Île aux Bénitiers Snorkeling with Dolphins + Seafood Lunch

Planning a trip to Mauritius and wondering whether a day of dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and island relaxation is worth your time? This tour offers a compelling mix of marine wildlife, scenic vistas, and delicious food—perfect for travelers craving authentic outdoor experiences without the fuss. While some reviews mention early departures and busy waters, the overall appeal of swimming with dolphins and exploring the iconic Crystal Rock makes this a memorable choice.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll get the chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, which is a rare and meaningful encounter. Second, the stop at Crystal Rock promises stunning photo opportunities and crystal-clear waters. Lastly, the included BBQ seafood lunch on Benitier Island adds a delightful culinary touch to your day. On the flip side, some travelers note that the trip can feel rushed, with early returns and crowded sites, so it’s best suited for those who want a full, active day on the water.

This tour is ideal if you’re looking to combine wildlife interaction, scenic snorkeling, and a relaxing beachside meal in a single day. However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace with longer time on each stop, you might find it slightly hurried. Now, let’s explore every detail so you can decide if this adventure fits your holiday plans.

Authentic dolphin encounters in open water, respecting marine life
Stunning views of Le Morne Mountain from Crystal Rock
All-inclusive day, with snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks
Brief but exciting stops on Benitier Island and at Crystal Rock
Potential early return and crowded sites as common critiques
Opportunity to see Sperm whales (season and sightings dependent)

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Starting Point & Timing: The Early Morning Departure

Your day begins early, with a pickup or meeting at Tamarin public beach, right in front of Veranda Tamarin Hotel. Be ready by 07:15 to avoid missing the boat, which departs promptly at 07:30. The journey kicks off with a speedboat ride across the southwest coast, giving you your first sneak peek at the stunning Mauritian coastline. Expect about 7 to 8 hours on the water, filled with activity, sightseeing, and plenty of opportunities for photos.

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Swimming with Dolphins: The Highlight

Most travelers rave about the chance to swim with dolphins in their natural environment. Guides like Jean Yves and Jason are praised for their friendly professionalism and attention to safety. The process involves cruising to a designated spot where, after a brief briefing, you’ll jump into the water to interact with these intelligent marine mammals.

From the reviews, we learn that dolphin encounters are generally well-managed, with guides explaining how to approach and respect the dolphins. It’s a moving experience—being face to face with such graceful creatures in open sea, with some travelers describing it as “incredibly moving” and “a rewarding, educational, and therapeutic experience”. However, the reviews also note that boats tend to be crowded, which can diminish the feeling of getting close to these animals, and there are concerns about environmental impact.

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Snorkeling at Crystal Rock

Next, you’ll head to Crystal Rock, a famous natural formation near Le Morne Mountain. This stop offers a chance to snorkel in transparent lagoon waters, marveling at the underwater scenery and taking photos of the iconic limestone formation. The site is praised for its spectacular views and calm, clear waters. Some reviews mention that snorkeling conditions are excellent, with lively coral reefs and colorful fish.

While Crystal Rock is the main snorkeling highlight, some travelers suggest that the duration at each stop is limited, leaving little time to really relax or explore the reefs thoroughly. It’s a quick but scenic visit designed for those wanting a taste of Mauritius’s marine beauty.

Benitier Island & the BBQ Lunch

After the water activities, you’ll make your way to Benitier Island, a small, inviting islet with a pristine beach. This is the moment for a hot BBQ lunch—grilled seafood, fish, chicken, sausages, garlic bread, salads, and dessert (Banana Flambé are typical). Unlimited local drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available, making the meal both hearty and refreshing.

Reviewers frequently mention the quality of the food and friendly crew as a highlight, with some noting the lunch surpasses expectations. One guest described it as a “delicious menu” that added to the overall value of the trip. The laid-back atmosphere allows plenty of time to sunbathe, stroll along the beach, or snorkel around the coral reefs that surround the island.

Additional Encounters & Sightings

One unique aspect of this tour is the possibility to see Sperm whales, depending on the season and luck. Several travelers have mentioned catching glimpses of these majestic creatures, though sightings are not guaranteed. Knowledgeable guides do their best to spot them during the cruise.

