Private Île aux Bénitiers Boat: Dolphin Snorkeling & Lobster

The main event comes early: you board a private speedboat at Le Morne and head into the southwest lagoon for a chance to swim near dolphins in their natural surroundings. I like that your group of up to four has the boat to itself, and that the day combines active water time with a proper lobster lunch on Île aux Bénitiers.

I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, bottled water, a generous local open bar, and a menu that goes well beyond lobster. The main consideration is that dolphin swimming takes place in the open sea, so sightings and close encounters cannot be promised, and a full day on a fast boat may feel long for anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to four: You avoid sharing the speedboat with a large group and can enjoy a more personal pace.
• Dolphin encounter first: The morning focuses on seeing and swimming near dolphins, with guidance on respectful behavior.
• Crystal Rock near Le Morne: Snorkel around one of southwest Mauritius’s best-known natural formations with the mountain in view.
• Lobster lunch on Île aux Bénitiers: Expect grilled lobster, prawns, fish, chicken, sausages, salads, garlic bread, dessert, and drinks.
• Open bar throughout the cruise: Rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water are included.
• Skipper Patrice may be on duty: His attentive but relaxed manner has been singled out as a strong part of the experience.

A private start from Le Morne Beach

This outing begins at Le Morne Beach, where you board your private speedboat and head toward the southwest lagoon. The advertised duration is seven hours, though the day is also described as lasting seven to eight hours, so I would keep your schedule flexible.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. Instead of adjusting to a large boatload of people, you share the ride with only your own family or friends, up to four people in total. That matters most on a water day, when space for bags, cameras, towels, and personal comfort can make a real difference.

You are not simply handed snorkeling gear and sent into the water. Before reaching the dolphin area, the skipper and guide explain how to approach the animals and which swimming rules to follow. That instruction is important. Dolphins are wild mammals, not performers, and the experience is better when your group knows how to behave around them.

Skipper Patrice is specifically associated with this experience, and his service has been described as attentive, helpful, relaxed, and friendly. Since staff can vary by departure, I would treat Patrice as a possible guide rather than a guaranteed one, but his name is useful to know when you confirm your booking.

Dolphin swimming in the southwest lagoon

The dolphin portion is the emotional center of the day. You cruise into the open sea, look for dolphins, and may have the chance to enter the water near them. The wording matters: this is an encounter with animals in their natural setting, not a controlled aquarium session.

That also means nature sets the timetable. You may see many dolphins, as one recent party did, but no responsible operator can guarantee the number of animals, how close they come, or how long they remain nearby. Keep your expectations flexible and treat the sighting itself as the success.

The operator says it focuses on responsible practices and does not harm animals during the swimming sessions. You will receive instructions about respectful approaches and the surrounding environment. Follow them closely, even if the excitement of seeing dolphins makes everyone eager to get into the water.

The sea can be active, and you should be comfortable in open water before booking. The supplied information does not give a minimum swimming level, so ask the provider if you have concerns about confidence, children, or anyone who tires quickly in the water.

Bring a camera if you want photographs, but protect it properly. The boat, salt water, spray, and quick dolphin sightings are not friendly to unsecured electronics. Sunscreen is also essential, as the boat and island offer plenty of exposure.

Crystal Rock with Le Morne in view

After the dolphin encounter, the boat heads to Crystal Rock. This unusual rock formation sits in the lagoon off Le Morne, a short distance from shore, and is one of the area’s most recognizable natural sights.

Here you can snorkel in the lagoon and take photographs. The setting gives you two subjects at once: the rock itself and Le Morne Mountain behind it. That combination makes this stop more than a quick swimming break. It is also the most scenic photo stop of the day.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting a mask and fins separately. Still, bring your own gear if you have equipment that fits you especially well. The supplied information does not specify the exact snorkeling duration, water depth, or visibility on a given day, so conditions will shape how much time you spend in the water.

I would think of Crystal Rock as a pleasant, compact snorkeling stop rather than a full reef expedition. The attraction is the rock, lagoon setting, coral area, and view toward Le Morne. If your main goal is several hours of serious reef exploration, this trip may not be the right match. If you want a scenic swim folded into a wider day, it fits nicely.

Lunch on Île aux Bénitiers

After the water activities, you head to Île aux Bénitiers for the meal. The cooks begin preparing lunch when you arrive, with food served about an hour later. That wait is worth noting, especially if you have hungry children or anyone who prefers a tightly timed schedule.

The advertised barbecue menu includes:

• Grilled lobster
• Prawns and fish
• Chicken and sausages
• Rice and pasta
• Garlic bread
• Salad
• Dessert, including banana flambé

The menu gives the meal broad appeal. Seafood lovers get lobster, prawns, and fish, while anyone less keen on shellfish has chicken and sausages. Rice, pasta, bread, and salad make it substantial rather than a light beach snack.

