Moris
Crystal Rock in the turquoise lagoon
Photo: Raffaele pagani / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

⛵ Boat trips & islands · Black River / Le Morne

Catamaran to Île aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock

A full day on a catamaran along the west coast: dolphins at dawn, snorkelling, the iconic Crystal Rock, a BBQ lunch on Île aux Bénitiers and Le Morne views.

🚗 From the villa5 min · 0.8 kmoff-peak estimate
⏱️ Time needed5–7 hnot counting the drive
🕓 Best time of day☀️ Morning · 🕛 Midday
💰 PriceRs 2,500–4,500 (CHF 43–78)Per person including lunch and drinks (shared catamaran); private catamaran for a group ≈ Rs 40,000–70,000.

The classic west-coast day out. Catamarans leave from Black River or La Preneuse in the morning, look for dolphins, then sail south along the lagoon to snorkel on the reef. Next comes Crystal Rock, a white limestone rock rising from turquoise water, and a stop on Île aux Bénitiers, a small coconut-palm islet with a grilled fish and chicken lunch.

It's relaxing, with drinks on board and Le Morne as a backdrop. Speedboat versions are shorter and cheaper.

  • Crystal Rock
  • BBQ lunch on Île aux Bénitiers
  • Snorkelling and dolphins
  • Le Morne from the sea
Crystal Rock in the turquoise lagoon
Photo: Raffaele pagani / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The palm-fringed islet of Île aux Bénitiers
Photo: Lukas von Daeniken from Schweiz / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Getting there

Driving route from the villa

🚗 By car: 5 min (0.8 km) off-peak. Directions in Google Maps ↗

  • 🚕 Taxi from the villa: about Rs 350–500 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: Book 2–3 days ahead; many operators pick up at the villa.

Tips

  • 💡 Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and a towel; there's little shade on some boats.
  • 💡 A private catamaran is great value for a group of 8–12.

Our notes & votes