Ile aux Bénitiers & Crystal Rock
A coconut islet about 2 km by 500 m in the lagoon, 500 m off La Gaulette. Photo stop (no landing) at Crystal Rock, a coral boulder rising from turquoise water, and snorkeling in a natural aquarium.
Tip: Trips from La Gaulette or Black River, often combined with dolphins and an island BBQ. Crystal Rock early morning, before the crowds.
A flat islet facing Le Morne
Ile aux Bénitiers is an uninhabited coral islet about 2 km long and up to 500 m wide, lying some 500 m off the village of La Gaulette. It is almost completely flat: coconut palms, casuarinas and fine sand, with Le Morne Brabant rising behind.
A few hundred metres to the west, Crystal Rock rises from shallow turquoise water, a sea-carved coral formation. Boats circle it and you can swim around it, but nobody lands: the coral is sharp and fragile.
Trip options
The classic day leaves Tamarin or Black River by speedboat early (around 7:15am): dolphin watching in the bay, a photo and snorkel stop at Crystal Rock, then a BBQ lunch on Ile aux Bénitiers, back around 2:30pm. One established operator charges Rs 2,400 per adult and Rs 1,300 per child (checked October 2026). Shorter trips run from La Gaulette, right opposite the island.
Dolphin watching is regulated by law: boats must stay at least 50 m from the animals, and swimming is only allowed with a licensed operator between 6am and noon.
Getting to the departure point
La Gaulette and Black River are on the south-west coast road. Allow about 1 hour 15 from Port Louis, 30 to 40 minutes from Flic en Flac and roughly 1 hour 45 from Grand Baie. Many operators offer hotel pick-up for an extra fee.
Best time
Go in the morning: softer light on Crystal Rock, a calmer lagoon and the best chance of dolphins. The west coast is the island's driest side from May to October (under 35 mm of rain a month on average). Water cools to around 24°C in August and September and tops 28°C from February to April.
Practical tips and pairings
Bring reef shoes, a mask and snorkel, sun protection and a bag to take your rubbish back. Don't stand on coral or collect shells. Children love the shallow water around the island, but keep life jackets on for the speedboat legs, which can be bumpy. The day pairs well with Dolphin Watching in Tamarin Bay, a swim at Le Morne Beach or, in the afternoon, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth, about half an hour's drive away.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a trip to Ile aux Bénitiers?
A full speedboat day with dolphins, Crystal Rock and a BBQ costs about Rs 2,400 per adult with an established operator (October 2026). Short trips from La Gaulette are cheaper.
Can you climb on Crystal Rock?
No. Boats circle it and you can swim around it, but landing isn't allowed because the coral is sharp and fragile.
Where do boats to Ile aux Bénitiers leave from?
From La Gaulette, directly opposite the island, or from Tamarin and Black River for day trips combined with dolphins.
How long does the trip take?
Half a day for a simple outing; about 7 hours (back around 2:30pm) for the dolphins, Crystal Rock and BBQ combo.
