It’s time for a sunny getaway on the West Coast. The light ocean breeze forebodes a stunning day on Oceane with their most welcoming crew.
Lightly step on board the catamaran. Inland, look up at the Black River mountain range and the mythical Morne Mountain, named as part of World Heritage by UNESCO. As the catamaran leaves the bay, the scenery unfolds in all hues of green and blue, from the crystal clear lagoon to the great depths of the open ocean. Rest assured: Océane will only sail easily along the reef.
Our first stop: Tamarin Bay. Keep an eye out for pods of spinner or bottlenose dolphins that stay in our western coastline waters. If you are lucky, they might be in sight, just for you to admire these beloved mammals’ acrobatics that could be the highlight of your tropical holiday.
The boat then heads to Black River, all sails hoisted. In the lagoon, a patch reef about two metres deep, harbours colourful fishes and small crustaceans. Get into your snorkelling gear and chase after butterfly fish or tease passing trumpet fish while admiring the coral outcrops spread on the white sand. Taste the saltiness of the water as you swim under the vigilant and trained eye of the crew, ready to intervene should anyone need any help.
Since nothing gets an appetite going like a swim in the sea, the crew gets to lunch preparation. As you climb back on board, the delicious smell of local cuisine will make your mouth water. Feast on grilled fish and chicken with various salads, as well as bananas flambéed in rum for dessert, depending on the season.
The boat is then steered towards the infamous Bénitiers Rock, which stands over the turquoise lagoon. As the boat anchors as close as possible, depending on the tide, be sure to snap a picture next to this mysterious outcrop that features endlessly on Mauritian postcards. The aqua water laps gently on the boat and the world is all blue and green as far as the eye can see, except for the Bénitiers Island, laden with coconut trees.
Hop onto a fisherman’s boat, which will ferry you to the island’s sandy beaches, where you can laze around in the sun or start an exploration on foot. A few hawkers scattered around the beach, sell straw hats, jewellery made out of seashells, sarongs and other souvenirs. While the island may attract a crowd during peak season, you can hope to find an almost desert beach on a quiet day.
Of course, you can also choose to stay on the catamaran and jump off the deck into the best swimming pool in the world: the Indian ocean! Warm, crystal clear and calm; you might even catch yourself making plans to stay indefinitely…
In the late afternoon, the wind will pick up in the boat’s sails, gliding you back to shore while the sun starts its descent. Enjoy the last of the wonderful atmosphere with a final drink and an inside joke or two with the other passengers on board.
This cruise is as the coast’s reputation itself: laid back, sunny and wonderful.