Dolphins, snorkels, BBQ by noon. This South West Mauritius day trip mixes a morning dolphin encounter (with both spinner and bottled-nose types) with easy snorkelling near Crystal Rock, plus a proper beach lunch. I really like that the crew focuses on staying calm around the dolphins rather than rushing the experience. The one catch is simple: it starts at 6:00am, and you’ll want to bring your own towel and sunscreen since they’re not included.

I also appreciate the small-group feel. With a maximum of 10 people and a specialized skipper (often mentioned for kindness and attention, including a crew member named Soonil), you’re not stuck in a huge crowd while you’re waiting to get in the water. One more consideration: the tour depends on good weather, so plan for the possibility of a date change if seas are rough.

After the water time, you get the payoff on land. The BBQ-style lunch buffet includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salad, garlic bread, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a dessert of flamed banana. Then there’s leisure time on a sandy beach where you can walk, relax, and stare at the blue lagoon while the sea cools down in your memory.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Two dolphin species in one outing: spinner and bottled-nose dolphins, with skipper guidance in the water.
• Crystal Rock snorkelling photos: a dedicated snorkel spot near the famous rock for great picture moments.
• BBQ lunch with drinks: grilled mains, sides, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included.
• Small shared boat: maximum 10 travelers, so it feels more personal than big-departure tours.
• Bring your own towel and sunscreen: they’re not listed as included, so pack early.

Morning Start From La Gaulette: What 6am Really Means

This trip is built around a simple idea: go early, so you get the best chance at dolphins and smoother water. You meet at One And Only Jackpot Dolphin on Remy Ollier Road in La Gaulette (the start time is 6:00am). The day runs for about 7 hours, and you return to the same meeting point around 1:00pm.

For practical sanity, plan for a quick morning routine. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes (you’ll be in and out of the boat), and think about how you’ll handle changing later since a towel is not included. Sunscreen is also not included, even though you’ll be on the beach after lunch, so it’s worth bringing. The good news: you don’t need to hunt for snorkel gear. Snorkelling equipment and a life jacket are included, and bottled water is part of the package.

This is a shared activity with up to 10 travelers. That matters because it usually means the skipper can keep the group together and manage the timing without a chaotic “everyone at once” situation. Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, which makes it easier if you prefer not to juggle paper on vacation.

Last point: the operator notes that the experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you may be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, don’t treat this as a fixed, must-win day on your calendar.

Dolphins in the Water: Spinner + Bottled-Nose in a Respectful Setup

The main event here is the dolphin quest—specifically spinner dolphins and bottled-nose dolphins. You head out in the morning to observe them, then swim with the dolphins with the skipper assisting so you stay safe and comfortable.

What I like about this tour’s dolphin portion is the emphasis on respect. The guidance you get is about staying in the area appropriately and not turning it into a chaotic free-for-all. One review highlighted that the captain handled multiple boats well and kept the interaction respectful, while another mentioned the crew stayed in the area until everyone felt happy with their time in the water. That combination—respect plus patience—usually makes the difference between a rushed “quick swim” and a real, memorable encounter.

You’ll be given a life jacket, which is a big help for comfort and confidence, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer. The skipper is described as specialized and hands-on about assisting you during the swim, so you’re not left figuring things out on your own with a life jacket and hope.

A practical tip: when dolphins are near, your best move is to listen first, then follow instructions. Movement matters in the water. I’d also recommend taking a few slow breaths before you get in, because the moment can be so exciting that people forget to regulate their breathing. If you’re going with kids, remember that shorter, calmer water time is often easier than pushing too long.

Crystal Rock Snorkelling: Colorful Reefs and Photo Moments

After the dolphin swim, you head to the snorkelling spot. The tour description calls it an aquarium spot and places the snorkelling near the Famous Crystal Rock, with time to take pictures there too. This is where the day shifts from adrenaline to underwater calm.

What makes this portion valuable is the setup. Snorkelling equipment is included, and you also get a life jacket (so you can stay buoyant and relaxed). That removes two common vacation headaches: renting gear and figuring out how to adjust it while everyone else is ready to get in.

Also, there’s a clue in how the snorkeling is described: it’s not a deep-water, technical kind of outing. It’s positioned as accessible for “most travelers,” and one review specifically mentioned shallow water snorkelling being delightful for children—so the snorkel area seems designed for comfort rather than advanced conditions.

What to bring (because the list is short): a towel and sunscreen. Without sunscreen, you’ll pay later once you’re sunbathing or walking on the beach after lunch. And since a camera isn’t included, plan for what you’ll use to capture the moment. A phone works if you keep it protected, but bring a solution you already trust.

This snorkel stop is a great match if you want coral views but don’t want a full-day boat-and-breathe regimen. You get time, guidance, and a recognizable landmark—Crystal Rock—for photos.

Lunch Buffet BBQ: What’s Included and Why It’s Worth It

By the time lunch arrives, you’re usually ready for food. The tour includes a lunch buffet/BBQ with grilled items and sides, served after snorkelling.

Here’s what’s on the menu, as listed: grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salad, and garlic bread. Drinks are included too—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dessert is flamed banana.

