Full Day Catamaran Cruise – West Coast and Snorkeling Activity

Full Day Catamaran Cruise – West Coast and Snorkeling Activity: An Honest Review

Picture yourself cruising along Mauritius’ stunning coastline aboard a spacious catamaran, with the sea breeze in your hair, and the promise of marine adventures on the horizon. That’s exactly what this Full Day Catamaran Cruise offers—an opportunity to see the island’s famed west coast from a luxurious vantage point, with plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, and maybe even spot dolphins or whales.

We love that this tour balances scenic sailing, marine wildlife encounters, and a hearty onboard lunch, making it perfect for those who want a bit of everything. The highlight for many travelers has been the chance to see playful dolphins in Tamarin Bay and enjoy the crystal-clear waters at La Preneuse or LHarmonie. Plus, the BBQ lunch with grilled fish and chicken garners rave reviews.

One potential consideration is that the experience relies heavily on good weather; if the skies turn grey or seas are rough, the tour might be canceled or altered. This is common with outdoor sea adventures but worth keeping in mind when booking.

This outing is best suited for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a laid-back yet engaging day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to relax, snorkel, and indulge in good food.

Key Points

• Stunning Coastal Views: Sail past Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Marine Encounters: Chances to see dolphins in Tamarin Bay and, if lucky, whales.
• Snorkeling at Prime Spots: Swim in clear waters at La Preneuse or LHarmonie, home to colorful marine life.
• Onboard Dining: Enjoy a generous BBQ lunch featuring grilled fish, chicken, and fresh salads.
• Relaxed Sailing: Leisurely cruise along Mauritius’ southwest coast, with a stop at Ile aux Bénitiers.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

A Deep Dive into the Full Day Catamaran Cruise Experience

The Meeting and Departure

The adventure kicks off at Le Morne Anglers’ Club at 09h20 sharp. The meeting point is conveniently accessible, and most travelers find it easy to reach via public transportation. Once on board, the cruise departs promptly at 09h30, setting the stage for a day filled with spectacular views and marine excitement.

Travelers reported that the group size is typically around 36 guests, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and lively camaraderie. The check-in process seems straightforward, though there was a note from one reviewer about a booking mix-up where two people were left out—highlighting the importance of confirming your reservation beforehand.

Cruising Along Black River Coast

The first part of the journey takes you along the Black River coastline, renowned for its rugged beauty and dramatic cliffs. The captain and crew are experienced, with some reviews mentioning friendly guides like the crew making the trip more enjoyable. Their knowledge about the marine spots and local highlights adds a lot to the experience.

Dolphin and Whale Encounters

One of the biggest draws, according to guests, is the chance to encounter dolphins in Tamarin Bay. Reviewers like Chelsea H. shared that they had the “best time ever,” with dolphins playing near the boat and lively snorkeling sessions. Some travelers even reported sightings of whales, adding an extra layer of wonder to the day.

While wildlife sightings are naturally unpredictable, the tour providers seem confident in the possibility, and viewers who love marine life will find this aspect especially rewarding. One reviewer noted that the crew makes a point to maximize viewing opportunities, even if the sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Snorkeling at La Preneuse and LHarmonie

After dolphin spotting, the cruise makes stops at La Preneuse or LHarmonie, both renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems. You’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and explore, with the chance to spot colorful fish, corals, and possibly even sea turtles.

Guests have praised these sites for their tranquil beauty and rich marine life. The water quality is consistently described as superb, making these stops a highlight for snorkelers and swimmers alike. Reviewers like Dany G. mentioned that some experienced snorkelers felt the marine life was impressive, although the exact diversity of species isn’t detailed.

The BBQ Lunch Onboard

A real treat is the delicious BBQ lunch served on the boat, with options like grilled fish with garlic sauce, BBQ chicken skewers, and fresh salads. Many guests raved about how tasty and plentiful the meal was, making the experience feel like a floating feast. The inclusion of seasonal fruit adds a refreshing finale to the meal.

