If Ile aux Cerfs is the east coast’s great day at sea, Ile aux Bénitiers is the west’s answer, and many travellers prefer it. The island is a small, low island set in the lagoon of the south-west corner of Mauritius, close to the base of Le Morne Brabant, and the water around it is some of the calmest and clearest on the island. On a catamaran cruise you sail out from the west coast, with the dark bulk of the UNESCO mountain behind you, and anchor in the shallows where the sand is white and the lagoon fades from pale green to deep turquoise. The day follows a happy, lazy pattern. After boarding you cruise along the coast, with the crew handing out drinks and pointing out landmarks, then stop to snorkel in the lagoon, where the reef fish are used to visitors. A barbecue lunch is served on board or on the beach, with an open bar of local rum, beer, wine and soft drinks, and there is time on the island to swim, walk the sand and soak up the view of Le Morne. It is exactly the kind of day that people mean when they say they want to do nothing in paradise. Compared with the east coast cruise, the Bénitiers day is generally less crowded and has a more intimate scale, and the scenery is dramatic in a different way: mountain, lagoon and open sea together. Many boats also combine the trip with a search for wild dolphins in the early morning, or a stop at a sandbank known as Crystal Rock, so the exact itinerary varies by operator and by the weather on the day.
How it works
The cruise is a full-day shared catamaran trip, typically leaving from a west coast departure point around mid-morning and returning in the late afternoon. Lunch, drinks and snorkel gear are included in the price, and the boat is shared with other guests, so expect a friendly, social atmosphere. Check the departure point and any transfer arrangements when you book, since pickup arrangements differ by operator and by where you are staying.
What you see
The sail passes the western shoreline and the Le Morne peninsula, with the lagoon turning every shade of blue as the depth changes. At the island you can swim, snorkel and walk on the beach, and in the right season you may see sea turtles or tropical fish over the reef. Itineraries vary: some boats stop at nearby sandbanks, and others add a dolphin search before breakfast, which can be magical when it works. Dolphins are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed.
Making the most of it
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a cover-up and a waterproof bag, as shade on deck is limited. Take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it, since the open stretch of the crossing can be breezy. Cash is useful for tips and any souvenir stalls on the island. Mornings are the calmest, and the winter months from May to October bring cooler days and steadier skies, though the trade winds can make the afternoon sail livelier.
Where it fits
The west and south-west coasts make a natural base for this trip. Pair it with the Le Morne Brabant hike on a different day, or with a visit to Chamarel, and consider staying near Le Morne, Black River or Flic en Flac to avoid a long transfer. If you are choosing between this and the Ile aux Cerfs cruise, pick Bénitiers if you are staying in the west or south-west, and Ile aux Cerfs if you are in the east.
What to expect
The experience
A shared full-day catamaran cruise in the south-west lagoon to Ile aux Bénitiers, with snorkelling, a barbecue lunch and an open bar.
Best time
Mornings are calmest, and the dry months from May to December are the most reliable for sun and clear water.
How long
A full day, usually six to eight hours including the sail, with transfers extra depending on the operator.
Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a dry bag and seasickness tablets, and confirm the departure point and pickup when you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers staying on the west or south-west coast who want a classic lagoon day beneath Le Morne.
- Families
- Children enjoy the boat and the shallow water, but check age policies and bring life jackets for non-swimmers.
- Couples
- A sociable, sun-soaked day with views of the UNESCO mountain, best followed by a quiet sunset.
- Pair with
- A dolphin trip from Black River, or the Le Morne Brabant hike on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day, so keep the evening free.
Good questions
What is Ile aux Bénitiers?+
It is a small island in the lagoon of Mauritius’s south-west corner, near the base of Le Morne Brabant, known for calm, clear water and white sand.
What is included in the cruise?+
The trip includes a barbecue lunch, an open bar and snorkel gear, though inclusions can vary by operator, so check when you book.
Will I see dolphins on the Bénitiers cruise?+
Some itineraries add an early dolphin search, but dolphins are wild and sightings are never guaranteed. A dedicated dolphin trip gives better odds.
Is it better than the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?+
They are different. Bénitiers is on the west and south-west coast with mountain scenery, while Ile aux Cerfs is in the east. Choose the one nearest your hotel.
What should I bring?+
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a towel, a cover-up, a waterproof bag for your phone and a little cash for tips.
