Private Dolphin Swim/Snorkeling & Lunch on Benitiers island

The day’s main draw is clear: you get out on the water to see dolphins near Tamarin Bay, then continue by speedboat to Île aux Bénitiers for snorkeling, a BBQ, and wide views of Le Morne Mountain. I like the private group format, which lets you shape the pace with your own party instead of sharing every stop with a large busload.

I also like that pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, drinks, lunch, and an experienced licensed crew are included. The main point to consider is crowding around the dolphins and Crystal Rock. A December visit had many boats in the same area, so an early start may give you a quieter time on the water.

Key details at a glance

• Dolphins near Tamarin Bay: Swim and watch dolphins in their natural surroundings, subject to sea conditions and the captain’s decisions.
• Private speedboat for up to two people: The tour is priced at $1,150 per group, not per person.
• Crystal Rock and Le Morne views: Snorkel near a famous rock formation with the mountain as a dramatic backdrop.
• Three-course island BBQ: Expect grilled kebabs, seafood and fish, chicken, sausages, accompaniments, and drinks.
• Seven hours with hotel pickup: Transport from your accommodation in Mauritius is included, as is the return trip.
• Weather can change the schedule: The captain may move the date if conditions are unsafe, with an alternative date offered.

A private day from Mauritius to the open sea

This is a full-day outing built around three things: dolphins, a lagoon, and lunch on an island. You leave your accommodation by road, board a speedboat, and spend the day moving between Tamarin Bay, Crystal Rock, and Île aux Bénitiers.

The private setup matters here. Your group can discuss preferences with the crew, and the day can be adjusted to suit your pace within the limits of weather, sea conditions, and the planned stops. That is a major advantage for couples or a small family who would rather not follow a fixed group schedule.

The price is $1,150 for a group of up to two. That is a steep total for a couple, but it includes private transport on the water, hotel transfers, a licensed crew, gear, drinks, and food. If you are comparing it with a shared boat trip, the value comes mainly from privacy and personal attention, not from getting the lowest possible price.

Tamarin Bay and the dolphin encounter

The first major stop is Tamarin Bay, where you look for dolphins and have the chance to swim near them. The appeal is being on the water with wild animals rather than watching a staged performance in a marine park.

Keep your expectations sensible. Dolphin activity is not controlled, and the quality of the encounter depends on the animals, the weather, visibility, and how many boats are in the bay that day. You may see dolphins clearly and spend time in the water, but no responsible operator can promise a close or lengthy swim.

Crowding is the biggest practical concern. During a December visit, many other boats were using the same area for dolphin watching and swimming. The private boat does not mean you will have the whole bay to yourself. It does give your own party a more personal boat experience, but the wider site can still be busy.

Ask about the earliest practical departure when you book. An earlier start may help you reach the bay before more boats arrive, though the final timing depends on the operator and sea conditions. This is one of the most useful ways to improve the day without changing the itinerary.

You should also be comfortable in open water. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, and swimming is part of its central appeal. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew what support is available before setting out rather than assuming the conditions will be calm.

Speedboat travel to Île aux Bénitiers

After the dolphin stop, the boat continues toward Île aux Bénitiers. The speedboat makes it possible to cover the route and visit several water sites in one day, while the private format keeps your party together.

A boat day also means exposure to sun, wind, spray, and changing sea conditions. Bring a hat, swimwear, beachwear, and a towel. A light breakfast at your hotel is sensible because you may be on the water before lunch, and the operator specifically advises against starting the morning with a heavy meal.

The trip is planned for about seven hours, but the timetable can shift slightly because of weather or other conditions beyond the crew’s control. That flexibility is normal for a sea excursion. The captain has the final say when safety is at issue, so do not treat the advertised schedule as a minute-by-minute promise.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation in Mauritius. That removes the need to arrange a separate transfer to the launch point, which is useful when you are carrying towels and beach items or staying away from the main coastal departure areas.

Snorkeling at Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock is one of the day’s scenic highlights. You stop to snorkel and take in the view toward Le Morne Mountain, one of the most recognizable sights in southwestern Mauritius.

Snorkeling gear is available free on board, so you do not need to rent a mask, snorkel, or related equipment separately. You should still bring your own gear if you prefer a particular fit, but the included equipment keeps the day simple for most people.

The quality of snorkeling can vary with water clarity and conditions. Think of this as one part of a wider sea day, not a dedicated reef expedition. The attraction is the combination of time in the water, the rock formation, and the mountain view.

Take a moment to look up from the reef. Crystal Rock is not only a swimming stop. With Le Morne in the background, it gives you some of the most memorable scenery of the outing. Keep your camera protected from spray, and remember that a boat-based schedule may limit how long you can stay in one place.

BBQ lunch on Île aux Bénitiers

The crew begins preparing lunch once you reach Île aux Bénitiers. The cooking starts while you settle on the island, with the meal expected to be ready in about an hour.

The food is a substantial spread of grilled items. It includes kebabs, seafood and fish, chicken, sausages, other accompaniments, and drinks. The meal is described as a three-course BBQ and picnic lunch, so you can expect more than a quick sandwich before returning to the boat.

