Southwest of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ Snorkeling

This trip is interesting because it combines three of Mauritius’ best-day ingredients in one stretch of time: catamaran time on the west coast, snorkeling in clear water, and a beach break on Ile aux Bénitiers. You get a real change of scenery, not just a quick swim stop.

I especially like the relaxed pace and the onboard vibe, which centers on food and drinks without feeling like a cattle call. I also like that the cruise starts with a serious look for marine life in Tamarin Bay, then switches gears to time in the water and a proper lunch.

One consideration: this is not ideal if you’re sensitive to choppy seas, since you’re out cruising for hours and the operator may change course if conditions are rough.

Key things to know before you go

• Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed, but the crew actively searches in Tamarin Bay early in the day.
• Snorkel stops are flexible by site, usually around La Preneuse, at L’Harmonie or nearby areas.
• BBQ lunch plus drinks are part of the day, including local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, and nonalcoholic options.
• Ile aux Bénitiers is your reset button, with time for swimming, a beach walk, or just doing nothing.
• You’ll want a proper beach kit, including sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes.

The “why” behind this Mauritius west coast catamaran day

If your idea of a great Mauritius day is sun, sea, and a schedule that feels light, this cruise fits. You start in Black River, head out toward Tamarin Bay for a marine-life hunt, then shift to snorkeling and finish with a beach island stop.

The route also makes sense geographically. The west coast is where you tend to get that classic postcard water color, and the day is built around short swims in clear areas rather than one long, exhausting stretch.

Getting to Le Morne Anglers Club and how the day actually moves

Your meeting point is the Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River. Plan to arrive by the stated meeting time so you can check in, get settled, and be ready to push off right away.

Once you’re aboard, the day runs on a simple rhythm: sail out, stop for snorkeling, eat lunch onboard, then disembark at Ile aux Bénitiers for free time before heading back. The most important takeaway is to show up prepared to be outside for most of the day.

Tamarin Bay dolphin time, spinner dolphins included

Early sailing goes toward Tamarin Bay with a specific goal: looking for spinner dolphins. It’s framed as a possible encounter, which is the right mindset. Dolphins are wild animals, and the sea does what it wants.

What I like about the approach is that it’s not just a vague “might see dolphins” promise. The cruise is timed to search for them in the morning, and the whole first segment is devoted to that chance.

A quick practical note: if you’re motion-sensitive, morning boat time matters. People who get seasick usually feel it first when the boat is picking up speed and doing the early navigation.

Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie: where the water does the talking

After the dolphin search, you head toward the La Preneuse area, with snorkeling at L’Harmonie or similar spots in that zone. This is the part of the day that turns the cruise into a water-based outing, with chances to swim among fish and coral in clearer shallows.

The cruise structure is built for real snorkeling comfort. You get breaks where you can actually gear up, float, and explore without feeling rushed. Also, since this is a shared catamaran cruise, you’re not stuck with one tiny pocket of water to make the whole day work.

Bring a waterproof bag if you have one. Even if the boat has a setup for storing things, you’ll thank yourself later when your phone is still dry and you’re not doing frantic towel-drying.

What lunch onboard feels like (and what’s actually on your plate)

Once snorkeling is done, you’ll get BBQ lunch onboard. The BBQ menu includes grilled fish and BBQ chicken, plus grilled chicken sausage, seafood, and sides like rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

There’s also a vegetarian menu with the same side framework, plus grilled vegetarian sausages. Drinks are served throughout the cruise, including local rum, wine (red, rosé, and white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Value-wise, this is where the price makes sense. At $85 per person, you’re basically buying a half-day of sailing, a snack-and-drink day, real lunch, and paid snorkeling stops. If you were to piece together a boat trip plus food plus snorkeling separately, you’d almost certainly lose money and time.

Ile aux Bénitiers: the beach break part of the day

After lunch, the cruise heads to Ile aux Bénitiers, where you get free time. This is your chance to swim at your own pace, stroll the shore, or simply sit and reset with turquoise views.

