Dolphins on a speedboat day, not a zoo visit. This West Coast outing blends an open-ocean dolphin encounter from the Tamarin Bay area with time on Île aux Bénitiers for snorkeling, views of Crystal Rock, and a proper barbecue lunch on the island. You get a full day format that feels active without being overly complicated.

Two things I like a lot here: first, the chance to swim with dolphins in open water after a skipper-led briefing on behavior and safety; second, the island setup for lunch and lagoon time, where you’re not just getting off the boat and leaving right away. For food, the BBQ includes grilled meats and seafood options and comes with drinks during lunch.

One thing to plan around: the dolphin area can get busy with other boats. That can make it harder to line things up, and the experience may feel less personal on days when the water is crowded.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• Open-ocean dolphin rules briefing: you get guidance on dolphin types, habits, sustainable watching, and boat security before heading out.
• Crystal Rock plus Le Morne viewpoints: you’ll stop for sights and photos with Le Morne in the background.
• Île aux Bénitiers BBQ lunch with drinks: you’re fed on the island, and beverages include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options during the meal.
• Snorkeling is included: it’s part of the day, and you’ll be in open water rather than a closed, sheltered bay.
• Weather can matter: a heavy afternoon rain can happen, so bring gear that handles quick changes.

Speedboat to Tamarin Bay dolphins: the briefing sets the tone

This tour starts with a representative guiding you to the speedboat at Flic en Flac. Once you’re aboard, the skipper doesn’t just shout directions and go. You get a briefing that covers what dolphins you might encounter, how they typically behave, and the basic guidelines for sustainable dolphin watching. That matters because the dolphin encounter works best when everyone keeps distance, avoids chaos, and follows the skipper’s cue on when to enter the water and when to stay back.

The day’s dolphin time is in open water, with about 2.5 hours out on the sea. This is one of the biggest reasons people rate the experience so highly: you’re not standing on land watching tiny moments. You’re moving, you’re close to where the animals are active, and if conditions and timing line up, you get that short window where swimming feels real and not staged.

Now, here’s the trade-off. The dolphin zone can attract many boats at once. On some outings, you may be surrounded by other speedboats, and it can feel like a parking lot around the dolphins. When that happens, you may notice two things: it can be harder to get into the water cleanly, and the group experience can feel less relaxed even if your boat’s crew is trying to run it properly.

Practical tip

If you want the best chance of a smooth encounter, be ready to follow instructions quickly. When the skipper gives the go-ahead, you want to be in the moment, not fumbling with gear.

Swimming with dolphins: what to expect and how to stay comfortable

If you’re going in the water, you’ll get instructions on encounter procedures during the pre-departure briefing. The overall goal is to respect dolphin space while still letting you enjoy the close-up encounter. When the day goes well, the experience feels both fun and educational: you’re watching behavior in real conditions rather than a gimmick.

Group size can vary by departure. Some people report an intimate-feeling ride on a boat with around 18 people including children, which is the kind of number that doesn’t feel packed. On other days, the experience can feel more crowded, even if your boat isn’t huge, because the wider ocean area brings more boats into view.

So decide early how you want your dolphin experience to feel. If you’re the type who hates crowds or worries about boats converging near wildlife, you might prefer not to enter the water. One practical approach: watch first from the boat, then decide whether the moment feels right when the crew cues you.

Safety reality check

The tour includes security measures and safety instructions as part of the dolphin briefing. Still, keep your head clear: open-ocean conditions can change, and you’re sharing space with boats. If you’re not confident in open-water swimming, don’t force it.

Crystal Rock and Le Morne views: a photo stop with real payoff

After the dolphin portion, the itinerary shifts toward Île aux Bénitiers. Along the way (and around that island time), you’ll also see Crystal Rock and get magnificent views of Le Morne Mountain. This part isn’t about activities that require special skills. It’s about the scenery and the sense of place.

Crystal Rock is one of those landmarks that hits harder in person than in photos because of the ocean setting and the contrast between rock forms and the horizon. And Le Morne’s silhouette is unmistakable when you catch it from the right angle. If you’re traveling to Mauritius for iconic views, this is one of the few moments that gives you that “yes, this is the postcard” feeling without making you hike.

Photo tip

Bring your sunglasses and keep your phone protected. The sun can be strong, and you’ll likely be taking pics in bright conditions.

Île aux Bénitiers lunch and lagoon time: BBQ on the island

The core of the afternoon is Île aux Bénitiers (Benitiers Island). After you arrive, you spend the afternoon in a lagoon setting with time to relax, walk, and enjoy the water environment around the island.

