Mauritius is famous for its stunning coastlines, vibrant marine life, and laid-back island charm. When looking for a way to explore this tropical paradise, a private catamaran cruise on the West Coast offers an ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic scenery. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced this tour firsthand, so you can get a balanced, detailed picture of what to expect.
What makes this experience stand out are three specific aspects: the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, the delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks, and the opportunity to visit iconic spots like Crystal Rock and Benitiers Island. On the flip side, some travelers found the visit to Benitiers Island a little too commercialized, which could affect those seeking pristine, untouched scenery. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers craving a mix of marine encounters, scenic views, and good food without long, tiring excursions.
Key Points
- Authentic Marine Encounters: Snorkel in coral reefs and spot wild dolphins from the boat.
- Beautiful Scenery: Views of the Black River mountain range and UNESCO-listed Morne Mountain.
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy a well-prepared BBQ with lobster, chicken, and fish, plus unlimited drinks.
- Comfort and Convenience: Private group sizes up to 6, with flexible booking options.
- Potential Drawback: The visit to Benitiers Island can feel overly touristy, with many stalls and shallow waters.
- Ideal for: Families, couples, or small groups seeking a balanced day of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights.
Setting Sail for a Relaxing Day on the Water
This tour begins at Morne Anglers Club in Riviere Noire, a convenient meeting point along Mauritius’s scenic West Coast. From the start, you’ll notice the vibe is relaxed and welcoming — perfect for an escape from busy resorts or bustling towns. The day kicks off around 9:15 AM as you board a luxury catamaran, with space for up to six guests, which ensures a more intimate, personalized experience.
The vessel itself is well-equipped, offering comfortable seating, shaded areas, and a sense of stability that keeps the journey smooth. As you set sail, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Black River mountain range and the Morne Mountain, both UNESCO World Heritage sites that provide a dramatic backdrop while you relax on deck.
Looking for more options in Grande Riviere Noire? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Dolphins, Snorkeling, and the Charm of the West Coast
One of the biggest highlights for most travelers is the chance to spot wild dolphins in Tamarin Bay. From the boat, guides often point out pods of dolphins swimming close to the vessel — a magical sight that’s often described as “just perfect” by previous guests. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but the crew is known for their attentive and enthusiastic approach.
After dolphin watching, the boat heads towards Crystal Rock, a famous limestone formation that juts out of the water, making it a popular photo spot. En route, there are stops for snorkeling and swimming around coral reefs. Travelers have appreciated the chance to float among colorful fish and coral, with one reviewer noting: “We stopped at nice swimming spots and were able to watch the fish while snorkeling.”
The shallow waters at Crystal Rock provide a fun, safe environment for all skill levels. The crew typically arranges the snorkeling gear and offers guidance, which encourages even first-timers to feel comfortable in the water. The calm, clear waters are ideal for relaxing swims and underwater photo opportunities.
Lunch: Gourmet BBQ on the Water
What makes this tour truly stand out is the lunch experience. After a good swim, the crew begins preparing a BBQ feast right on the boat — a highlight for many guests. The menu includes chicken, fish, and lobster, all grilled to perfection, along with a variety of side dishes and a tasty dessert. Past reviews rave about the quality: “We have never eaten such good grilled lobster.”
All drinks are unlimited, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, allowing guests to toast the day’s adventures or unwind with a cold beverage as the sun warms the deck. However, it’s worth noting that alcohol is served only after snorkeling, as the tour management reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if drinks are consumed prematurely.
Exploring Benitiers Island
Following lunch, the group is given about 40 minutes to explore Île aux Benitiers. This small island is popular among travelers for its proximity and scenic views, but some travelers find it somewhat overrun by souvenir stalls and crowds. According to one reviewer, “the island of Benetiers was too commercial for us,” and the shallow, knee-deep sea wasn’t ideal for swimming or snorkeling, which was a bit of a disappointment.
You’ll have access to a boat on the island that can take you around or to nearby shallow spots. While some may prefer a more remote, untouched island experience, others enjoy the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to stretch their legs. It’s a good idea to plan for a quick visit and make the most of the limited time.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn Journey and Final Notes
The cruise departs from Benitiers Island to sail back along the coast, arriving at around 3:30 PM. The return offers more opportunities for sightseeing, relaxing, and taking photos of the coastline and mountain views. The whole day wraps up with a smooth ride back to the starting point, ending where it began.
The tour is designed to be flexible, with options to reserve and pay later, ideal for travelers who prefer to keep their plans open. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, giving some peace of mind.
Practical Details and Tips
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen are essential. Don’t forget your waterproof phone case or camera for capturing underwater moments.
What not to do:
Smoking and intoxication are prohibited during the tour, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Group size and language:
Up to 20 guests share the boat, with services offered in both English and French, making communication straightforward.
Pricing and value:
At $1,238 per group of up to six, this experience offers personalized attention, excellent food, and a variety of activities. Considering the seafood BBQ, wildlife sightings, and scenic stops, the value is quite competitive, especially for small groups or couples wanting a private, all-inclusive day.
Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers
Guests consistently praised the crew’s attentiveness and the quality of the food. One said, “The crew was very attentive,” highlighting the personalized service. The snorkeling was appreciated for its vibrant marine life, with one reviewer noting the ability to watch fish while snorkeling. Others loved the delicious BBQ with lobster, calling it “the best grilled lobster they’ve ever had.”
The main critique revolves around the visit to Benitiers Island, described as overly commercial and less appealing for swimming. Still, many found the overall experience “beautiful,” “relaxing,” and “highly recommended,” emphasizing the combination of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and gourmet meals.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This cruise is perfect for small groups, couples, or families who want a relaxed day on the water, with the chance to see dolphins, snorkel in coral reefs, and enjoy a top-notch BBQ. It suits those looking for a more intimate experience without the crowds, and who appreciate good food and scenic vistas.
It might be less ideal for travelers craving pristine, untouched beaches or those seeking a longer, more rugged adventure. The visit to Benitiers Island can feel a little commercialized, so if your priority is unspoiled nature, you might prefer other options.
Final Thoughts
This private catamaran cruise offers a fantastic balance of marine life, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, all wrapped in a comfortable, intimate setting. The chance to spot dolphins and enjoy a gourmet BBQ makes it stand out, especially for travelers who want a well-rounded, enjoyable day on the water.
While the stop at Benitiers Island may not satisfy everyone looking for untouched tranquility, the overall experience delivers excellent value for small groups or couples seeking a relaxing, adventure-filled escape.
If you’re after a fun, scenic, and leisurely way to explore Mauritius’s west coast, this tour deserves serious consideration. It combines the best of marine encounters, stunning views, and delicious food — a memorable day for any traveler.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly, especially since snorkeling spots are shallow and safe for kids. Just be sure to supervise them around the boat and water.
What is the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 20 people on the shared catamaran, but booking a private group up to six ensures more exclusivity.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear is typically provided, but bringing your own mask and fins can enhance your comfort and fit.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with the “reserve & pay later” option.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, swimwear underneath, and bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay protected from the sun.
Is alcohol served during the trip?
Yes, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, but alcohol is served only after snorkeling to comply with safety rules.
What is the main highlight of this cruise?
Most guests find dolphin sightings, the gourmet BBQ, and scenic stops at Crystal Rock and Benitiers Island to be the highlights, making it a well-loved experience.