Snorkel with Dolphins, Lunch on Benitiers island, Speedboat

The main draw is the early run across Tamarin Bay, where you watch for dolphins, enter the water for swimming and snorkeling, then speed toward Crystal Rock. Add a BBQ lunch with drinks on Ile aux Benitiers, and you get a full day built around sea time rather than long road transfers.

I like the small group of up to 14 people, which should make the boat feel more personal, and I like that snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. The crew is there to guide you, and the speedboat gives you wide views of the ocean, beaches, mountains, and offshore islands.

The main caution is that wildlife and water clarity cannot be controlled. One outing had poor visibility, and the dolphin approach can be less close than hoped. Ile aux Benitiers may also feel crowded, while the first part requires a reasonable level of fitness.

Key points at a glance

• Dolphins in Tamarin Bay: Watch for dolphins and enter the water for swimming and snorkeling, with equipment provided on board.
• Crystal Rock stop: Swim close to the famous rock and, if the group wishes, touch it from the water.
• Three hours on Ile aux Benitiers: Enjoy the beach, lagoon, lunch, salad, and included drinks.
• Speedboat views: The fast boat ride adds excitement and gives you broad views of Mauritius’s west coast.
• Small group format: The boat takes a maximum of 14 people, a useful detail for a water trip.
• Early start from Tamarin: Meet at Blond Boulette, Boulette La Baie, at 7:30 am and return to the same meeting point.

Why this west-coast boat trip works

This is a strong choice if you want several classic Mauritius experiences in one day: dolphins, snorkeling, a fast boat, a sandy island, and a beach lunch. At about seven hours and 15 minutes, it is not a quick add-on. You give it most of a day, but you also avoid paying separately for several small activities.

The day has a clear rhythm. You meet at Tamarin Beach, head out by speedboat, spend the morning around Tamarin Bay and Crystal Rock, then settle into a slower afternoon on Ile aux Benitiers. That change of pace matters. The first half is active and weather-dependent. The island stop gives you time to eat, swim, and sit down.

I also like the group limit. A boat carrying no more than 14 people should be easier to manage than a large excursion vessel. You can expect life jackets on board, free use of snorkeling equipment, and a crew that helps with the practical side of getting into the water.

The tour costs $64.79 per person. That is a fair package price when you count the speedboat, equipment, BBQ lunch, salad, drinks, dolphin and snorkeling stops, and the island visit. It is especially good value if you would otherwise arrange a boat trip and lunch separately.

The price does not include private transportation. You need to reach the meeting point at Blond Boulette, Boulette La Baie, in Tamarin. If you are staying more than an hour away, allow extra time for morning traffic. The day begins at 7:30 am, so this is not a lazy start.

Meeting the boat at Tamarin Beach

Tamarin is both the departure and return point. The meeting place is listed as Blond Boulette, Boulette La Baie, with the map code M9FH+62X, Tamarin, Mauritius.

Arrive with enough time to find the beach meeting point and get into the morning mood. A short walk along Tamarin Beach before departure gives you a first look at the coast and helps you settle into the sea-focused day.

The return is also to the same meeting point. That makes the end simple, especially if you arranged your own taxi or another pickup. Since private transport is not included, confirm your return plan before setting off.

A mobile ticket is provided, and booking confirmation arrives at the time of reservation. The group maximum is 14 people. Most people can take part, but the dolphin section involves getting in and out of the boat and swimming in open water, so you should be comfortable with that basic level of activity.

Early hours in Tamarin Bay

The morning’s main purpose is dolphin watching, swimming, and snorkeling in Tamarin Bay. This is the part of the day most likely to create the biggest memories, but it is also the part you should approach with realistic expectations.

Dolphins are wild animals, and their movements cannot be scheduled. The crew can look for them and guide the boat, but no operator can guarantee a close approach or clear underwater viewing. One outing had poor visibility, making it difficult to see dolphins below the surface. That is a natural risk of any wildlife and snorkeling trip.

You will have snorkeling equipment available without an extra charge. Life jackets are also available, which is important for anyone who is less confident in the water. Even so, this is not the best match for someone who finds swimming tiring or uncomfortable. A direct comment from the experience was that the first dolphin section may not suit people who are not athletic.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. A speedboat gets you across the bay with more excitement than a slow sightseeing vessel, and the open views let you take in beaches, mountains, and the coast from the water. Hold on to your hat and protect your phone from spray.

The crew’s role is practical. They help and guide you, organize the water activities, and keep the group moving through the morning. The organization has been praised, but the exact timing at each attraction can change. The stated times are approximate, so do not expect every minute to follow a rigid schedule.

Crystal Rock and a second chance to swim

After the dolphin portion, the boat continues toward Crystal Rock. The rock is a distinctive stop in the lagoon and gives the morning a second focus if dolphin viewing is brief or visibility is poor.

You may get out of the boat near the rock if the group wants to. The plan allows time to swim close to it and even touch it. This is a useful feature because it gives you a clear activity beyond simply looking over the side of the boat.

