Set Sail on an All Inclusive Catamaran to Ile Aux Benitiers

The best part of this Mauritius outing is the easy mix of open-water sailing, snorkeling, and island time. You’ll leave from Rivière Noire, pass Crystal Rock, keep watch for wild dolphins, then spend much of the day near Île aux Bénitiers with lunch and drinks handled by the crew. I like the included halal barbecue chicken lunch and the private, air-conditioned pickup. I also like the small maximum group size of 18, which should feel less crowded than a large boat trip.

The main thing to check is the pickup time. The advertised start is 9:30 a.m., but one cruise passenger was told pickup was at 7 a.m. and could not reach the company that morning. If you are visiting from a ship or have a tight schedule, confirm the exact collection time before booking. Music can also be loud at times, though it adds a party mood for some people.

Key points to know before booking

• Crystal Rock stop: You get about 25 minutes to snorkel near one of Mauritius’s best-known natural formations.
• Île aux Bénitiers: Plan on several hours to sunbathe and slow down on a small island near Le Morne.
• Food and drinks included: The crew serves halal barbecue chicken, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Small group size: The catamaran accepts a maximum of 18 people.
• Pickup is offered: Transport is by private, air-conditioned vehicle, but cruise passengers should verify the collection time.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting out from Rivière Noire

Your day begins with pickup and a drive to Rivière Noire in southwest Mauritius. A private, air-conditioned vehicle is included, which is useful in this part of the island because you do not need to arrange separate transport to the marina.

At the waterfront, the boat crew gives you a briefing of about 15 minutes. This is a short but useful pause before you board. You should expect basic guidance about the day, the boat, and the planned stops. The available guide languages include English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hindi, and Czech.

The trip lasts about eight hours. The stated departure time is 9:30 a.m., but do not treat that as a firm pickup time if you are staying far from Rivière Noire or arriving by cruise ship. The cruise passenger’s experience shows why you should ask for the exact pickup hour and meeting point in writing before the day of the tour.

The boat holds no more than 18 people. That is not a private charter, but it is still a manageable number for a catamaran outing. You can expect a social setting rather than a quiet sailing lesson. Music is part of the atmosphere and may be loud at points, so this suits you best if you like a little energy on the water.

Sailing past Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation in the lagoon near Le Morne. It sits only a short distance from shore and is one of the recognizable sights in this corner of Mauritius. The catamaran sails toward the rock before continuing to Île aux Bénitiers.

The stop includes about 25 minutes of snorkeling. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. Still, bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel if those are not supplied by your accommodation. The tour information confirms the equipment, but it does not promise wetsuits, lockers, or changing facilities.

The snorkeling session is fairly short. That matters if you are hoping for a long reef outing. Think of it as one active stop within a broader day of sailing and beach time, not as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. You will have enough time to get in the water and look around, but the boat then moves on toward the island.

The area is also known for wild dolphins. The boat may encounter them while sailing, but dolphin sightings are naturally not guaranteed. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a chance to watch for them from the catamaran, not a dolphin swim or a scheduled wildlife show.

Lunch, drinks, and the pace on board

When you return to the catamaran after snorkeling, the crew prepares a barbecue chicken lunch. The meal is halal, an important detail if you need halal food and want it included in the day rather than arranged separately.

Snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also included. That makes the $125 price easier to understand. You are not paying only for a boat ride and a short swim. The package also covers pickup, private transport, snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks.

I would still avoid calling the day entirely carefree from a planning point of view. Gratuities are not included, and you may want extra cash for personal purchases if anything is available on or near the island. The supplied details do not promise a full drinks menu, premium brands, or a choice of barbecue dishes, so book this for the overall outing rather than for a specific meal selection.

The music deserves a practical note. One person found the crew attentive and the mood enjoyable, but also said the music could be loud. If you want a peaceful, quiet sail from start to finish, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you like a social soundtrack with your lunch and drinks, it may fit nicely.

Spending time on Île aux Bénitiers

Île aux Bénitiers is a small island just off the southwest coast of Mauritius, near Le Morne. It measures roughly two kilometres by 500 metres, so it is not a place for a long sightseeing program. Its appeal is the chance to stop moving.

