Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter

Taking a boat trip in Mauritius that combines wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and a delicious seafood barbecue sounds pretty enticing, right? Well, that’s exactly what Lydia Boat offers with their private Whales & Dolphins Encounter tour. It’s a full-day adventure that promises to get you close to the island’s most iconic marine creatures, all while enjoying Mauritius’s stunning coastal scenery.

We’ve sifted through dozens of glowing reviews and the tour’s detailed itinerary to give you an honest, practical look at what to expect—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Two aspects of this experience stand out immediately. First, the expert guides—many travelers mention how attentive and knowledgeable they are, making the journey smooth and enjoyable. Second, the quality of the seafood barbecue—many rave about the freshness and deliciousness of the meal, often calling it a highlight.

That said, one consideration to keep in mind is that the island of Île aux Bénitiers is temporarily closed, which means the barbecue might be held onboard for now. This could slightly alter your experience, but the core wildlife encounters and scenery remain unchanged.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, are comfortable on a boat, and appreciate good food. It’s ideal if you’re craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local cuisine. Families, couples, and solo travelers all find something to love here, especially those eager to see dolphins or whales in their natural habitat.

If your idea of a perfect day involves marine wildlife, clear waters, and a top-notch seafood meal, this tour is worth considering.

This experience made our article of 16 Best Tours & Things To Do In Mauritius (With Prices).

Key Points

• Private boat experience ensures an intimate, tailored adventure rather than a crowded tour
• Wildlife encounters with dolphins and whales are the highlight, with close-up swims offered
• Snorkeling opportunities include the lagoon, aquarium, and next to the famous crystal rock
• Seafood barbecue on the island or onboard, featuring freshly caught seafood and drinks
• Expert guides help maximize wildlife viewing and ensure safety and comfort
• Good value at $225.93 per person, given the full day of activities, food, and drinks

The tour begins early in the morning, meeting at the restaurant ‘Emba filao’ on the beach—a convenient and scenic starting point. After a warm welcome, you’ll board a private speedboat that whisks you away to Benitier Island, a tiny paradise famed for its vibrant marine life and stunning rock formations.

Early Morning Dolphin & Whale Watching

The most praised part of this trip is the chance to see dolphins and whales in their natural environment. Many travelers mention that the tour starts early, as the guides aim to be the first on-site to catch the animals before other boats arrive. This early start means the waters are often calm, and the animals are more active.

The experience typically includes a 1 hour 30 minutes of dolphin watching, with the opportunity to swim alongside these intelligent creatures. The guides closely supervise the swims to prevent disturbing the animals, which many reviewers appreciate as they want nature to be left as untouched as possible. One seasoned traveler describes it as “a very special day,” emphasizing how the guides supported them and answered all questions during the swim.

Along With dolphins, some tours report sightings of sperm whales, humpback whales, and even sea turtles. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, many reviews highlight luck and the skill of the guides in locating these animals, with one guest calling their whale spotting “beyond expectations.”

Snorkeling in the Lagoon and Around the Crystal Rock

Following wildlife viewing, you’ll have ample opportunity to snorkel at various spots. The lagoon’s clarity and vibrant coral formations make it a perfect setting for exploring marine life. Many reviews mention snorkeling next to the famous crystal rock or in the lagoon, noting an abundance of colorful fishes and underwater scenery. The use of snorkeling equipment is included, so you can comfortably float and observe.

One reviewer described snorkeling around the aquarium as “like swimming in an underwater garden,” emphasizing the variety of fishes and corals. The change in scenery from open water to the lagoon adds a pleasant variety, catering to both wildlife lovers and underwater explorers.

Gourmet Seafood Lunch

A major highlight, based on hundreds of reviews, is the seafood barbecue served on Benitier Island or onboard if the island remains closed (which it was as of March 2025). Many travelers describe the meal as “simply outstanding”, with freshly caught lobster, oysters, sea urchins, and shrimps prepared right in front of them. The menu often includes grilled fish, banana, and other local specialties, with drinks like wine and spiced rum to complement.

While some reviews mention the barbecue on the island, recent updates suggest it might now be held onboard due to the island’s temporary closure. Nevertheless, the quality of the seafood remains high, with many guests stating it was “the best meal of their trip.” The food and drinks are included in the price, making it excellent value for a full day of fun and gourmet eats.

