Dolphin Catamaran Cruises From the West Coast: Which One Is Worth It?
4 min read
For travellers who meet its participation requirements: the catamaran cruise with dolphin watching, BBQ and drinks from €77.77 — advertised as 6 hours, 4.7 stars from 363 reviews, meeting at the Le Morne Anglers’ Club jetty in Grande Rivière Noire. Confirm the price unit and meeting time for your booking. The alternative is the Île aux Bénitiers catamaran tour with dolphin watch and lunch at €63 per person: 4.2 stars from 416 reviews.
The two cruises compared
| Cruise | Duration | From | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran cruise: dolphin watching, BBQ and drinks | about 6 hours; confirm timing | €77.77; confirm price unit | 4.7 · 363 | Open bar and dietary options requested in advance |
| Île aux Bénitiers catamaran tour with dolphin watch and lunch | 6 hours | €63 per person | 4.2 · 416 | BBQ, drinks and optional paid pickup; bring snorkelling gear |
Both include a dolphin search, a swim and snorkel stop, Crystal Rock, a barbecue on board and time on Île aux Bénitiers. The order differs, and sea conditions can change the itinerary. Both operators describe encounters with wild dolphins, so sightings depend on the animals and conditions on the day.
The cruise from Le Morne Anglers’ Club
The meeting point is the Le Morne Anglers’ Club jetty on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Rivière Noire. The practical notes say 9:15am for a departure around 9:30am, while the description says to meet at 9am and return about 3:30pm. Confirm which timing applies before arranging transport. The dolphin search runs towards Tamarin Bay, the snorkel stop is at L’Harmonie or La Preneuse, and Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers follow.
The barbecue is fish, chicken and sausages with salads and fruit, and the drinks are unlimited — rum, wine, Phoenix beer, juices and soft drinks. Vegetarian, gluten-free and seafood-free lunches have to be requested in advance. The boat carries life jackets, a first-aid kit and distress rockets.
The page names two groups it is not suitable for: people with mobility impairments and people prone to seasickness. The stated group limit is 36. Check the booking page for hotel-transfer and snorkelling-equipment arrangements before booking.
See availability and prices for the €77.77 cruise
The Île aux Bénitiers tour: bring your own mask
This one sails through Tamarin Lagoon, watches dolphins, passes Crystal Rock, snorkels at a spot called “the Aquarium”, serves a three-course barbecue on board, and ends on the beach at Île aux Bénitiers. The operator states plainly that it does not chase dolphins and will keep its distance when it judges that safer for the animals.
The practical details are the reason to read the page first. Snorkelling equipment is, in the description’s words, not normally provided, so guests who want to snorkel are advised to bring their own. Hotel pickup may be arranged at an extra cost depending on location. The page lists children under three, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users as not suitable. The stated group limit is 35. The listing mentions music and dance on board; ask about the atmosphere if that matters to your choice.
See availability and prices for the €63 catamaran tour
What separates the cruises
The cruise from Le Morne Anglers’ Club describes an open bar and vegetarian, gluten-free and seafood-free meals on advance request. The other cruise also includes drinks with its barbecue, and its description recommends bringing your own snorkelling equipment. Both are advertised as six-hour cruises; confirm the first cruise’s timing because its meeting instructions differ. For snorkelling, the first cruise names L’Harmonie or La Preneuse, while the other names the Aquarium. Conditions determine the stop on the day.
Consider the Île aux Bénitiers tour if its itinerary suits you, you can bring your own snorkelling gear and you meet its participation requirements. Add any pickup charge to the quote. Both itineraries describe dolphin watching from the catamaran and separate swimming or snorkelling stops. If swimming with dolphins is your priority, compare the dolphin trips.
Our recommendation
Book the cruise from Le Morne Anglers’ Club if its open bar and advance-request dietary options suit you, provided you meet the restrictions and confirm the meeting time and total quote. Choose the Île aux Bénitiers tour if its itinerary and pickup option work better for you; bring your own snorkelling equipment and include any transfer charge in your budget.
Book the catamaran cruise with dolphin watching, BBQ and drinks