The schedule allows several hours on the island, with the main activity being sunbathing and relaxing. You can enjoy the peaceful setting, take a break from the boat, and let the day slow down. This is especially appealing after the morning transfer, briefing, sailing, and snorkeling.

You should not expect a packed list of island attractions. The experience is built around free time. If you want guided walks, historic buildings, shopping streets, or a full set of water sports, the information does not promise them. Bring something to read, a hat, sunscreen, and any personal beach items you need.

The long island stop is a strength for the right person. Some boat excursions rush from one photo stop to the next. Here, much of the day is left open. You can sit, swim if conditions and local arrangements allow, or simply enjoy the view. The exact activities beyond relaxation are not specified, so do not book it expecting a formal island tour.

How the $125 price works for you

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the water in Mauritius. The value comes from how many separate costs are bundled together. You receive pickup, private air-conditioned transport, a catamaran trip, a crew briefing, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

That package can be worthwhile if you prefer one organized day instead of piecing together transport, a boat, food, and equipment. It also helps if you are staying away from Rivière Noire and do not want to manage the transfer yourself.

The value is weaker if you only want a short snorkeling session. The actual snorkeling time is about 25 minutes, while the rest of the day centers on sailing, lunch, drinks, and relaxed island time. You are paying for the full social day, not for extended time underwater.

I would also compare the price with your own appetite for included drinks. If you plan to have a few beverages and appreciate lunch already being prepared, the package may suit you well. If you do not drink alcohol and prefer to explore independently, you may find the all-in-one format less useful.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

This tour suits you if you want a simple, full-day outing with the major arrangements made in advance. Families, couples, and small groups who enjoy a relaxed boat atmosphere may find the format convenient. Most people can take part, and the group limit of 18 keeps the trip from becoming a giant party boat.

It is also a good match if halal food matters to you. The barbecue chicken lunch is specifically halal, and that removes one common worry from a long day away from your base.

You will probably enjoy it if you like a blend of gentle activity and unstructured time. The snorkeling gives you a short burst of action. The island offers a long pause. The drinks and music make the boat feel more like a social outing than a quiet nature cruise.

I would be more cautious if you are on a strict cruise schedule. The reported pickup confusion is the clearest warning in the available feedback. Confirm the exact collection time, allow extra time around the port, and make sure the operator knows where you need to be collected.

You may also want another option if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a silent sailing experience, or a tightly timed sightseeing program. This day leaves room for relaxation and may shift with weather, sea conditions, or the practical timing of pickup.

Weather, cancellation, and day-to-day planning

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached, with the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

For your own plans, avoid booking this on the last possible day of a short Mauritius visit if the boat outing is essential. A weather change could move the trip, and you need some spare time for that to work.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. Keep the local time in mind if you are booking from another country.

The confirmation is provided at booking, and a mobile ticket is accepted. Save the booking details on your phone, but also keep the pickup information easy to find. That is particularly important because the advertised 9:30 a.m. start may not match the actual collection time for every pickup location.

Should you book this Mauritius boat trip?

Book it if you want an easy, social day on the southwest coast with food, drinks, transport, and snorkeling included. The best features are the halal barbecue lunch, the small maximum group size, the Crystal Rock stop, and the long stretch of free time on Île aux Bénitiers.

Think twice if you want quiet sailing, long snorkeling sessions, or strict control over the schedule. The music may be loud, the island visit is intentionally low-key, and the pickup timing needs special attention. My advice is simple: confirm your collection hour before paying, especially if you are arriving from a cruise ship.

For the right pace, this is a pleasant way to spend a full day near Le Morne. You get a little wildlife watching, a short swim, a prepared lunch, and plenty of time to do very little. That last part is the point.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip begin?

The boat departs from Rivière Noire in southwest Mauritius after pickup and a briefing of about 15 minutes.

What time does the experience start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, with a snorkeling session of about 25 minutes near Crystal Rock.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 18 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also lead to a new date or a full refund.