This matters for value because a lot of “tour lunch” is either basic or extra cost. Here, the price is positioned as a bundle, and lunch is a serious one. I also like that they’ve included options for different tastes: grilled fish and chicken for seafood and meat lovers, plus sausages if you want something familiar. If you’re traveling with mixed eaters, this buffet style tends to reduce friction.

What’s not included is also clearly stated: lobster in lunch isn’t part of the package. So if lobster is your “must,” you’ll want to plan that separately.

If you have food needs, speak up. The tour notes special requests for allergies (for example nuts) and asks you to update them if you’re vegetarian. That’s the right kind of prompt to send before the day of the tour—so the kitchen isn’t guessing when you arrive.

Beach Time After Lunch: Blue Lagoon Relaxation Without a Long Extra Trip

After lunch, the day doesn’t end with only “back to the boat.” You get a leisure stretch. The description calls it a time to relax, sunbathe, and even walk on the sandy beach while admiring the turquoise blue lagoon.

This part is more than filler. It’s built to let you recover from water time. If you just snorkelled and swam with dolphins, you’ll want land time to dry off, snack again, and enjoy the view without having to repeat activities. One review even described how children struggled to leave the water for the BBQ on the island, which suggests there’s genuinely enjoyable shallow water and a fun beach rhythm.

Practical note: bring a towel and consider how you’ll handle wet swimwear. Since the towel isn’t included, people who forget it usually end up borrowing or buying one on the spot. Also bring sunscreen, since the afternoon can still hit hard.

And for photos: Crystal Rock is mentioned earlier for picture-taking, but beach views of the blue lagoon are part of the leisure time too. If you like simple, scenic shots, this is your “slow down” moment.

The Skipper and Safety: Comfort Is Part of the Experience

The operator keeps talking about the specialized skipper, and that focus shows up in how the trip is described. You’re assisted to make the journey pleasant, and you swim safely with the skipper helping you interact responsibly with marine mammals.

From a traveler’s standpoint, safety isn’t only about wearing a life jacket. It’s also about how boats behave around wildlife. One review praised how the captain handled multiple boats and maintained respect while still letting swimmers get close enough for a meaningful encounter. Another mentioned the crew staying in the area until everyone was happy, which points to organized patience rather than a rigid schedule.

Also, the crew uses clear communication—another review called out prompt and clear communication. That doesn’t sound dramatic, but it makes your morning easier, especially if it’s your first boat day in Mauritius.

And because the group is capped at 10, you’re less likely to get lost in the shuffle. In a small shared setting, the skipper can check on people and help you adjust to the water timing.

Price and Value: Does $111.58 Make Sense?

The price listed is $111.58 per person. On paper, that’s not a “cheap snack.” In practice, it can be good value because the main costs are bundled in.

You’re paying for:

• Dolphin watching and swimming time (with skipper assistance)
• Snorkelling equipment and life jacket
• Lunch BBQ buffet with drinks and flamed banana
• A full day structure (about 7 hours) with return to the same meeting point

Add the fact that you don’t have to rent snorkel gear and you don’t have to buy a lunch meal on top. Those are the two costs that often sneak upward on “boat + water” excursions.

Two things to keep in mind that affect net value:

• You’ll still need to bring a towel and sunscreen, because those are not included.
• Lobster isn’t included, so if that’s your expectation, you’ll pay extra or change your mindset.

If you want a single-day plan that hits dolphins, snorkelling, and a real lunch without extra stops or complicated transfers, this kind of bundled tour usually fits well.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This trip is a strong match if you:

• Love ocean time and want both dolphins and snorkelling in one day
• Prefer a small-group boat experience (max 10)
• Want a guided setup with a skipper who helps you in the water
• Have kids and want shallow-water snorkelling time plus an enjoyable beach/lunch rhythm
• Appreciate a structured meal and drinks included, not just “chips and water”

It may be less ideal if you:

• Hate early mornings. The 6:00am departure is real.
• Are very sensitive to sun and forgot sunscreen. You’ll be outdoors before and after lunch.
• Expect lobster included. It’s not part of the menu list.

Also, because it requires good weather, you should pack some flexibility. On a perfect-sky day, everything is smooth. On rougher days, the timing could shift.

Should You Book One And Only Jackpot Dolphin’s Dolphin + Snorkel BBQ Tour?

If you want one memorable day that mixes wildlife and water views with a solid beach lunch, I think this is a good booking. The dolphin portion is the headline, and it’s supported by skipper guidance and a respect-first approach. Then snorkelling near Crystal Rock gives you a second “wow” moment, followed by BBQ lunch and blue lagoon leisure time that turns the outing into a full day, not a quick boat stop.

Book it if you’re okay with the early start and you bring the basics they don’t provide (towel, sunscreen). Skip it if you need a slower morning or you’re only interested in one activity (like just beach time or just snorkelling), because this trip is intentionally balanced across dolphins, reef time, and food.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 6:00am and ends back at the meeting point around 1:00pm (about 7 hours total).

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll meet at One And Only Jackpot Dolphin, Remy Ollier Road, La Gaulette 91102, Mauritius. The tour returns to the same place.

How many people are on the boat?

This is a shared activity with a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkelling equipment and a life jacket.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ buffet with grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salad, and garlic bread, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and flamed banana for dessert.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

The tour lists towel and sunscreen as not included. Camera is also not included.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.