Set Sail on an All Inclusive Catamaran to Ile Aux Benitiers

Dolphins, rock, reef, and a slow island day. This eight-hour catamaran trip links several of southwest Mauritius’s best-known coastal sights in one outing. I like the included halal chicken barbecue and the open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. I also like the small maximum group of 18, which should feel more personal than a large party boat.

The main caution is timing. The advertised start is 9:30 a.m., but one booking made from a cruise ship was given a 7:00 a.m. pickup instead, and the operator could not be reached at the time. Confirm your pickup hour in writing, especially if you have a ship departure or another fixed appointment.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Rock comes first, with about 25 minutes set aside for snorkeling near this unusual rock formation.
• Wild dolphins may appear during the sailing, but sightings are part of nature, not a guarantee.
• Lunch and drinks are included, including a halal chicken barbecue, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
• Île aux Bénitiers is for slowing down, with time for sunbathing and relaxing rather than a packed schedule.
• Pickup and private transport are offered, with an air-conditioned vehicle connecting your accommodation to Rivière Noire.
• The group is limited to 18 people, though music can be loud at times.

From Chamarel to Rivière Noire

This excursion is based in the southwest of Mauritius, with pickup offered from the Chamarel area and other agreed locations. Your driver takes you to Rivière Noire, where the catamaran crew gives a roughly 15-minute safety and orientation briefing before you board.

That transfer matters. You are not expected to find your own way to the harbor, arrange a taxi, or carry snorkeling gear across the island. The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation, which adds real value to the $125 price.

The timing needs attention, though. The official meeting time is 9:30 a.m., but the actual pickup can apparently be earlier depending on the location and schedule. If you are staying in Chamarel, ask for the exact pickup time, not just the published start time.

If you are visiting Mauritius from a cruise ship, be especially careful. A cruise passenger was prepared for a 9:30 start but was later told pickup was at 7:00 a.m. The passenger could not reach the company by WhatsApp or phone at the time, though the refund process through the booking platform was handled efficiently afterward. That is a useful warning: confirm the plan before committing, and do not book this excursion too close to your ship’s all-aboard time.

The 15-minute briefing and catamaran ride

At Rivière Noire, the crew meets you for a short briefing. The supplied information does not give the vessel’s exact size or layout, so you should not assume there will be a cabin, shaded seating, or a particular type of restroom. What is clear is that the day is built around time on the water, with sailing, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a stop at the island.

The group limit of 18 is a welcome detail. It does not make the boat private, but it should keep the outing from becoming an anonymous crowd. A smaller group also makes it easier to get help with snorkeling equipment or ask the guide a question.

Guiding is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hindi, and Czech. The information does not list individual guide names, so the language available may depend on the crew assigned that day. If you need a particular language, request confirmation before paying.

Music is part of the atmosphere. One especially positive account praised the attentive team but also noted that the music could be loud. Some people will call that lively and fun. Others will want a quiet sail and a chance to hear the water. Bring that preference into your decision.

Crystal Rock and the first snorkeling session

The first major stop is Crystal Rock, a natural rock formation in the lagoon near Le Morne. It sits only a few hundred meters from shore, making it easy to view from the catamaran and a striking marker in the open water.

The stop includes about 25 minutes of snorkeling. That is enough time to get a taste of the water, see what is below the surface, and cool off before lunch. It is not a full reef expedition, and you should not expect hours of exploration.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting your own mask and fins. The experience is also suitable for most people according to the supplied participation information, but the material does not state swimming requirements, water depth, or whether flotation aids are available. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the operator what support is provided before you book.

The sailing around Crystal Rock also offers a chance to see wild dolphins. That can be a memorable part of the morning, but dolphins are free-moving animals. Treat this as a possible wildlife encounter, not a promised performance. The crew can take you through the area, but no ethical operator can guarantee a sighting.

Lunch on board with drinks included

After the snorkeling session, you return to the catamaran for lunch. The crew prepares a halal chicken barbecue, and the description says the meal is ready when you come back on board. That is a practical touch: you do not lose island time waiting for food to be cooked.

Snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included as well. Chilled beverages are served while the boat sails toward Île aux Bénitiers. For a full-day water outing, this all-inclusive setup is useful. You do not need to budget for a restaurant meal or buy drinks separately at the island.

The food information is limited to halal chicken barbecue. It does not list side dishes, vegetarian choices, vegan meals, allergies, or children’s portions. If you have dietary restrictions beyond halal food, contact the provider before booking. The meal may be perfectly adequate for many people, but you should not assume a wide menu.

The included alcohol also changes the mood of the trip. It can make the return sail feel festive, especially with music playing. At the same time, drinking in the sun and on a moving boat calls for restraint. Water is included, so use it.

