Snorkel with Dolphins, Lunch on Benitiers island, Speedboat

The main draw is clear: dolphins in Tamarin Bay, followed by a fast ride across the west coast of Mauritius. The day also includes Crystal Rock and a relaxed island lunch, so you get more than a short wildlife outing.

I like the small maximum group of 14 and the fact that snorkeling gear, life jackets, lunch, salad, and drinks are included. I also like the mix of active water time and easy beach time on Ile aux Benitiers.

The weak point is nature’s lack of scheduling skills. Dolphin encounters and underwater visibility can vary, and the island may feel crowded. The first part also suits active swimmers better than anyone who wants a gentle boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Dolphin time comes first: Tamarin Bay is the morning focus, with opportunities to watch and snorkel near dolphins.
• Crystal Rock adds a second water stop: You may get out near the rock to swim close to it.
• Ile aux Benitiers provides the long lunch break: Expect a BBQ, salad, drinks, beach time, and a lagoon setting.
• The group is capped at 14: That is a more personal setup than a large boat outing.
• The meeting point is Tamarin Beach: You arrange your own way to Blond boulette, Boulette la Baie, at 7:30 am.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

A fast start from Tamarin Beach

You meet at Blond boulette, Boulette la Baie, in Tamarin at 7:30 am. The beach is part of the experience, not just a pin on a map. Arriving a little early gives you time to walk along the sand, get your sea legs, and find the meeting point without rushing.

Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own ride to Tamarin and back. That matters if you are staying on another part of Mauritius. Morning traffic can add a lot of time when you are coming from far away, so build in a sensible buffer.

The boat trip lasts about seven hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is split between Tamarin Bay and Ile aux Benitiers, with a short beach walk at the start and another at the end. The exact time at each stop can shift with sea conditions and the pace of the group.

A maximum of 14 people keeps the outing relatively small. You still share the boat, but you are not dealing with the scale of a large excursion vessel. The crew provides equipment and life jackets, and they are available to help with the water activities.

Tamarin Bay and the search for dolphins

Tamarin Bay is the emotional center of the morning. The boat heads out to watch dolphins, with the possibility of swimming and snorkeling near them. You can expect the crew to guide the group and explain what to do, but the animals set the terms.

That distinction is important. A dolphin encounter is not a scheduled performance. The dolphins may come close, stay farther away, or move on quickly. One trip can have excellent visibility and easy sightings, while another can be affected by rougher water or poor visibility.

The water conditions have a direct effect on the experience. If visibility is poor, you may see dolphins from the boat but not much underwater. The trip still has value in that case, but it will feel more like a wildlife cruise than a snorkeling session.

The first section is best for people who are comfortable in the water. Getting in and out of a boat, swimming in open water, and keeping up with the group require a reasonable level of fitness. The activity description says most people can participate, but the practical experience is more demanding than a short swim from a quiet beach.

Life jackets are available, and the crew is there to help and guide you. Still, you should be honest with yourself about your swimming ability. If you prefer to stay dry, you can focus on watching from the boat, but the strongest reason to book this outing is the chance to enter the water.

The group may spend up to four hours around Tamarin Bay and Crystal Rock. That does not mean four hours of constant snorkeling. The time includes boat movement, dolphin watching, changing locations, swimming, and waiting for suitable conditions.

Crystal Rock gives the morning a second target

After the dolphin portion, the boat continues toward Crystal Rock. This striking formation sits in the lagoon and gives the crew another place to stop the boat and let the group swim.

If conditions and group interest allow, you can get out near the rock, swim close to it, and even touch it. That makes the stop more active than a quick photo pass. It also breaks up the dolphin portion, which is useful if the animals are not close or the visibility is disappointing.

Crystal Rock is not a guaranteed private swim. The description allows for the group’s wishes and the conditions of the day, so the stop can vary. Think of it as a bonus water experience rather than a fixed-length activity.

The setting is one of the tour’s strong points. From the boat, you can take in the open sea, beaches, mountains, and nearby islands. The west side of Mauritius gives the ride plenty of scenery between stops, and the speedboat makes the journey part of the fun.

A speedboat also means movement and spray. That is good news if you enjoy a brisk ride, but less appealing if you want a slow, quiet cruise. Keep anything sensitive to water secure, and expect the boat ride to feel lively rather than polished and formal.

Ile aux Benitiers and the three-hour lunch break

Ile aux Benitiers is where the day slows down. The island has vegetation, white sand, and a lagoon suitable for swimming and some snorkeling. After the active morning, the three-hour stop gives you time to eat, sit on the beach, and decide how much more water time you want.

Lunch includes a BBQ, salad, and drinks. That is a useful inclusion because you do not need to organize a separate meal during a long morning on the water. The meal is presented as a shared, social part of the outing rather than a restaurant visit.

