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Southwest lagoon · Crystal Rock
Île aux Bénitiers
Île aux Bénitiers sits in the southwest lagoon, roughly a kilometre off La Gaulette, with Le Morne in the background. Most visitors arrive on a catamaran or speedboat that also looks for dolphins in the bay and pauses at Crystal Rock — a basalt outcrop in turquoise water, not a climb. The islet itself is small: a long pale beach, casuarinas, and, on busy days, souvenir tables near the landing. The Telegraph and local operators note that walking away from the landing is how you get the lagoon without the stall. Swimming is in the lagoon, not beyond the reef. This is not a hotel island and not a wilderness reserve.
History
Why this place exists
A low sand islet in the southwest lagoon, in the lee of Le Morne. Crystal Rock is a basalt outcrop in turquoise water, not a climb. The busy landing is modern tourism; the quiet end of the beach is still a sandbar.
First visit
To do
- One west-lagoon day. Not also Cerfs.
- Lifejackets for children. Distance from dolphins.
- Sun is the injury. Shade and water.
Tickets
Cheaper here
Agree the boat in La Gaulette / Le Morne. Hotel desks and 'dolphin guarantee' packages cost more for the same lagoon.
No single official ticket. Licensed skipper, written inclusions, walk away from the stall end of the sandbar.
Location
On the island
OpenStreetMap, live. Pins are the place, not a sponsored hotel.
-20.4080° S · 57.3430° E
Lagoon swimming only. Sun is severe on a sandbar with little shade. Dolphin-watching boats should keep distance; do not jump in on animals. Confirm lifejackets for children.
Crowd: busy