Lunch is a traditional barbecue prepared on the island. You’ll typically get grilled items like kebabs, seafood and fish, plus chicken and sausages, with sides and accompaniments. People describe the lunch as both good and filling, which is important because you’ll likely be hungry after the morning on the water.

Beverages are included during the lunch portion, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. That detail matters for value: you’re not paying separately for drinks once you’re hungry and sun-warmed.

What you can do after lunch

Once you’ve eaten, you’re not locked into another rigid schedule right away. You can:

• tan on the beach if the sun is out
• stroll around the island
• spend time in the lagoon area
• enjoy the coral reef environment around the island, depending on your comfort level and the day’s conditions

This is also where weather can change your mood fast. One passenger experienced heavy rain around 14:00 and ended up drenched, with no warning before the downpour. So treat this part as outdoors time, and pack like rain is possible.

Snorkeling in open water: coral views, changing visibility, and one nice surprise

Snorkeling is included, and it’s positioned as part of the open-water experience rather than a simple pool-like stop. That means you’ll want to be ready for real ocean conditions: waves, sun, and visibility that can swing depending on the day.

Water clarity can vary. On a day with recent weather, the lagoon or snorkel area may not look glassy. Even then, it can still be enjoyable, just different from the crystal-clear expectation you might have in your head.

One of the nicer “this is why we came” moments reported in the experience details is seeing marine life such as a stingray during the water time. That kind of encounter doesn’t happen on a schedule, but when it does, it makes snorkeling feel like a true nature outing rather than just another activity box checked.

Practical tip

Bring what you’re told to bring—towel, change of clothes, and sunscreen—and treat the snorkeling portion like it’s your main exposure time. If you’re prone to getting cold or chafed, wear something comfortable that covers enough skin for ocean sun.

Price and logistics: is $70 worth it for this mix?

At $70 per person for about 6 hours, this tour is priced as a mid-range day trip that tries to bundle three big things: dolphins, island time, and BBQ lunch (with drinks). When it works, the value is clear. You’re paying for transportation on a speedboat, a structured dolphin encounter out in open water, snorkeling time, and food on the island.

But this is also where you should be honest with yourself about what you care most about.

• If dolphins are your top priority, the biggest variable is the dolphin zone itself. When many boats converge, you might spend more time waiting for the right moment than you expected.
• If island comfort is your top priority, you’re still getting a BBQ setup and lagoon time that feels like a real island afternoon, not a quick stop.
• If “everything must run perfectly on time” is your style, keep in mind pickup performance can vary. Some people describe pickup delays and stressed transfers back to the meeting spot.

So, how do you decide if it’s worth it for you? Match your expectations:

• Great fit: you want an energetic day, don’t mind other boats being around, and you like nature plus food plus views.
• Not ideal: you hate crowding, you want a super-calm dolphin moment, or you’re highly sensitive to time delays.

Who this tour suits best (and who should rethink it)

This experience fits well for:

• couples or small groups who want a full day on the water without planning every step
• families, since some reports include children and describe the boat feeling not overly packed
• snorkelers who enjoy open-water conditions and want coral reef time in a lagoon environment

It may be less ideal if:

• you have strong discomfort with crowded wildlife viewing areas
• you want a super-quiet, low-boat environment around dolphins
• you’re expecting a perfectly timed, stress-free pickup sequence every time

My take

The dolphin encounter can be the highlight, but the island lunch and lagoon time are a strong second. Even on days when dolphin watching feels more crowded than you’d like, you still end up with a full outdoor day: speedboat, views, snorkeling, and BBQ.

Should you book the Speedboat to Île aux Bénitiers with Dolphin Encounter?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of open-ocean dolphin swimming, you’re happy to follow the skipper’s rules, and you’re looking for a day that combines wildlife with a proper island meal.

I’d skip it or consider a different option if dolphin areas with lots of boats would ruin the day for you, or if you’re the type who can’t handle weather changes and late-day rain without frustration.

If you do book, pack smart: sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, change of clothes, and have a rain plan for the afternoon.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat to Île aux Bénitiers tour?

The total duration is 6 hours.

Where does the dolphin part start from?

You board the speedboat at Flic en Flac after a briefing by the representative.

Does the dolphin encounter happen in open ocean?

Yes. The dolphin encounter is described as taking place in the open ocean/open lagoon area, depending on the day’s conditions.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling in the open ocean is included.

What is included in the lunch?

You get a traditional barbecue lunch on the island, with grilled kebabs, seafood and fish, chicken, sausages, plus accompaniments.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Beverages during lunch are included, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

What island stops are included besides Île aux Bénitiers?

You’ll also see Crystal Rock and have views of Le Morne Mountain.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the pickup option. If not selected, pickup/drop-off is not included.

What languages are used during the experience?

The instructor/guide is available in English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.