The island’s natural setting is attractive, but do not expect solitude. Ile aux Benitiers can be crowded, and that changes the feel of the stop. You may find the beach pleasant and scenic while still sharing it with other groups.

This is one of the reasons the tour works best for people who value variety over seclusion. You get dolphins, a rock formation, a speedboat ride, a beach, and lunch in one package. You do not get a private island or a quiet, untouched beach experience.

The lagoon around the island offers another chance to swim and snorkel, but the morning is still the main event for dolphin-focused visitors. If the water around Tamarin is not clear, the island gives you a second place to enjoy the sea without depending on a single wildlife encounter.

The three-hour stop is long enough to make the island feel like a real part of the day. It also means you should be comfortable with a relaxed pace. If you want constant action, the lunch break may feel slow. If you like a beach pause after a busy morning, it is well timed.

The mountain views and Mauritius context

The western coast is not only about the water. During much of the trip, you can see mountains along the coast, and one prominent mountain area is linked with a UNESCO international historical site. The tour description connects this setting with the history of Mauritius, giving the boat ride a wider sense of place.

The views work best as a backdrop rather than a formal sightseeing stop. You are not visiting a museum or walking through a historic site. Instead, you see the mountain from the sea while moving between Tamarin Bay, Crystal Rock, and Ile aux Benitiers.

That combination is valuable. The experience gives you a look at Mauritius from the water, with beaches and mountains framing the route. It also shows why the west coast is popular for boat outings: the scenery changes even when the boat is simply crossing the lagoon.

What the $64.79 price really covers

At $64.79 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for roughly seven hours and 15 minutes, a speedboat outing, dolphin watching and snorkeling opportunities, the Crystal Rock stop, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and a beach meal. BBQ food, salad, and drinks are included, and you do not need to rent snorkeling equipment for the day. Life jackets are also available.

The price does not include private transportation. That is the main extra cost to consider, especially if your accommodation is far from Tamarin. A long morning transfer can also make the 7:30 am start feel earlier than expected.

The small group helps justify the fare. A maximum of 14 people gives the crew fewer people to manage in the water and makes it easier to receive basic guidance. It does not guarantee a private-feeling trip, particularly around a popular island, but it is still more manageable than a large group.

The real value depends on your expectations. If you need guaranteed underwater dolphin views, the price may feel less attractive because wildlife and water clarity cannot be controlled. If you are happy with a full coastal outing that includes dolphins as the headline attraction, the price is easier to defend.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this experience if you want a busy day on the west coast with several different stops. It suits couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who like combining wildlife, speed, swimming, and a beach meal.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a small group. The 14-person maximum keeps the outing from becoming a huge boat party, while the crew remains close enough to help with equipment and water activities.

You may want to think twice if you are not athletic or are uneasy in open water. The dolphin section can require repeated movement between the boat and the sea, and the snorkeling conditions may not be calm or clear. You can still watch from the boat, but that means skipping part of the main attraction.

This is not the best choice if your priority is a quiet, uncrowded beach. Ile aux Benitiers is attractive, yet it can be busy. For a peaceful island afternoon, you might prefer a slower or more private boat experience.

It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes early starts. The 7:30 am meeting time helps place you on the water early, but you need to allow extra time if you are traveling from another area of Mauritius.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring whatever you need for a full day near the water. The provided snorkeling equipment covers the main activity, but the information does not specify other personal items, so you should plan for your own sun and beach needs.

Arrive at Tamarin Beach with enough time to locate the meeting point. The start and finish are at the same general meeting point, and the tour ends back there. Since transportation is not included, your return plan should be ready before you leave.

The crew provides life jackets and helps with the water activities. Even so, conditions can change. Keep your plans flexible, especially if dolphin behavior, sea conditions, or visibility affect the order and length of the stops.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason comes with the option of a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the amount paid is not refunded and changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Tamarin dolphin and speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a full, active day rather than a single dolphin sighting. The strongest features are the small group, included lunch and equipment, fast boat ride, Crystal Rock stop, and the chance to combine wildlife with a beach break.

Go in with realistic expectations. Dolphins are wild, underwater visibility can be poor, and Ile aux Benitiers may be crowded. The experience earns its good 4.3 rating from variety and organization, but it is not a guaranteed close-up swim with perfect water.

My call: book this tour if you are a capable swimmer, enjoy a lively pace, and value a complete west-coast outing for $64.79. Skip it if you need privacy, guaranteed dolphin contact, or a calm beach day with very little physical effort.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Blond boulette, Boulette la Baie, in Tamarin, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The meeting time is 7:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours and 15 minutes.

Does the tour include transportation?

No. Private transportation is not included. You must arrange your own transport to and from the Tamarin meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes a BBQ, salad, and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included at no extra charge.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available on the speedboat.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of 14 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.