The menu, which is non-vegetarian, offers a hearty, satisfying experience, especially after a morning of swimming and sunbathing. One reviewer highlighted that the food exceeded expectations, with some saying the grilled fish and cocktails were just fantastic.

Leisure Sailing and Ile aux Bénitiers

Post-lunch, the cruise continues with relaxed sailing along the coast, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the scenery and the sea breeze. The boat makes a stop at Ile aux Bénitiers, inviting a brief land excursion or more snorkeling, depending on your preference.

This stop is an excellent way to stretch your legs and take in the views of the island. The overall pace of the tour allows for a laid-back, unhurried day, which many travelers appreciated, especially after the more active morning.

Return and End of the Tour

The cruise gently makes its way back to the jetty around 15h30, giving you a full six hours of marine adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation. The return journey is calm and scenic, ending your day with plenty of photos and stories to share.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Views and Wildlife

The visual journey along the coast offers some of the best scenery Mauritius has to offer. The sight of Le Morne Brabant looms majestically in the background, providing an iconic photo backdrop. The chance to see dolphins and possibly whales adds a magical touch that many travelers cherish.

The Quality of Food and Drinks

The onboard BBQ is consistently praised for its flavor and generous portions. The mix of grilled fish and BBQ chicken, paired with fresh salads and seasonal fruit, elevates the experience from simple sightseeing to a memorable feast on the water.

The Balance of Relaxation and Adventure

The cruise strikes a good balance—leisurely sailing, lively snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and delicious food. It’s not overly active but provides enough variety to keep everyone engaged and relaxed.

Considerations

While overall positive, a couple of reviews mention booking hiccups, like the issue with adding extra guests two days before the tour, which underscores the importance of confirming reservations. Also, the success of wildlife sightings, especially whales, depends on nature’s whims, so patience is key. The tour is weather-dependent, so contingency plans might come into play if the seas are rough or the weather turns sour.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for families seeking a fun day on the water, couples looking for a romantic yet adventurous outing, or groups of friends wanting a lively, scenic day. It offers a well-rounded experience with plenty of photo opportunities and chances to unwind. If your priority is seeing marine life, enjoying good food, and relaxing with stunning views, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if you’re looking for a more exclusive or private experience, or if you’re concerned about weather variability, you might want to explore other options or confirm the weather forecast beforehand.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Catamaran Cruise on Mauritius offers a compelling combination of scenic sailing, marine wildlife encounters, and delicious food—all at a reasonable price of around $84.50 per person. Its emphasis on dolphin sightings, snorkeling stops at pristine sites, and a hearty BBQ makes it a fantastic choice for travelers who want a full, fun day on the water.

While weather can influence the day’s flow, the overall experience promises stunning views, lively marine encounters, and a relaxed cruising pace that suits both adventure lovers and those simply wanting to unwind. It’s particularly well-suited for families, couples, and groups of friends who appreciate good scenery, good food, and a good splash of spontaneity.

For anyone visiting Mauritius and wanting to combine coastal beauty with marine fun, this cruise is a very worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy swimming and snorkeling will love the marine stops.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, from departure at 09h30 to the return around 15h30.

What is included in the lunch?
The BBQ onboard features grilled fish, BBQ chicken, rice salad, potato & egg salad, mixed salads, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if done at least 24 hours in advance, and bad weather may lead to a reschedule or full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum number of travelers is 36, which offers a good balance of social and personal space.

Are dolphins guaranteed to be seen?
Not guaranteed, but many guests have seen dolphins in Tamarin Bay, thanks to the crew’s efforts to maximize viewing opportunities.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No prior experience is necessary, but confidence in swimming will make the snorkeling stops more enjoyable.

Is the tour eco-friendly?
While not explicitly detailed, responsible wildlife viewing and respect for marine environments are standard practice.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, waterproof camera, and a light jacket or cover-up for the boat.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s suitable for all ages, provided children are comfortable with the water and outdoor conditions.

In all, this Mauritian catamaran cruise offers a fun, scenic, and delicious day at sea that many travelers find well worth the price. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters or simply want to soak up the beautiful coastline, it’s a trip that can create lasting memories.