REVIEW · FLIC EN FLAC
Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Starline Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Dolphins in Mauritius, up close. This speedboat tour from Flic en Flac takes you to Île aux Bénitiers for a dolphin swim and snorkel around Crystal Rock, then tops it off with a 3-course BBQ on the beach.
I like the small group size (up to 15 people) and the way guides Brian and Steven focus on calm, respectful water time, not crowding. The one thing to plan for is no toilets during the outing, so sort that before you head to the beach.
In This Review
- Key things I’d watch for
- Speedboat to Île aux Bénitiers: fast, wet, and well-run
- Swimming with dolphins: what respectful rules look like in practice
- Crystal Rock snorkeling near Le Morne: reef time with real conditions
- Île aux Bénitiers lunch and beach time: a real meal, not a snack break
- Timing and pacing: how the 6.5 hours usually feel
- What to bring (and how not to get annoyed on a wet deck)
- Who should book this dolphin speedboat tour
- Who should skip it
- Should you book the Black River dolphin speedboat + BBQ?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this tour?
- Is lunch included, and what kind of food do they serve?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
- Does the tour chase or hunt dolphins?
- Is pick-up and drop-off included?
- What should I bring?
- Are there toilets available during the outing?
Key things I’d watch for
- Small group (up to 15): more attention in the water and less chaos on the boat.
- Dolphins without chasing: the team states they do not hunt or chase dolphins, and will back off if needed.
- Crystal Rock snorkeling near Le Morne: clear lagoon time plus a reef setting that’s built for snorkeling.
- 3-course BBQ on Île aux Bénitiers: grilled fish, chicken, sausages, and drinks included.
- A speedboat day that stays wet: bring care for slippery deck moments.
Speedboat to Île aux Bénitiers: fast, wet, and well-run
This is a classic western Mauritius day: meet at Flic en Flac Public Beach (behind the Temple and Football Playground), hop on a speedboat, then spend the hours out on the lagoon. The whole experience runs about 390 minutes (around 6.5 hours), so it feels like a full outing without taking over your entire day.
A few practical points matter here. First, it’s a speedboat, and the deck is wet most of the time. That means you should move carefully while boarding, walking around, or stepping down. Second, sea conditions can change plans for safety, so don’t lock your expectations into a single “perfect” scenario. The operator notes adjustments may happen if currents or weather make it unsafe for the water activities.
Also, you get a live guide in English and French, and the team keeps the group small. That combination usually means you’ll understand what’s happening and what the rules are—especially around dolphin behavior, where timing and conduct really count.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Flic En Flac.
Swimming with dolphins: what respectful rules look like in practice
The big draw is the dolphin part, and the tour is pretty clear about its stance: they do not chase or hunt dolphins. If dolphins seem stressed—or if safety isn’t right for passengers—they’ll stay farther out rather than force an interaction.
That’s a huge deal for your experience. In practice, it means you’re more likely to get real, natural sightings and a calmer vibe on the boat. Several swimmers also note how close the experience can feel, sometimes getting to around one metre depending on the dolphins’ curiosity that day. And that’s the key word: sometimes. Dolphins are wild animals, so the best you can do is show up ready to follow the crew’s lead.
One more thing: there can be multiple boats in the same area. The operator warns that some operators may behave aggressively toward dolphins, which is exactly what the dolphin-first approach is trying to avoid. If the crew sees dolphins needing space, you may notice the group shifts position rather than trying to “win” the closest encounter.
If you care about animal welfare and you want the day to feel like an observation plus swim—rather than a spectacle—this is the right style of tour.
Crystal Rock snorkeling near Le Morne: reef time with real conditions
After dolphins, you switch to snorkeling, and the highlight is Crystal Rock in the southwest lagoons near Le Morne Mountain. You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided, which removes one planning headache. Your goal here is simple: get into clear water, follow the guide’s timing, and spend time in and around the reef area.
A few things to keep in mind. Snorkeling quality can vary day to day. Some people love the reef and fish variety, while one person felt the snorkeling area had fewer corals than expected in their spot. That doesn’t mean the snorkeling is bad—it just means nature doesn’t come with guarantees.
Also, lagoon conditions can affect where you see the best coral and how easy it is to hop in. The tour already flags that currents or poor sea conditions may change activities for safety, so if the day feels a bit different, it’s not you getting shorted. It’s a safety call.
Tip from how this tour is designed: be ready to snorkel with confidence. If you’re anxious in open water, spend a few extra seconds getting comfortable in the shallow entry area before you go looking for the rock.
