Full Day Catamaran Cruise – West Coast and Snorkeling Activity

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and easy adventure. You’ll pass Le Morne Brabant, watch for dolphins in Tamarin Bay, swim or snorkel along the west coast, and spend the afternoon with lunch and local drinks on board.

I like the strong variety here: marine wildlife and snorkeling give the morning some excitement, while the slow sail, BBQ lunch, and stop at Ile aux Bénitiers make the second half more relaxed. I also like the small maximum group size of 36, which should feel more manageable than a packed party boat.

The main thing to consider is that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the snorkeling stop may be at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie depending on conditions. Weather also matters, so this is not the right pick if you need a fixed, weather-proof activity.

Key points to know before booking

• Le Morne Brabant from the water: The UNESCO-listed mountain gives the cruise one of Mauritius’ most memorable views.
• Dolphin and possible whale sightings: Tamarin Bay offers a chance to see dolphins, but nature decides the schedule.
• Two possible snorkeling areas: Swim at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie and look for marine life in clear coastal water.
• BBQ lunch served aboard: Grilled fish, BBQ chicken, salads, garlic bread, fruit, and local drinks are included.
• A relaxed west-coast finish: Sailing and a stop at Ile aux Bénitiers round out the day.
• Six hours for $84.50: The price covers a full morning and afternoon on the water, food, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling.

Why this west-coast cruise works so well

Mauritius has many boat trips, but this one covers a satisfying stretch of the southwest coast without asking you to spend the whole day rushing from stop to stop. You leave from Le Morne Anglers’ Club in Black River and return to the same jetty around 3:30 in the afternoon.

That timing matters. You get a full outing without giving up the entire evening, and the return point keeps the day simple. I especially like the way the plan moves from active to easy: wildlife watching and snorkeling come first, then lunch, sailing, and Ile aux Bénitiers.

The Spinner Dolphin catamaran is described as spacious and suited to families, friends, and celebrations. With a maximum of 36 people, you should have enough room to move around and find a comfortable place to sit. It is still a shared cruise, not a private charter, so expect a social atmosphere rather than quiet solitude.

The cruise price is $84.50 per person. That is fair value if you want several elements bundled into one day: a catamaran ride, coastal views, a snorkeling stop, a possible dolphin encounter, a BBQ lunch, drinks, and time at sea. If you only want a short boat ride, it may feel like too much. If you want a broad taste of the west coast, the package makes more sense.

Meeting at Black River and getting under way

The meeting point is Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire. The published schedule says to meet at 9:20 sharp for boarding and leave at 9:30. Another booking detail gives a 9:00 start time, so I would treat the 9:20 meeting instruction as the practical boarding time and confirm the exact arrival time when you book.

Arriving on time matters because the catamaran has a fixed departure. The activity ends back at the same jetty, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The operator is Blue Safari Submarine, although this experience itself takes place aboard the Spinner Dolphin catamaran.

Once aboard, you can settle into a day built around the coast rather than a long list of formal stops. The boat is intended for leisure sailing, so the pace should feel more like a day on the water than a tightly managed sightseeing circuit.

I would bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel, though the supplied details do not specify equipment rental or a towel service. Since the schedule includes swimming and snorkeling, you will want to arrive ready for the water instead of treating those stops as optional sightseeing only.

Sailing along the Black River coast

The opening stretch follows the Black River coast. This is the time to get comfortable, take in the views, and keep your camera ready for Le Morne Brabant.

Le Morne Brabant is one of Mauritius’ signature sights, and seeing it from the water gives you a different angle than a land-based visit. The mountain rises at the southwest tip of the island and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. From a catamaran, you can appreciate its broad profile while the coast slides past at an unhurried pace.

I like this part because it gives the cruise a sense of place right away. You are not simply being taken to a swim stop. You are moving through one of Mauritius’ most recognizable coastal areas, with the mountain, lagoon, and open sea shaping the experience.

The schedule also points toward the Black River Gorges area, known for its lush interior. The cruise itself focuses on the coast, so do not expect a land visit or a hike through the gorges. Instead, the reference adds context to the southwest setting: this is a part of Mauritius where dramatic mountains and greener inland terrain meet the sea.

Watching for dolphins in Tamarin Bay

The next major possibility is a dolphin encounter in Tamarin Bay. This is one of the most appealing parts of the day, but it is important to keep your expectations sensible. Dolphins are wild animals, so no operator can promise a sighting, and the schedule correctly presents it as a possibility.

If dolphins appear, the moment can quickly become the highlight of the morning. Keep your attention on the water rather than assuming the crew will point out every movement. A little patience helps, especially when the boat is moving through a wide bay.

Whales are also mentioned as a possible sighting. I would treat this as an extra bonus, not as a reason to book the trip by itself. The dolphin opportunity is more central to the plan, while whales depend even more on timing and natural conditions.

This wildlife element gives the cruise more character than a simple scenic boat ride. At the same time, anyone who needs guaranteed animal viewing should choose a different type of attraction. The value here comes from being on the water in a place where something memorable might happen, not from a promised show.

Snorkeling at La Preneuse or L’Harmonie

The boat stops at either La Preneuse or L’Harmonie for swimming and snorkeling. The exact location can vary, which is worth knowing if you have your heart set on one particular bay.

The appeal is straightforward: clear water, a chance to cool off, and time to look for marine life below the surface. This is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition. It is a pleasant part of a broader catamaran day, suited to people who want an easy swim rather than technical instruction or a long underwater session.

