- What type of boat is used and how many people can come?
- Speedboats are ideal for dolphin watching. Most times they are in the South West and West regions, but sometimes they can be further and it is quicker to reach them on time via Speedboat. The boat capacity varies from 6 to 10 people, including children of all ages. The available capacity will be confirmed upon enquiry. If you are more, we can hire more boats or arrange for other boat types.
- Why is it best to start from Le Morne?
- Le Morne is ideally positioned between the West and South coasts, giving our skippers the flexibility to look for dolphins in different areas depending on their location and sea conditions on the day. We generally favour the southern area when conditions allow, as it can be quieter and may have less boats around the dolphins. When conditions are unsuitable or the dolphins are more likely to be found in the West only, we may head towards Tamarin Bay instead. Departing from Le Morne also means starting your trip with picturesque views of the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain and its beautiful lagoon. Dolphin locations and number of boats vary from day to day, so the route is adapted to the conditions.
- Will we definitely see dolphins?
- Dolphins are spotted on most mornings, but they are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. Our skippers use their local knowledge to look for them along the South West and West Coast while respecting their natural behaviour and knowing when to give a pod space.
- What is the best time to see dolphins ?
- Dolphins are generally around during the morning. There is no longer a specific "ideal" or quiet time that can guarantee fewer boats, as operators may be booked for different time slots and we cannot know how many boats will be in the area before reaching the dolphins. It also depends on the number of dolphin pods in the region. Earlier is no longer guaranteed to be quieter as more and more people have seen this and this may sometimes create the opposite effect. We suggest a time-slot - depending on availability and conditions on the day, and hope for the best conditions on site.
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Snorkeling equipment is available to borrow, and we clean it after use. However, for the best fit, comfort and personal hygiene, we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have them.
Frequently asked questions
The things guests ask us most often, answered the way we would answer them on the beach. If yours is not here, write to us — Virginia reads every message.
- How do I book?
- Send us a request from any trip page or the contact page. Virginia replies by email or WhatsApp, usually within a day, and confirms the boat, the time and the final price before you pay anything.
- When and how do I pay?
- In cash or by bank transfer on the day, unless we have agreed otherwise. Prices on this site are indicative while we finalise our rates.
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- The skipper decides on the morning. If it is not safe or simply not enjoyable we move the trip to another day, or cancel it at no cost to you. We would rather lose a booking than take you out in a bad sea.
- Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?
- No. We see them most mornings, but they are wild animals in open water. We keep our distance, never chase a pod, and leave if the animals are resting or have young with them.
- Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
- No. Buoyancy aids and snorkelling gear are on board, and you are welcome to stay on the boat. Tell us about non-swimmers or small children when you book.
- Are children welcome?
- Very. Children under five usually travel free, and they still count towards the number of places on the boat. The lagoon and breakfast trips suit young families best.
- What should I bring?
- Sun cream (reef-safe if you have it), a hat, a towel, and a light layer for the early departures. We provide water, snorkelling gear and shade.
- Will we have the same skipper as friends who recommended you?
- Not necessarily. Crews are arranged each morning around the boats and the weather, so the skipper can vary day to day. All of them have twenty years or more in this bay.
- Can you organise a birthday or a proposal?
- Yes. Choose the extras you would like in the request form — cake, bouquet, champagne, lobster, a Crystal Rock or Bénitiers stop, breakfast on board — and we will price them with your reply.
Questions about a particular trip
- Where is lunch prepared?
- Our barbecue is freshly grilled on Île aux Bénitiers, right on the beach. If you have any food allergies or would like a vegetarian meal, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
- How many people share a boat?
- Up to 8 people sharing a boat. We can have more than one boat, depending on reservations.
- What makes our experience different?
- Our Île aux Bénitiers experience is about much more than a boat trip. It brings together the beauty of Mauritius's South-West coast, island barbecue and live Sega music and dance, sharing the culture that makes our island unique. Behind the experience is a dedicated team of at least eight people, including two skippers, the administration team, Karlos, who oversees preparations and packing, and the staff working on the island. Everything is prepared at home, carefully packed and transported to the island. Our versatile team then sets up the lunch area, serves the meal and helps bring the gathering to life. At the end of the outing, everything is carried back, in accordance with regulations, so that no equipment or materials are left behind on the island's beach. Every person plays a part in creating an experience rooted in local knowledge, Mauritian hospitality and respect for our island heritage.
- What happens if we don't see dolphins?
- Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Our skippers use their local knowledge to look for them while respecting their natural behaviour and giving them space. The experience is about more than dolphins. You can still enjoy the beautiful South-West coast, admire Crystal Rock, and spend time on Île aux Bénitiers with our island barbecue, local flavours and live Sega music and dance. These are all part of what makes the day a memorable Mauritian experience.
- Is snorkelling equipment provided?
- Snorkelling equipment is available to borrow, and we clean it after use. However, for the best fit, comfort and personal hygiene, we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel if you have them.
- When is whale season?
- Roughly July to October. Sightings are never certain; the skipper decides each morning whether conditions offshore are worth the trip.