Snorkel with Dolphins, Lunch on Benitiers island, Speedboat

The main draw is the chance to see dolphins from a speedboat in Tamarin Bay, then swim and snorkel in the same part of Mauritius known for its striking sea views and mountain backdrop. The day also includes a stop at Crystal Rock and a barbecue lunch on Ile aux Benitiers, so you get wildlife, water time, and a proper beach break in one outing.

I like the small maximum group of 14 and the fact that snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks are included. I also like the fast boat, which makes the open-water ride part of the fun rather than just a way to get from one stop to the next. The main caution is that dolphin encounters depend on nature and water conditions. Poor visibility can spoil the underwater part, and the first section may feel demanding if you are not comfortable in the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Dolphin watching starts in Tamarin Bay, with swimming and snorkeling possible when conditions allow.
• Crystal Rock is a separate water stop, where you can get out and swim near the rock.
• Ile aux Benitiers gets about three hours, including a barbecue lunch, salad, drinks, beach time, and possible snorkeling.
• The speedboat adds real excitement, but the ride may feel active rather than gentle.
• The group is limited to 14 people, which should make it easier to hear the crew and get help.
• Private transportation is not included, so you must reach Blond boulette, boulette la baie in Tamarin by the 7:30 am start.

Tamarin Bay puts dolphins first

This is an early start for a reason. You meet at Tamarin Beach at 7:30 am, where a short walk along the sand can help you settle into the sea mood before boarding. The beach is both the departure and return point, which keeps the day simple once you arrive.

The first major part of the outing takes place in Tamarin Bay. The crew looks for dolphins from the speedboat, then gives you the chance to swim and snorkel near them when the situation allows. Snorkeling gear is provided, and life jackets are available, with the crew on hand to guide you.

I would keep your expectations sensible here. Dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled show. You may see them clearly from the boat but have less luck underwater, especially if visibility is poor. One review specifically noted that the water did not offer enough visibility to see the dolphins below the surface.

That point matters. The title of the experience may make the dolphin swim sound guaranteed, but nature controls the encounter. The boat crew can position the group and explain what to do, yet they cannot control the animals, the current, or the clarity of the water. The strongest reason to book is the complete morning on the water, not a promise of a perfect close-up swim.

The dolphin swim requires comfort in open water

You do not need to be an elite swimmer, but you should be comfortable getting into the sea and following the crew’s instructions. A review described the first dolphin section as unsuitable for non-athletic people, so I would not choose this outing if you feel uneasy in open water or need a very relaxed pace.

The boat provides life jackets, which is reassuring, but a flotation aid does not remove the need to manage yourself in the water. You may be getting in and out of the boat, swimming near other people, and moving according to the crew’s guidance.

The group limit of 14 helps. It is much easier to ask for help, hear safety instructions, and keep track of the group when the boat is not packed. The crew is described as friendly and willing to assist, which is useful during the active first part of the morning.

If you are a confident swimmer, the dolphin stop should feel like the heart of the trip. If you are less active, you can still enjoy the boat ride and surface views, but you should understand that the swimming portion is not just a quick photo stop.

Crystal Rock adds a second water stop

After the dolphin search, the boat continues toward Crystal Rock. This gives the day another point of interest even if the dolphin encounter is brief or the water is cloudy.

The group can get into the water near the rock and swim close to it. The description also indicates that touching the large rock may be possible if the group wants to do so and conditions allow. Time at each attraction is approximate, so the exact length of this stop can change according to the sea and the day’s flow.

Crystal Rock is a good fit for people who enjoy being in the water without needing every minute to focus on wildlife. You can use this time to snorkel, swim, or simply take in the contrast between the dark rock, bright sea, beaches, and mountain views.

I also like the way this stop spreads the experience out. You are not relying only on dolphins to make the trip worthwhile. The speedboat ride, Crystal Rock, the open-water scenery, and Ile aux Benitiers all contribute something different.

Ile aux Benitiers is the relaxed half of the day

The schedule allows about three hours on Ile aux Benitiers, which is enough time to slow down after the morning on the boat. The island has vegetation, white sand, and a lagoon suitable for swimming and some snorkeling.

Lunch is served on the island and includes barbecue, salad, and drinks. That makes the $64.79 price easier to assess, because you are not paying only for a boat ride and a wildlife search. You are also getting a meal, drinks, equipment, and several hours of island time.

The meal sounds informal and social rather than restaurant-style. That suits the setting. You can eat, walk along the beach, swim in the lagoon, and take in the views without rushing straight back onto the boat.

There is one clear drawback: Ile aux Benitiers can become crowded. One review found the island too busy to enjoy fully, despite praising the organization. The island’s natural appeal remains, but you should not picture an untouched private beach. On a popular day, the lunch area and shoreline may feel much less peaceful than the photos suggest.