I like that the stop breaks up the sailing. Six hours on a boat can feel long if you remain seated the entire time, while a swim gives the day some movement. Families and mixed groups should find this useful because swimmers can get in the water while others stay aboard and enjoy the scenery.

The possible drawback is that the quality of the snorkeling depends on sea conditions and visibility. Even crystal-clear water does not guarantee a dramatic display of fish every time. You should see this stop as a chance to explore and cool off, with marine life as the reward rather than the promise.

BBQ lunch with grilled fish and chicken

Lunch is served on board after the water activities. The non-vegetarian mix grill menu includes grilled fish with butter and garlic sauce, BBQ chicken skewers, rice salad with vegetables, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

That is a substantial menu for a day cruise. You get protein, salads, bread, and fruit rather than a token snack. The combination also suits different appetites, though the supplied menu is specifically non-vegetarian, so you should check dietary options before booking if you need something else.

I like the timing of the meal. After sailing and swimming, a proper lunch makes the afternoon feel more comfortable. You can eat without leaving the boat or interrupting the day with a trip back to shore.

Local drinks are also included, and one especially useful detail is the onboard cocktail. The exact ingredients are not provided, but the drink is singled out as a popular choice. If you enjoy a festive boat atmosphere, this adds to the holiday mood. If you prefer a quieter outing, music, drinks, and the celebration-friendly setup may make the experience feel livelier than expected.

The afternoon sail and Ile aux Bénitiers

After lunch, the catamaran continues at leisure along the west coast and stops at Ile aux Bénitiers. This part of the schedule is less about checking off sights and more about enjoying the sea.

Ile aux Bénitiers gives the afternoon a change of setting, though the supplied details do not specify how long you stay there or which activities are offered on the island. I would think of it as a scenic stop within the cruise rather than a full island tour.

The slower pace is welcome after the morning’s wildlife watching and snorkeling. You can enjoy the views, sit with a drink, talk with your group, or simply let the boat carry you along the coast. This is where the cruise feels most suited to families and friends who want shared time without constant instructions.

Music and a social atmosphere may be part of the experience. The catamaran is also described as suitable for celebrations, so this is not an especially formal or silent sailing trip. That can be a plus for birthdays and group outings, but couples seeking a private romantic cruise may prefer a smaller charter.

What the $84.50 price really includes

At $84.50 per person, I see this as a mid-range full-day water experience rather than a basic boat transfer. The price includes the main parts you would otherwise need to arrange separately: several hours on the coast, a snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, drinks, and the chance to see dolphins or whales.

The strongest value comes from the length. Six hours gives you time for both activity and rest. A shorter cruise might offer a quick swim and a view of the coast, but this one gives you a full day’s shape, from the morning departure through the return at about 3:30.

The value is less clear if you are not interested in swimming, snorkeling, or wildlife watching. Much of the appeal depends on being willing to participate in the water-based parts. You can stay aboard, but you would be paying for activities you do not plan to use.

The rating provided is 4.4 from nine reviews, which suggests a generally positive response but is still a small sample. The strongest praise focuses on the views, swimming, snorkeling, crew, music, food, and overall atmosphere. One booking problem also appears in the feedback: a group that added two people later found that those additions were not properly recognized at the time of the cruise.

That issue is a useful warning for larger groups. If you add people after the original booking, make sure the operator confirms the change in writing and that each person has a separate payment and booking record. Do not assume a phone payment alone has updated the passenger list.

Who should book this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a broad, easy introduction to Mauritius’ west coast. It suits people who like scenic sailing but also want a real activity, especially swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.

It is a good match for:

• Families with members who want different levels of activity
• Friends looking for a social day with food and music
• Couples who enjoy an active outing more than a quiet private charter
• First-time visitors who want to combine several west-coast highlights
• Anyone who values a full meal and drinks included in the day’s price

I would be more cautious if you dislike group excursions or need a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The maximum of 36 keeps the boat from being enormous, but it does not make this an intimate private experience.

You should also consider the weather policy. The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That protection is helpful, but it also means you should avoid placing this activity on the final possible day of your Mauritius visit if rescheduling would be difficult.

Booking and cancellation advice

Confirmation is provided at booking, and mobile tickets make the experience easy to carry without printing paperwork. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time.

Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. I would double-check the meeting time, passenger names, and total number of places before that deadline, especially if you are booking for a group.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The information does not give specific details about snorkeling equipment, dietary substitutions, or assistance with mobility, so ask the provider directly if any of those points affect your plans.

Should you book the Full Day Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want one well-rounded day on Mauritius’ west coast, with dramatic coastal views, a possible dolphin sighting, swimming, snorkeling, a filling BBQ, local drinks, and an easy afternoon sail. The combination gives you more than a short photo trip and keeps the day pleasantly varied.

Skip it if you want guaranteed wildlife, a private boat, or a quiet luxury outing with no music or group energy. For most visitors who enjoy the sea and want good value from a six-hour excursion, the $84.50 price is reasonable. Just confirm the departure details and every passenger on the booking, then let the weather and the wildlife set the pace.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius.

What time should I meet the boat?

The operating schedule says to meet at 9:20 sharp for embarkation, with departure at 9:30. Another booking detail lists a 9:00 start time, so confirm the exact arrival time with the provider.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and is scheduled to return to the jetty around 3:30 pm.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes grilled fish with butter and garlic sauce, BBQ chicken skewers, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. A variety of local drinks are included on board.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling and swimming stop is at either La Preneuse or L’Harmonie.

Can I see dolphins or whales?

The cruise offers a possibility of seeing dolphins in Tamarin Bay and, if conditions are right, whales. Sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.