Quick answer
A private boat charter in Mauritius means you hire the whole boat for your group, with your own schedule, and prices start at around R6 500 for a half day speedboat and run higher for a full day catamaran. You choose the route, the departure time and the activities, which is why couples, families and groups of friends book private when they want it on their terms.
Why people charter private
No strangers on the boat. Your own sunrise departure for the dolphins. A honeymoon couple who want quiet, or a group of eight friends who want a full day with their own music and their own pace. Private buys you control.
It also buys you a better experience with the wildlife. A small private group can approach a dolphin pod calmly without the chaos of a packed shared boat.
What you can build into a charter
Sunrise dolphin watching, a snorkel stop, a sail to an island, a sunset cruise, a fishing add on, or a mix. You tell us what matters and we build the day around it. Photography packages with a drone or GoPro are a popular add on for couples.
Under TEL licence 17429 and 14 years running this coast, we plan the day around the sea and the season, not a fixed timetable. That is the point of going private.
What it costs
Pricing is per boat, not per person, so the more people you bring the better the value. The guide prices below are a starting point. Confirm for your exact date and group.
Add ons that make a charter worth it
The point of going private is building the day around you. Popular add ons include a sunrise dolphin start, a snorkel stop, a sail to an island, a sunset return, a fishing session, and a photography package with a drone or GoPro. You can also bring your own food and drinks on most charters.
How to book and avoid getting ripped off
Book direct with a licensed operator. That is the whole trick. Your hotel concierge can add 30 to 50 percent on the exact same trip, because they take a commission you never see. Cut them out and you keep that money.
Check three things before you pay. One, a real licence number you can see on the site, like TEL licence 17429. Two, clear pricing in rand, not a vague from price that grows at the jetty. Three, a real person on WhatsApp who answers. An operator with only a Gmail address and no licence is a gamble with your holiday and your safety.
Pay a deposit to hold your date, especially in the June to July peak when boats fill up fast. Confirm the day before for weather. A good operator will move you, not cancel you, if the sea turns.
How much does a private boat charter cost in Mauritius?
Guide prices start around R6 500 for a half day speedboat and rise to R16 000 or more for a full day catamaran. Charters are priced per boat, so bigger groups get better value per person.
Is a private charter worth it for a couple?
For a honeymoon or anniversary, often yes. You get your own sunrise departure, no strangers, and a quiet, intimate experience. Many couples say it was the highlight.
What can I include in a charter?
Dolphin watching, snorkelling, island sailing, a sunset cruise, fishing and photography packages. You build the day around what you want.
How many people fit on a charter?
A speedboat takes up to about 6, a catamaran up to about 12. Tell us your group size and we will match the boat.
Can we do a private sunrise dolphin trip?
Yes, and it is one of the best reasons to charter. Early, calm, quiet, and just your group with the pods.
Is a private charter cheaper per person with a bigger group?
Yes. Charters are priced per boat, so a half day at R6 500 works out to R3 250 each for two people but only about R1 083 each for six.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
On most charters yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Confirm with the operator when you book.
Can we mix activities on one charter?
Yes, that is the whole point. Combine dolphins, snorkelling, island time, fishing and a sunset return in one custom day.
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