That is an important trade-off. You get a generous island stop and a full lunch, but the experience is shared with other groups. If you want a completely quiet beach, this may not be the right choice. If you value a convenient beach break after an active morning, the three-hour pause is useful.

The speedboat is part of the attraction

The boat is not merely transport. The fast ride is one of the reasons this outing feels more adventurous than a slow lagoon cruise. You will see the coast from the water, with beaches, mountains, and island views changing as you move between stops.

The speed also helps the crew cover several places in one day. Tamarin Bay, Crystal Rock, and Ile aux Benitiers would be harder to combine in a short outing with a slower vessel.

There is a practical side to this. A speedboat can feel lively, especially when the sea is not calm. If you prefer a quiet, shaded boat ride, you may find the journey tiring. The supplied information confirms that life jackets are available, and the crew is there to help, but it does not describe the boat’s seating, shade, or comfort. I would dress for sun and sea spray and bring only what you need.

The boat ride also gives you some of the best scenery of the day. The coastline, mountains, beaches, and open water are visible from a low position that feels more immediate than a viewpoint on land. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray.

The mountain view adds a sense of place

During much of the trip, you can see a prominent mountain in the distance. It is linked to a site classified by UNESCO as an international historical site and to the history of Mauritius.

The mountain is not described as a formal stop, so do not expect a land visit or a guided historical tour. Its value is as a backdrop and a reminder that this is more than a generic day at sea. You are looking at a part of Mauritius connected to the island’s past while moving through the waters off its west coast.

This is one reason I would take time to look up from the snorkeling gear. The natural setting gives the trip its character. You get sea, beach, island, rock, and mountain in one day, rather than spending all your time focused on one activity.

What the $64.79 price really covers

At $64.79 per person, the tour offers solid value if you plan to use the full package. The cost includes the speedboat outing, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, salad, drinks, life jackets, and access to the planned stops. A seven-hour-and-15-minute day is also a good amount of time for the price.

The value depends on what matters most to you. If you book mainly for an underwater dolphin encounter, poor visibility or distant dolphins could leave you disappointed. If you treat it as a full west-coast boat day with a chance to see dolphins, a Crystal Rock swim, an island meal, and beach time, the price looks more balanced.

Private transportation is not included. You must reach the meeting point, Blond boulette, boulette la baie in Tamarin, for the 7:30 am departure. The details do not provide a pickup service, so check your own route and allow enough time to arrive before the boat leaves.

An early start also matters if you are staying more than an hour away. Morning traffic can make the journey to Tamarin longer, and one review specifically warned about this problem. I would plan the drive carefully rather than relying on a last-minute departure from your accommodation.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several activities in one day and like an active pace. It suits confident swimmers, couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a speedboat and open-water snorkeling.

You will probably enjoy it most if you can accept that the dolphin part is unpredictable. The best attitude is to see the dolphins as one part of a larger day, not the only reason to go.

It may be a poor match if you want a private beach, a slow boat, or guaranteed wildlife sightings. It is also worth thinking twice if you are not comfortable swimming or if you dislike crowded island stops.

The small group limit helps keep the organization personal, but it does not make Ile aux Benitiers private. The crew can make the day run smoothly, yet they cannot control how many other boats arrive at the island.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Wear swim clothing from the start, since the first major stop involves getting into the sea. Bring sun protection and a way to protect valuables from water, as the trip spends much of the day outdoors.

Your meeting point is at Tamarin Beach, and the activity ends back there. A short walk on the beach before departure can help you find the right mood, while the return walk gives you time to collect yourself before arranging onward transport.

The duration is approximately seven hours and 15 minutes, but stop lengths are indicative. Sea conditions and the dolphin search can affect the timing. Keep your return plans flexible rather than scheduling something immediately afterward.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 from 23 ratings, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The strongest points are the friendly crew, smooth organization, lunch, speedboat, and the chance to see dolphins. The recurring cautions are water visibility, the physical nature of the first section, and crowding on Ile aux Benitiers.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 7:30 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum group size can also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book this Tamarin dolphin tour?

Book it if you want a full day on the water rather than a narrowly focused dolphin trip. The combination of small-group speedboat travel, Crystal Rock, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and several hours on Ile aux Benitiers gives you plenty to enjoy even if the dolphins keep their distance.

I would skip it if your main goal is a guaranteed underwater dolphin encounter or a quiet, uncrowded island. For everyone else, the $64.79 price is fair, provided you arrive early at Tamarin, feel comfortable in open water, and treat the wildlife encounter as a possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Blond boulette, boulette la baie, M9FH+62X, Tamarin, Mauritius.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Tamarin.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 14 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes barbecue, salad, and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included at no extra cost.

Are life jackets available?

Yes. Life jackets are available on the boat, and the crew can help and guide you.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must make your own way to the Tamarin meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also result in a different date or a full refund.