Île aux Bénitiers: a long pause near Le Morne

Île aux Bénitiers is a small island in the lagoon near Le Morne. It measures about 2 kilometers by 500 meters, so this is not a sightseeing stop filled with museums, monuments, or long walks. The appeal is simple: beach time, sun, and a change of pace.

The schedule gives the island about seven hours, though the full experience is described as approximately eight hours. That suggests Île aux Bénitiers receives the largest share of the day, with the remaining time used for road transfers, boarding, Crystal Rock, lunch, and the return sail.

I like that the island stop is not overloaded. You can lie in the sun, relax, and enjoy the quiet without being pushed from one activity to another. If your ideal Mauritius day includes a book, a swim, and a cold drink, this format may suit you well.

The tradeoff is that there is not much organized activity described on the island. The plan specifically emphasizes suntanning and peaceful downtime. If you want hiking, cultural visits, watersports, or a guided walk, this is probably too slow for you.

You should also keep expectations realistic about facilities. The supplied details do not confirm toilets, changing rooms, beach chairs, umbrellas, shops, or shade on Île aux Bénitiers. Bring practical beach clothing and sun protection, and ask about facilities if those details matter to you.

What the $125 price really covers

At $125 per person, this is priced as an all-day package rather than a bare boat transfer. Your fare includes the road connection, private transportation, the catamaran, the crew briefing, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

That bundle can be good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi to Rivière Noire, a boat trip, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. The included air-conditioned vehicle is especially useful if you are staying inland around Chamarel rather than directly beside the coast.

The group cap of 18 strengthens the value. You are paying more than you might for a simple shared boat, but you are also getting a planned day with transport and food. The price is less attractive if you do not drink alcohol, have strict dietary needs, or prefer to arrange each part of the outing yourself.

There is no charge listed for the Crystal Rock or Île aux Bénitiers stops. Gratuities are optional. You should still set aside money only if you want to tip the crew or driver, since tipping is not included in the stated price.

The timing issue you should take seriously

The biggest practical concern is the mismatch between the published 9:30 a.m. start and the reported 7:00 a.m. pickup. It may be connected to pickup location, transport planning, or a particular cruise schedule, but the reason is not made clear.

Ask these questions before departure:

• What exact time will the driver collect you?
• Where is the pickup point?
• How long will the drive to Rivière Noire take?
• Is the catamaran departure time different from the pickup time?
• If you are on a cruise, what is the guaranteed return time?

Save the confirmed details in writing. Phone and WhatsApp contact was not reliable for at least one passenger on the morning of the tour, so do not wait until pickup day to clarify the schedule.

The experience is also weather-dependent. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you can choose a different date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple southwest Mauritius day with several costs bundled together. It suits couples, families, and small groups who value transport, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a relaxed island stop.

It is also a good match if you prefer a social boat atmosphere. The music and included drinks give the day a festive edge, while the 18-person limit keeps it from feeling like a huge excursion.

You may want another option if quiet sailing is important to you. Music can be loud, and the boat has a planned group format rather than a private, silent cruise.

It may also disappoint you if you want a serious snorkeling session. The stated snorkeling time is about 25 minutes, and the main island activity is relaxing rather than exploring. This is a scenic, social day on the water, not a specialist marine tour.

Cruise passengers should book only after confirming the pickup and return schedule. The coastal setting is appealing, but a delayed return can turn a pleasant outing into a stressful race back to the ship.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

I would book it if you want convenience and a relaxed pace. The combination of private transport, halal barbecue, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a small group makes $125 reasonable for a full day in southwest Mauritius.

I would not book it without confirming the pickup hour. The 9:30 a.m. start is not reliable enough to accept at face value, especially from a cruise port. Ask for the actual collection time and return plan before you pay.

Choose this experience for dolphins, Crystal Rock, a short swim, a lively sail, and many unhurried hours on Île aux Bénitiers. Choose something else if you want extensive snorkeling, a quiet boat, or a tightly timed cruise excursion.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip take place?

The experience operates in southwest Mauritius. Pickup leads to Rivière Noire, followed by a sailing near Crystal Rock and a stop at Île aux Bénitiers near Le Morne.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 9:30 a.m. Pickup may be earlier depending on your location, so confirm the exact collection time with the provider before the day of departure.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours. The listed schedule allows about one hour around Crystal Rock and about seven hours at Île aux Bénitiers.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the package includes an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation to and from Rivière Noire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A halal chicken barbecue lunch is included, along with snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the Crystal Rock stop includes about 25 minutes of snorkeling.

What languages are available for the guide?

In-person guiding is listed in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hindi, and Czech. The individual guide is not named, so confirm your preferred language in advance.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also result in a new date or a full refund.