin expedition. The day has several stops to cover, so the dolphin encounter is one part of a wider coastal outing. I see that as a plus if you want variety, but less so if dolphins are your only goal.

Snorkeling near La Preneuse

A snorkeling stop at La Preneuse adds another way to experience the sea. Basic snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from arranging a separate rental and keeps the day simple.

The supplied schedule does not give a precise duration for La Preneuse. That is worth noting because the amount of time in the water can shape your expectations. You should have a chance to snorkel, but you should not book this as a long, dedicated reef session without confirming the timing first.

I like the way this stop breaks up the day. After watching for dolphins, you get to take part in the water activity yourself. It also gives you an alternative if the dolphin sighting is brief. You will want to bring a swimsuit and any personal items you prefer for the water, but towels are not supplied.

The tour description says most people can participate. It does not provide specific accessibility information for the boat, swimming, or island landing. If you need assistance or have mobility concerns, contact Catamaran Cruises Mauritius before booking.

Lunch beside Crystal Rock

The catamaran pauses near Crystal Rock for lunch. This is one of the most appealing moments of the route because the meal is paired with an offshore setting rather than a restaurant stop on land.

The food package is not included in the advertised price. The description refers to a delicious BBQ lunch, while the exclusions make clear that lunch must be purchased separately or arranged at an added cost. Confirm the food price and menu before you commit, particularly if anyone in your party has dietary needs.

Drinks are also outside the base price. Alcoholic beverages and soda are specifically excluded. The supplied details do not clarify which nonalcoholic drinks, if any, are included in an added food package, so ask what you will receive before the cruise.

One useful point comes through clearly from the feedback: the food received strong praise, as did the catamaran itself. One comment specifically described the meal as amazing, while another called it delicious. That gives the lunch a good reputation, but you should still see the meal as an optional cost rather than assuming it is built into the $1,112.85.

Crystal Rock itself is not a long formal sightseeing stop. The listed time is about 20 minutes, and lunch takes place onboard. Think of it as a scenic meal break with a landmark nearby, not a shore excursion.

Free time on Ile aux Benitiers

After lunch, the boat goes to Ile aux Benitiers for time at leisure. This is the day’s slower section, giving you a chance to step away from the boat and spend time on the island.

The schedule lists roughly 20 minutes here. That is enough for a short wander and a change of scenery, but it is not a full beach day. If you picture several hours on the island, this cruise may feel too tightly timed. The route is designed to sample several southwest coast highlights in one outing.

The short stop still has value. Water activities can make a day feel busy, and a brief island pause lets you stretch your legs and take in the setting without another scheduled activity. Just remember that the information does not specify what facilities, seating, or services are available on Ile aux Benitiers.

Because the outing ends back at the starting point around 3:30 pm, the island visit works as the final scenic pause before the return trip. You are not left to arrange your own transport from a remote landing spot.

What the crew and boat service add

The two published comments place particular emphasis on the crew’s professionalism and the condition of the catamaran. One person praised the friendly, professional service and the beautiful views. Another highlighted the well-kept boat and the careful booking support provided by Cathline, who stayed in contact through booking and boarding.

That detail matters for a private charter. The boat itself is your base for much of the day, and clear communication before boarding can prevent confusion about meeting time, food, and added charges. Cathline’s role in keeping in touch is a useful sign for anyone who prefers a more managed booking process.

The information names Catamaran Cruises Mauritius as the provider. It does not identify the captain or the full onboard crew, so I would not assume a particular guide will be present unless the company confirms it. The experience is described as a private activity, meaning only your group participates.

The strong points are clear: a well-kept catamaran, attentive contact before boarding, friendly service, and a varied route. The information does not provide technical details about the catamaran, seating, shade, toilets, or onboard facilities. Those are sensible questions to ask if comfort is important to you.

What the $1,112.85 price really covers

The listed price is per group, not per person, for up to 15 passengers. That pricing structure is the heart of the value question.

For a nearly full party, the private charter can be a sensible way to spend the day. You receive exclusive use of the boat, snorkeling equipment, dolphin watching, a stop near Crystal Rock, time on Ile aux Benitiers, and the convenience of returning to the same meeting point.

For a couple or a small family, the calculation is less favorable. You are still paying for the whole boat, and the advertised price does not include the meal, drinks, towels, or transport. Those extras can add noticeably to the final bill.

I would ask for a complete quote before booking. Confirm the price of the BBQ, available drinks, any per-person food charges, and whether there are other costs not shown in the base rate. This is especially important for a group of 15, where food and drink costs can multiply quickly.

The free cancellation rule offers some protection. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted or refunded. The experience also depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group that values privacy and variety. A family can combine wildlife watching, snorkeling, lunch, and island time without booking several separate activities. Friends sharing the group price may also find the cost easier to justify.

It suits people who want a full southwest Mauritius day on the water but do not need long stops at any one place. The route moves from Tamarin Bay to La Preneuse, Crystal Rock, and Ile aux Benitiers, so you get a broad taste of the coast.

It may be less suitable for you if your main goal is a long dolphin swim, an extended snorkeling session, or several hours on the island. The listed stop times are short, and the cruise has several sights to fit into six hours.

It also requires careful planning for anyone who wants an all-inclusive price. Lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda, towels, and transfer are all excluded. Bring those costs into your decision rather than comparing the base price alone.

My booking advice

I would book this private catamaran cruise for a larger group that wants a shared day with several distinct highlights. The combination of a private boat, dolphin search, snorkeling gear, a BBQ near Crystal Rock, and Ile aux Benitiers gives you plenty of variety.

I would hesitate if only two or three people are splitting the bill, or if you want guaranteed, extended time with dolphins. Ask about the swimming conditions, the exact meal package, and the timing of the La Preneuse stop before paying.

The best reason to choose it is not one single attraction. It is the convenience of fitting several southwest Mauritius experiences into one private outing, with a crew praised for professional service and a boat described as well maintained.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at L’Estuaire, J9PG+MJR, in Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

When does the cruise return?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at about 3:30 pm.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private catamaran can accommodate a maximum of 15 passengers, and only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch, alcoholic beverages, and soda are not included in the base price and are available at an additional cost.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.