This is one of the better features for anyone who wants the day to feel relaxed rather than tightly packed. Instead of rushing from one water stop to the next, you get time for a proper meal on land. Drinks are included, which also means you do not need to plan a separate purchase during the main lunch stop.

Food preferences are not specified, so ask in advance if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or strong dislikes. The menu centers on grilled meat, fish, and seafood. Do not assume that vegetarian or special-diet choices are available unless the operator confirms them.

Free time on the island after lunch

Once lunch is over, you have leisure time on Île aux Bénitiers. You can relax on the beach, tan, walk along the island’s long shoreline, or spend more time looking around the nearby lagoon and coral areas.

This part of the day gives the outing a useful change of pace. Dolphin watching and snorkeling are active, sometimes hectic activities. The island stop lets you dry off, eat properly, and enjoy the scenery without being in the water every minute.

The beach time is not presented as a guided cultural visit, and no historical or village tour is included. If you want museums, local heritage sites, or a detailed island walk, this is not that kind of excursion. It is best for a day of sea views, swimming, food, and unhurried time beside the lagoon.

You should bring sun protection even if you plan to spend much of the afternoon in the shade or water. A hat is specifically recommended, and beachwear makes the transition from boat to lunch easier.

What the private format really adds

The tour is for a private group, with the listed price covering up to two people. That makes it a natural fit for a couple celebrating a special occasion or for two people who want control over their day.

The private format can help with timing, photo stops, and the amount of time you spend relaxing after lunch. It also avoids having strangers dictate when your group leaves the island or returns to the boat.

It does not remove every limitation. Dolphin areas and Crystal Rock can have other boats, and the captain still controls the route when weather changes. Private means your booking is exclusive, not that every public sea site becomes private for you.

English and French are available for the live guide and crew. That is useful if you want to ask questions during the boat ride or discuss adjustments to the day. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to choose a particular guide when booking.

Weather, timing, and comfort

Mauritius can offer excellent sea days, but a speedboat tour depends on conditions. If weather becomes unsuitable, the captain can change the date. Your booking is not lost, and an alternative date is proposed according to your convenience.

That policy is reassuring, but it requires some flexibility in your holiday schedule. If you are in Mauritius for only one or two nights, a weather-related change may be harder to fit in. If possible, place the tour earlier in your stay so you have room to move it.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. It involves boat boarding, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and movement on an island. If anyone in your party has a medical concern or limited mobility, get clear advice from the provider before paying.

For comfort, pack:

• Hat and sun protection
• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Any personal medication
• A light breakfast beforehand

Snorkeling equipment and drinks are supplied. You may still want a waterproof bag for phones and valuables, though one is not listed among the inclusions.

Who gets the best value from this outing?

I would recommend this for a couple who places a high value on privacy and wants several signature Mauritius sights in one day. It also suits people who would rather pay more for a dedicated boat than join a large shared excursion.

It is a good match if you want a mix of wildlife, swimming, scenery, a generous grilled lunch, and beach time. The seven-hour length gives you enough time to enjoy the day without making the outing feel like a short boat transfer.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is a quiet, exclusive dolphin encounter. The water around Tamarin Bay can be busy, especially in high season, and the private boat does not guarantee solitude among the dolphins.

I would also look elsewhere if you want a focused snorkeling trip with extensive reef time. Snorkeling is included at Crystal Rock, but it is one component of a broader itinerary that also includes the dolphins, island lunch, and relaxation.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this private outing if you want a polished, all-in-one sea day and are comfortable paying $1,150 for a group of up to two. The strongest reasons are the private speedboat, included hotel transfers, licensed crew, supplied snorkeling gear, drinks, and the substantial BBQ lunch.

Before booking, ask about the earliest departure, the expected dolphin stop timing, and food options for special diets. Confirm that the date fits your plans if weather forces a change.

I think the tour makes the most sense for a couple who wants convenience and control rather than the lowest price. The dolphin encounter may be affected by other boats, but the combination of Tamarin Bay, Crystal Rock, Le Morne views, and a relaxed lunch on Île aux Bénitiers gives you a full picture of Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

How long does the dolphin and Île aux Bénitiers tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. The exact number of hours can change slightly because of weather or other conditions beyond the crew’s control.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speedboat trip, guide, experienced licensed crew, snorkeling equipment, drinks, picnic lunch with barbecue, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How many people can join the private tour?

The listed price is for a private group of up to two people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Mauritius are included.

Which languages are available?

The live guide and crew can provide the tour in English or French.

Will I swim with dolphins?

The tour includes dolphin watching and the chance to swim with dolphins in Tamarin Bay. The exact encounter depends on the dolphins and sea conditions.

Where does the dolphin encounter take place?

The dolphin portion takes place in the bay of Tamarin.

What is Crystal Rock?

Crystal Rock is a sightseeing and snorkeling stop where you can admire the rock formation and views of Le Morne Mountain.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled kebabs, seafood and fish, chicken, sausages, other accompaniments, and drinks. It is described as a three-course BBQ lunch.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. A light breakfast at your hotel is also advised.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available free on board.

Can the date change because of weather?

Yes. The speedboat captain makes the final decision if weather conditions are unsuitable. An alternative date is proposed according to your convenience, and the booking is not lost.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. Pregnant women are listed among those for whom the activity is not suitable.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.