The water conditions will shape the experience. If the sea is calm and visibility is good, the stop can be a pleasant swim and photo opportunity. If conditions are less favorable, you may spend less time in the water. Bring a secure way to carry small personal items, since the boat and swimming stops are active rather than formal sightseeing.

The morning is allotted about four hours in total for Tamarin Bay and Crystal Rock. That does not mean four hours at each location. Time is shared among dolphin watching, swimming, snorkeling, the boat ride, and the rock stop.

Three relaxed hours on Ile aux Benitiers

Ile aux Benitiers changes the mood completely. After the early water activities, you get about three hours on the island, with time for the beach, lagoon, lunch, and a slower look around.

The island is described as retaining a natural character, with vegetation, white sand, and a lagoon suitable for swimming and some snorkeling. You can enjoy the shoreline without needing to rush straight back onto the boat.

Lunch is included and served on the island. The meal consists of BBQ food and salad, with drinks included. This is one of the strongest value points in the price, since you do not need to arrange a separate restaurant stop or carry money for the meal itself.

The meal is intended to be social and informal. That suits the setting. You are not visiting Ile aux Benitiers for a polished dining room. You are there for a simple beach meal in the middle of a boat day.

There is one important tradeoff: the island can be crowded. If you imagine having a completely empty beach, adjust that picture. The natural setting may still be lovely, but other groups can reduce the sense of peace. I would treat the island as a pleasant lunch and swim stop, not as a private-island escape.

The lagoon gives you another chance to get in the water, and some snorkeling is possible. Do not expect the same focus on dolphin watching here. The island portion is more about enjoying the setting, eating, and taking a break from the faster morning.

Mountain views and a touch of Mauritian history

During much of the trip, you can see the mountain from the water. The view adds scale to the day: beaches and lagoon in the foreground, mountains rising beyond the coast.

The experience also passes scenery connected with a site classified by UNESCO as an international historical site and closely tied to Mauritius’s past. The information provided does not specify a dedicated landing or guided history talk, so think of this as a scenic and historical backdrop rather than a formal heritage visit.

That distinction helps you decide what to expect. If you want a focused cultural tour, this is not the right format. If you like having a sense of place while you swim, eat, and move along the coast, the mountain views and historical setting add useful context.

What the speedboat adds

The speedboat is more than transport between stops. It gives the day a lively edge and lets you cover the west-coast water route in a way that feels active.

You will also feel the tradeoff. Speed, wind, spray, and repeated boarding make the trip less restful than a large covered boat. Keep your belongings secure and expect the ride to be part of the physical experience.

The boat offers the best broad views of the area. You see the coast from offshore, including beaches, mountains, islands, and the changing color of the water. These views are a major reason to choose this tour instead of spending the whole day at one beach.

Who should book it, and who should think twice

I would choose this trip if you want a busy day with several highlights and do not mind an early start. It suits people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boat rides, and informal outdoor meals.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage open-water activity. Most people can participate, but you should be honest about your swimming comfort and fitness. The dolphin portion is not simply a boat ride with a view. You may be getting into the water more than once.

You may want a different activity if your main goal is quiet beach time, guaranteed dolphin sightings, or a private setting. The island can be crowded, water visibility may be poor, and the dolphins may not come as close as you hope.

The group size helps, but it does not remove the basic unpredictability of the sea. Weather can cancel the outing, and the activity requires good conditions. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 7:30 am start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. The trip also needs a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the option of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Is $64.79 good value?

For a full day on the water, the price is attractive. You receive the speedboat trip, dolphin and snorkeling activities, use of equipment, life jackets, Crystal Rock, three hours on Ile aux Benitiers, BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks.

The main extra cost to plan for is getting to Tamarin and back. Since private transportation is excluded, the final cost depends on where you are staying and how you arrange that journey.

I would not judge the value only by whether you swim beside dolphins. That part depends on nature. Judge the package by the full day: a small boat, several water stops, island time, lunch, and west-coast scenery. On that basis, the price is sensible, provided you are comfortable with the active format and the possibility of crowded conditions.

Should you book this Tamarin dolphin trip?

Book it if you want a well-packed west-coast day and your priorities are dolphins, speedboat time, Crystal Rock, and an island lunch. The organized schedule, included equipment, small group limit, friendly crew, and included drinks make the $64.79 price easy to understand.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife encounters, crystal-clear water, a quiet island, or a gentle sightseeing pace. For the right person, this is an energetic and scenic way to experience several sides of Mauritius in one outing. Just arrive early, plan your own transport, and treat the dolphins and weather as wild-card parts of the day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Blond Boulette, Boulette La Baie, M9FH+62X, Tamarin, Mauritius.

What time does the experience begin?

The start time is 7:30 am.

Where does the tour finish?

It ends back at the meeting point in Tamarin.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours and 15 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ food, salad, and drinks are included and served on Ile aux Benitiers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available at no extra charge.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available on board.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum group size of 14 people.

Is transportation to Tamarin included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.