Relaxation and Tanning

Post-lunch, many guests take a moment to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the scenic waters around Benitier Island. The tour’s slower pace after the active wildlife viewing and snorkeling allows for genuine leisure. Some reviewers mention that even with choppy waters, the boat ride remained comfortable thanks to the experienced crew.

Optional Additional Encounters

Some travelers have the chance to swim with sea turtles or spot other marine animals on their return trips, depending on the day’s wildlife activity. The guides’ local knowledge and keen eyes are often praised for making these little surprises happen.

At $225.93 per person, this tour offers a lot: a full day of wildlife watching, snorkeling, gourmet food, drinks, and personalized service. Compared to larger group excursions, the private nature of the tour ensures a more relaxed and tailored experience. Many reviewers call it “worth every penny,” especially given the high quality of the food and the chance to see dolphins and whales up close.

A frequently mentioned plus is the dedicated guides—their attentiveness and friendliness turn what could be a typical tour into a memorable adventure. Several reviews emphasize how guides like Miguel, Navy, and Cristiano went above and beyond to make the day special.

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours 30 minutes, which is enough time to cover all activities without feeling rushed. The meeting point is conveniently located, and since the tour is private, your group can customize some elements, like the snorkeling spots or the timing of each activity.

Considerations

One issue to keep in mind is the Île aux Bénitiers closure. As of March 2025, the island is temporarily closed, which means the barbecue will be held onboard. While this doesn’t diminish the wildlife encounters, it may affect the overall atmosphere. Travelers who value the island setting might want to confirm the latest arrangements.

Also, the tour does not include hotel pickup or breakfast, so plan accordingly. Bringing a towel, suncream, and camera is recommended—although many reviews mention that snacks and drinks are available during the trip.

The overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect the tour’s strengths. People describe it as the highlight of their Mauritius trip, citing “amazing” wildlife encounters and “delicious” food. One remark that resonates with us is from a guest who called the crew “like family,” emphasizing the personal touch that many guides provide.

Other travelers appreciated the early start, allowing them to beat the crowds and see the animals in their natural, undisturbed state. The ability to swim with dolphins and sea turtles in crystal-clear waters is repeatedly highlighted as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Some reviews mention that, despite unpredictable weather, the staff’s professionalism and flexibility kept the day enjoyable. The seafood barbecue consistently earns glowing praise, with guests remarking that it’s “the best meal” they had in Mauritius, served with plenty of drinks to enjoy the tropical vibe.

This private boat tour by Lydia Boat Mauritius offers a balanced mix of wildlife, snorkeling, and culinary delights. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking an intimate, personalized experience with the chance to connect with marine life in a natural setting. The guides’ local expertise and friendly approach make the trip feel special, and the quality of the food adds a luxurious touch.

While the island’s temporary closure might slightly alter the setting, the core wildlife encounters and snorkeling opportunities remain top-notch. The tour’s flexible schedule and inclusive price make it an excellent value for those wanting a full day on the water with memorable marine encounters.

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, or couples who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. If you’re ready to see dolphins, swim with turtles, and enjoy fresh seafood in Mauritius’s beautiful waters, this tour is highly recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families. The guides are attentive, and the activity is safe as long as children are comfortable on boats and in the water.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a towel, suncream, camera, and possibly a hat or sunglasses. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. Travelers meet at the designated restaurant, which is easily accessible by public transportation.

What happens if the Île aux Bénitiers remains closed?
The barbecue and other island activities will be held onboard the boat. The core wildlife experiences and snorkeling will still take place.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are non-refundable.

Will I definitely see dolphins or whales?
Wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions, but the guides do their best to locate the animals. Many guests report successful sightings, and the early start increases your chances.

If you’re after an authentic encounter with Mauritius’s marine life, combined with top-notch food and personalized service, Lydia Boat’s private tour offers a compelling package. It balances adventure with comfort, making it an excellent choice for explorers eager to connect with nature while enjoying the island’s hospitality. Just remember to confirm the latest details about island access, and prepare for a day filled with unforgettable moments in the sea.