A small but useful tip: on your island break, a fresh coconut on the beach is worth the effort. You’ll have time to look around and decide what you want to do besides just floating in the water.

One more reason this stop matters: it breaks up the day. Even if snorkeling is your top priority, the island time gives your body a breather and turns the tour into a true “day out,” not just a sequence of swims.

The onboard experience that makes people recommend it

The most praised part of this cruise is the overall comfort and atmosphere. Multiple comments point out that the catamaran feels roomy, and the crew keeps the energy up without turning the day into chaos.

Another recurring win is the staff style: friendly, attentive, and active. You’re getting food and drinks served, and you’re also getting help with the snorkeling flow so you spend time in the water instead of wrestling with gear.

If dolphins are a highlight for you, there’s also a clear lesson from real experiences. The best dolphin days tend to be those where the boat behaves responsibly and doesn’t crowd the animals. This is one reason I’d take the crew approach seriously, since it affects how the dolphin portion feels in practice.

Drinks, rules, and what to expect in the water

Drinks are part of the experience, and they include alcohol plus nonalcoholic options. Plan to pace yourself. It’s easy to get sun-wrecked on a boat, and alcohol can sneak up on you when the day is moving fast.

On the marine-life side, the rules are straightforward and worth respecting:

• No touching marine life
• No littering
• No touching plants

It’s also not a pet-friendly outing, and assistance dogs are allowed. If that affects your plans, confirm your situation when you book.

What to bring so the day stays fun, not annoying

You’re out for hours, so pack like it’s a day at the beach plus a small amount of travel time.

Bring:

• Snorkeling equipment (or your own set if you prefer)
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap
• Towel
• A cover-up and change of clothes
• A jacket, especially if you feel cool on open water
• A waterproof bag or backpack for electronics

If you’re deciding between buying gear or bringing your own, know that the cruise provides snorkeling equipment, and you can still bring your own if you like a specific fit.

Who this cruise is perfect for, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for:

• People who want one ticket that covers sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and a beach stop
• Families looking for a day that feels active but not overly demanding
• Anyone who likes the west coast view and wants the day to feel social and relaxed

It’s not a great fit for:

• People with mobility impairments, since it is not listed as suitable
• People who are prone to seasickness, because you will be on the water for a long stretch
• Anyone expecting guaranteed dolphins, since encounters are possible but not promised

Price and value: why $85 might be a good deal

At $85 per person, you’re paying for a lot of built-in costs: catamaran sailing (with multiple stops), food, drinks, and snorkeling time. On top of that, you’re getting a real island break at Ile aux Bénitiers, not just “look from the boat” time.

The real value check for me is this: if you wanted snorkeling and a full beach outing plus lunch and drinks, you’d usually spend more by booking those separately. Here, the pricing keeps the logistics simple, and that matters when you’re on holiday with limited time.

Practical FAQ for planning your day

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The trip is listed as about 6.5 hours. You meet at the jetty in the morning and return to the same location by 3:30 pm.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from the Le Morne Anglers Club Jetty in Black River, Mauritius, and returns there as well.

Are dolphins guaranteed on this tour?

No. The tour is described as a possible dolphin encounter while searching in Tamarin Bay, so it depends on what the sea and wildlife are doing that day.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

You can bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. Snorkeling equipment is offered on board, so you do not necessarily need to pack your own set.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a BBQ with options including fish and chicken, plus salads, bread, and seasonal fruit. Drinks include local rum, wine (red, rosé, white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. You should also bring a snorkeling set if you want your own, plus a waterproof bag, and a jacket.

Should you book this catamaran cruise?

If you want a half-day Mauritius experience that mixes ocean time, snorkeling, and a proper island beach break, this is an easy yes. The strongest selling points are the roomy catamaran feel, the food and drinks onboard, and the fact that the day is built around real water time rather than rushed viewing.

Skip it if you know you get seasick, or if you need an itinerary that’s designed for easy mobility. For most people, though, it’s a strong value way to see the west coast in one go.