Fresh lobster is the meal’s main selling point, particularly because it is part of a private full-day outing rather than an extra-cost restaurant stop. The supplied information does not specify lobster size, preparation details beyond grilling, or how the menu changes for allergies and dietary needs. If that matters to you, ask before booking.

The food is served on the island, not while the boat is moving. That gives you a proper pause after the morning’s swimming. You can eat, have a drink, and let the day slow down before deciding how to spend the remaining island time.

Beach time and lagoon relaxation

Once lunch is finished, you have free time on Île aux Bénitiers. You can tan on the beach, walk along the shore, or explore the lagoons and coral areas around the island.

This unstructured hour or so is useful. The morning has a clear sequence, with boating, dolphin swimming, and snorkeling. The island gives you space to do less. I like that balance, especially for a private group with different energy levels.

Do not expect a long list of organized island activities. The appeal here is simple: beach, water, views, and a relaxed break after lunch. The supplied information does not provide changing-room details, shower facilities, chair arrangements, or a precise beach schedule, so pack light and bring clothes that can get dirty or wet.

The open bar continues during the speedboat ride, with local rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water available. Bottled water is provided on arrival as well. Since alcohol is included, pace yourself carefully if you plan to swim or spend time in the sun. You should always be clear-headed before entering the water.

What the $738 price means for four people

The price is $738 per group of up to four. At full capacity, that works out to $184.50 per person. For a couple, the cost per person is much higher, so the value depends heavily on how many people share the boat.

At four people, the price includes a private speedboat, guide and skipper service, dolphin encounter, Crystal Rock snorkeling, equipment, lagoon cruising, lobster barbecue, dessert, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It also buys you privacy, which is often the hardest feature to find on popular boat trips.

The open bar and full meal add real value. You do not need to budget separately for a restaurant lunch, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base price, but an optional private chauffeured vehicle can be arranged for an additional charge anywhere in Mauritius.

That extra transfer can make sense if you are staying far from Le Morne or do not want to organize transport before an early start. If you are already near the departure point, it may be more economical to arrange your own way there. The exact transfer cost is not provided, so ask for it before finalizing the booking.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this excursion to a small family or group of friends that wants a private boat and a packed day of classic southwest Mauritius sights. It works especially well if your group values flexibility, shared food, drinks, and time in the water.

It is also a good fit for people who want several experiences in one booking. You get dolphin watching, a possible swim, snorkeling, a famous rock formation, a mountain view, an island lunch, and beach time without changing tour providers.

You may want a different plan if your priority is a quiet sail, a long beach day, or a highly structured wildlife tour with guaranteed sightings. This trip is active and social, even though the boat itself is private. The speedboat, open sea, sun, and several water stops may not suit anyone who is uncomfortable on boats.

Families should check directly about swimming abilities and child needs, since no age limits or child-specific arrangements are provided. Anyone with food allergies should also confirm the lunch menu ahead of time.

Practical details to settle before booking

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule rather than assuming a fixed departure hour.

Guiding is available in English, French, German, and Italian. The experience is a private group activity for up to four people. A separate entrance is described as available, though the most important benefit here is the private boat rather than a queue arrangement.

Pack sunscreen, a camera, and clothes that can get dirty. I would also bring a towel, a secure dry bag, and a spare shirt, though the supplied packing guidance specifically confirms only the camera, sunscreen, and washable clothes.

The tour provider is Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer. If you need hotel or Airbnb transportation, request the optional private chauffeur when booking. It is not part of the stated price.

Should you book this private Mauritius boat trip?

Book it if you can fill the boat with four people and want a high-energy day centered on dolphins, snorkeling, lobster, and private service. The strongest value comes from the combination: your own speedboat, a full meal, open drinks, equipment, and a flexible beach break.

The most praised details are the smooth organization, the tasty lunch, the large number of dolphins seen on one outing, and the calm, attentive service associated with skipper Patrice. Just remember that dolphin encounters depend on nature, and the open-sea setting requires reasonable comfort in the water.

For a small group ready to spend a full day outside, this is one of the more complete ways to experience the Le Morne area. For two people on a tight budget, or anyone seeking guaranteed wildlife contact, compare other options first.

FAQ

How long is the private Île aux Bénitiers boat tour?

The advertised duration is seven hours. The tour description also refers to a seven to eight hour day, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private group can include up to four people.

Where does the boat depart?

You board the speedboat at Le Morne Beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. An optional private chauffeured vehicle can pick you up and return you to your hotel or Airbnb anywhere in Mauritius for an additional cost.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included barbecue lunch features grilled lobster, prawns, fish, chicken, sausages, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, and banana flambé for dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes local rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Bottled water is provided on arrival.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with snorkeling at Crystal Rock.

Can I swim with dolphins?

The activity includes dolphin encounters and the opportunity to swim near dolphins in the southwest lagoon. The dolphins are in their natural surroundings, so sightings and swimming opportunities depend on conditions and animal behavior.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guiding is available in English, French, German, and Italian.