Moris
Crystal Rock in the Le Morne lagoon
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

⛵ Boat trips & islands · La Gaulette / Le Morne

Pirogue trip to Île aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock

The local version of the west-coast catamaran: a fisherman's boat from La Gaulette to Crystal Rock, a snorkel stop and the beach of Île aux Bénitiers.

🚗 From the villa15 min · 10.2 kmoff-peak estimate
⏱️ Time needed3–5 hnot counting the drive
🕓 Best time of day☀️ Morning
💰 PriceRs 1,200–2,500 (CHF 21–43)Per person, depending on the group size and whether lunch is included (negotiate; indicative).

Instead of a big catamaran, take a small boat with a local skipper from La Gaulette or Le Morne: out to Crystal Rock (the white coral rock in the lagoon), a snorkel stop on the reef, then time on the sand of Île aux Bénitiers, often with grilled fish for lunch.

Cheaper, quieter and more flexible than the catamarans, and you can ask to go early, before the crowds.

  • Crystal Rock
  • Île aux Bénitiers beach
  • Small boat, local skipper
Crystal Rock in the Le Morne lagoon
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
The beach of Île aux Bénitiers
Photo: Benoît Prieur / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Getting there

Driving route from the villa

🚗 By car: 15 min (10.2 km) off-peak. Directions in Google Maps ↗

  • 🚕 Taxi from the villa: about Rs 400–550 (CHF 7–9.6) one way per car (agree the price first; a return trip with waiting time is often negotiable).
  • 🚲 Bike: close enough to cycle along the coast road (take care with traffic).

📅 Booking: Ask the boatmen in La Gaulette or on Le Morne public beach a day ahead.

Tips

  • 💡 Agree the price, the duration and what's included before leaving.
  • 💡 Check for life jackets.