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The Return & Overall Timing

Most reports indicate that the trip wraps up around 2:00 PM, with some guests feeling the schedule is a little tight—a few complain about returning earlier than the scheduled 4:00 PM. This might mean less relaxation time on Benitier Island for some or feeling rushed at the snorkeling spots.

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Speedboat to Ile aux Benitier: Dolphin Encounter & Lunch

Practical Considerations

The meeting point is at Tamarin public beach, and there’s no included pick-up/drop-off service, so plan your transport accordingly.
Pack essentials like a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and snorkeling gear, although equipment is provided.
The tour is conducted in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, catering to a diverse group.
Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later, with easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

From reviews, it’s clear that guides are well-regarded for their friendliness and care. One traveler noted, “Thanks to Jean Yves and Jason, very friendly, we felt well received.” However, critiques about crowding and early returns are common, with some feeling that more time at each stop would improve the experience.

Another pointed out that the water is busy with boats, which can impact the dolphins’ natural behavior and reduce the intimacy of the encounter. Despite this, most agree the scenery and wildlife sightings make the trip worthwhile.

This adventure offers a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and cuisine, all wrapped into a single day. The price of around $80 per person covers a lot of ground—snorkeling gear, a hearty BBQ lunch, drinks, and the chance to swim with dolphins. For those keen on marine life and photographic opportunities, it’s a strong contender.

The early start and quick pace might not suit travelers who prefer a leisurely day. Still, if you’re up for a full, active day out on the water with memorable encounters, this tour delivers a lot of value. The guides’ professionalism, the stunning views of Le Morne, and the delicious food make it a solid choice, especially for first-timers.

Wildlife enthusiasts eager to swim with dolphins
Photography lovers wanting iconic shots of Crystal Rock and marine life
Foodies interested in a hearty, authentic BBQ lunch
Active travelers comfortable with a busy schedule and boat rides
Families or groups seeking a safe, guided marine adventure

Who Might Want to Skip It?

Those who prefer a more relaxed, less rushed experience
Travelers expecting to see Sperm whales reliably (seasonal and unpredictable)
Anyone sensitive to crowded environments or early mornings
Guests seeking a longer or more in-depth exploration of reef ecosystems

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is included in the tour, though you can bring your own if you prefer.

Is swimming with dolphins safe?
Yes, guides like Jean Yves and Jason ensure safe interactions, emphasizing respect for marine mammals and adherence to best practices.

Can I see Sperm whales on this tour?
There’s a chance to see Sperm whales, but sightings depend on the season and luck. Guides do try to spot them during the cruise.

What is the lunch like?
Expect a generous BBQ buffet with seafood, fish, chicken, salads, garlic bread, and dessert. Unlimited local drinks are available.

How long do we stay at each stop?
Most travelers report about 1-2 hours at each main stop, though some feel the schedule is tight and would prefer more time to relax or snorkel.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour starts at Tamarin public beach, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer there.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and any personal snorkeling gear. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children who are comfortable in the water can enjoy this tour, but always check with the operator regarding age restrictions.

Can I cancel later if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

The Île aux Bénitiers Snorkeling with Dolphins + Seafood Lunch tour offers a lively, scenic, and wildlife-rich day on Mauritius’s southwest coast. It’s particularly suitable for those who want an active and engaging experience, combining marine wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and beach relaxation—all with the comfort of an organized, guided trip.

While some reviews highlight the busy nature of the tour and early returns, the overall value, stunning scenery, and memorable dolphin interactions make it a worthwhile choice for first-time visitors eager to tick these iconic experiences off their bucket list. Just remember, booking ahead and managing expectations about the schedule will help you get the most out of this adventure.

Experience this tour if you’re looking for a jam-packed day filled with marine wildlife, striking views, and a delicious island feast. It’s perfect for travelers who want a snapshot of Mauritius’s vibrant marine ecosystem without spending too much time on logistics. For those craving a slower pace, consider how the schedule aligns with your holiday rhythm. Either way, this trip offers a vivid taste of what the island’s waters have to offer.