Île aux Bénitiers lunch and beach time: a real meal, not a snack break
Then comes the island portion: Île aux Bénitiers. This is where the day turns from water activities to a more relaxed, sun-and-sea rhythm. You get leisure time on the island, with options like sunbathing, beach walking, or checking out the coral-reach areas (when conditions allow).
Lunch is a standout because it’s not just a sandwich-and-go. It’s a 3-course BBQ lunch with items like grilled fish, chicken, sausages, and more. Drinks are included too—described as unlimited local drinks during lunch. On top of that, there’s often a welcome moment on arrival; one person even mentioned a glass of local rum as part of the island welcome.
If you’re trying to make sure your Mauritius day doesn’t turn into a long day of waiting, this is one reason the tour scores well. People tend to get satisfied here: food is hot, portioned well, and you’re not rushing off immediately after you’re fed.
One logistical note you should really plan around: no toilets at any point. That comes up as a pain point, so do not treat this as a casual beach hangout where you can pop back for a break. Use facilities before you meet, and bring the right mindset for a sea-and-snack schedule.
Timing and pacing: how the 6.5 hours usually feel
This outing is built like a “high-action flow,” but it doesn’t feel like a constant sprint. The speedboat ride brings momentum, dolphins create a memorable anchor, Crystal Rock delivers snorkeling time, and then you get the island meal plus downtime.
That said, pacing can feel different depending on sea conditions and boat traffic. Some people note they had a slow start waiting for the boat. Others say the dolphin segment plus snorkeling is well-spaced. There’s also a realistic chance you’ll spend some time in transit and transitions—boarding, gearing up, and moving between stops.
On the island, one person felt there wasn’t enough snorkeling time because they spent more hours than expected on the beach. So if your personal priority is maximum time in the water, keep that in mind. This trip is split between dolphins, snorkeling, and island time, and it’s designed to be balanced rather than snorkeling-only.
What to bring (and how not to get annoyed on a wet deck)
The tour lists one required item: a towel. Since the boat deck is often wet, I’d treat towel as a “use it all day” item, especially after any time you’re in and out of the water.
Here’s what to focus on for comfort:
- Expect slippery boarding moments: take care when moving on the boat.
- Bring a calm attitude about changes: currents or poor conditions can shift snorkel plans.
- Plan around the no-toilet reality: this is the one practical snag that can affect your comfort level.
If you’re the type who gets stressed by small logistical gaps, this trip might feel more “adventure day” than “easy day.” If you’re okay with that tradeoff, it’s a fun way to pack in multiple lagoon experiences.
Who should book this dolphin speedboat tour
This is a strong fit if you want:
- a small-group speedboat experience from Flic en Flac
- a dolphin swim with a stated dolphin-welfare approach (no chasing/hunting)
- Crystal Rock snorkeling with provided gear
- an included, proper 3-course BBQ lunch and drinks on Île aux Bénitiers
It’s especially appealing as a first or second Mauritius highlight, because you get both animal encounter time and reef time in the same day, then end with a full meal on a beach.
Who should skip it
The operator lists it as not suitable for:
- pregnant women
- people with mobility impairments
If either applies, it’s worth choosing a different Mauritius tour format that’s easier on balance and movement around boats and water.
Should you book the Black River dolphin speedboat + BBQ?
If your ideal day is dolphins plus snorkeling plus a real island lunch, this tour makes sense. The value is strong because you’re paying for the full package: speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, Crystal Rock time, dolphin observation/swim, and a 3-course BBQ with drinks. At $74 per person, it’s also easier to justify than piecing together separate dolphin and snorkeling activities.
I’d still be honest about the one comfort issue: no toilets. If that would stress you out, factor that into your decision. And if your main goal is maximum snorkeling time only, expect the day to split attention between dolphins and island downtime.
If you want a dolphin experience that aims for respect, plus proper lagoon time and a satisfying BBQ break, book it and go with the flow of the sea.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this tour?
You meet at Flic en Flac Public beach, behind the Temple and the Football Playground. The crew/skipper welcomes you there.
Is lunch included, and what kind of food do they serve?
Yes. Lunch is included as a 3-course BBQ on Île aux Bénitiers, with items such as grilled fish, chicken, sausages, and more. Drinks are also included with lunch.
Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?
No. The tour includes snorkeling equipment.
Does the tour chase or hunt dolphins?
No. The operator specifically states they do not chase or hunt dolphins. If dolphins or passengers need more space or safety changes, they will stay farther away.
Is pick-up and drop-off included?
Pick-up and drop-off are not included. It may be arranged for an additional cost.
What should I bring?
The tour advises you to bring a towel.
Are there toilets available during the outing?
No. One of the practical cautions shared is that there are no toilets at any point, so plan accordingly before you go.
