Swimming with Dolphins in Mauritius: Where, When, How?
Dreaming of swimming with dolphins in their natural environment? Is it on your bucket list too?
Well, you can make that dream come true in Mauritius, where many wild dolphins live along the coastlines!
Are you looking to treat yourself to this amazing experience during your stay in Mauritius?
You’ve come to the right place.
I’ve prepared a complete article on this exceptional activity.
A word of caution though: an increasing number of providers offer dolphin boat excursions in Mauritius, but not all of them do it correctly…
Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius is indeed a magical and unforgettable experience. However, like any interaction with wildlife, there are precautions to take.
To my mind, ethical considerations are paramount to ensure that we approach these creatures without disturbing them, respecting the animals and the overall marine ecosystem.
So, where and when can you swim with dolphins in Mauritius? How does a dolphin excursion unfold? Who are the best providers for this type of tour?
Let me explain everything!
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- Swimming with Dolphins in Mauritius: Where, When, How?
Dolphin swimming in Mauritius: where and when?
When to see dolphins in Mauritius?
To have the chance to spot dolphins in Mauritius, there is no specific time. Here, it’s possible to see dolphins near the coasts all year round.
The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are indeed a particularly welcoming environment for these wonderful creatures.
While they do move around throughout the day, dolphin groups have a daily routine which allows us to predict their locations and the best times to see them.
Early in the morning, after a night spent feeding offshore, they approach their resting zones near the coasts. Typically, this is the easiest time to observe them.
Where to swim with dolphins in Mauritius?
Dolphins are mostly found along the West Coast of Mauritius. Hence, you could plan to swim with dolphins near Flic en Flac or Tamarin.
They’re often spotted in Tamarin Bay as well as around the Morne lagoon, in the southwest.
It’s also possible to encounter dolphins off the coast of Grand Baie in the North of Mauritius, although this is much rarer due to fewer dolphins (probably because the waters are rougher in that area).
Most boats organizing swimming sessions with dolphins depart from the beaches of Black River, Morne Brabant, or Bel Ombre.
Swimming with Dolphins in Mauritius: My Opinion
I must confess that I was hesitant to discuss swimming with dolphins in Mauritius on my blog.
Why? Because I’ve witnessed how this activity has exploded on the island in recent years, leading to a growing number of boats that surround and chase the cetaceans without any respect.
And I have no intention of promoting that.
However, I thought that this article could be a good opportunity for awareness-raising and to educate my readers on the subject.
It’s important that this activity remains an adventure of sharing and wonder with the wild environment and not just an unthinking business that stresses and endangers marine animals.
So in my opinion: if you truly care about the well-being and peace of wild animals, I would advise you to skip this activity during your holidays in Mauritius.
On the other hand, if swimming with dolphins is truly a dream you wish to fulfill, it’s crucial to choose the right organizer for your excursion.
In my view, swimming with dolphins in Mauritius isn’t necessarily harmful, but it has to be done properly.
I don’t presume to tell you what to do, but I believe when we enter the natural habitat of animals, ethics and respect should be a priority.
Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius can be a positive and enriching experience provided you opt for a service provider who prioritizes ethics and adheres to the safety guidelines for the animals.
According to the animal welfare rules in force in Mauritius’s tourism sector, here is the code of conduct to follow:
- The boat must approach a group of dolphins at reduced speed, parallel to their direction of travel.
- The boat must not approach dolphins head-on or from behind
- The engines must be idled during observation of the dolphins
- It is forbidden to approach dolphins at a distance of less than 50 meters
- Passengers are not allowed to make noise to attract the dolphins’ attention, throw objects or food at them.
- It is strictly forbidden to touch the dolphins.
Fortunately, there are a few responsible providers who respect these rules. And I hope that this awareness will grow in the years to come.
The Best Dolphin Swimming Excursions in Mauritius
To ensure your dolphin swimming experience in Mauritius remains a magical and unforgettable one, you should choose an operator that respects animals and the marine environment.
Among the best agencies for swimming with dolphins in Mauritius, Dolswim, Lydia Boat, and Namori Tours come highly recommended by me.
Truly passionate about the marine environment and committed to its protection, these agencies are dedicated to offering outings where ethics are of utmost importance.
The price for swimming with dolphins in Mauritius varies depending on the package you choose. Indeed, there are several options:
- a shared boat outing
- a private outing (on a boat reserved just for you!)
- the combined excursion which includes swimming with the dolphins + a visit to Île aux Bénitiers
The team at Dolswim offers speedboat excursions in small groups of a maximum of 8 people, to go and meet dolphins off the coast of Rivière Noire and swim with them.
The trip starts early in the morning and lasts for 3 hours at sea.
You can trust Dolswim to respect the wellbeing of the dolphins and to approach them gently. After a briefing from the skipper explaining the procedure and once a group of dolphins is spotted, you’ll be invited to enter the water in groups of 2 people at a time.
You will then have the joy of finding yourself alongside dolphins in their natural habitat and experience a truly magical moment!
Fins, masks, and snorkels are provided by the organizers. The excursion ends with a snorkeling session near the coral reef.
This amazing excursion is priced at 46€ per person.
Dolswim guarantees a 90% chance of seeing dolphins on the day of your outing. Additionally, this excursion comes with a GetYourGuide certification, meaning if you are not satisfied, you get your money back!
Book your eco-tour for dolphin observation and swimming in Mauritius with Dolswim by clicking directly below:
If you are in Mauritius during the whale season (between May/June and October), Dolswim offers a more in-depth eco-tour to encounter not only dolphins but also sperm whales and migrating humpback whales.
This five-hour outing (from 7 am to 12 pm) is organized in the same ethical manner and in small groups of no more than 8 people.
If you are staying on the island between May and October, I recommend this excursion as the chance to observe whales up-close is an experience to cherish for a lifetime!
With boats filling up quickly and only taking 8 people, you should book without delay by clicking below:
Private Outing to Swim with Dolphins in Mauritius
If you’re looking for more privacy to fulfill your dream of swimming with dolphins in Mauritius, you should consider this private outing organized by Lydia Boat. Perfect for couples, families, or friends, you’ll be welcomed aboard a motorboat reserved exclusively for you.
The meeting point is set at 6 am on the public beach of Le Morne (or directly at your hotel if you’re staying nearby).
Yes, it means an early start! But this way, you’ll have the privilege of having the sea all to yourself since, at that time, the tourist boats haven’t arrived yet!
Once aboard, you’re set for 2.5 hours at sea on a quest to meet marine mammals. One of the organizers will join you in the water to guide you to the dolphins without disturbing them.
This exceptional private outing is priced at 245€ for 4 people, which is roughly 60€ per person only.
Click on the button below to book your private boat outing to swim with dolphins in Mauritius:
Combined Excursion: Dolphins + Ile aux Bénitiers
Another way to see dolphins in Mauritius is to join a boat trip to Ile aux Bénitiers.
This small paradisiacal islet is situated in Le Morne’s lagoon, a spot frequented by groups of dolphins. On the way there, you have a great chance of encountering them.
I recommend the catamaran cruise organized by Ocean Cruises Mauritius. This full-day excursion includes:
- a comfortable and uncrowded large sailboat! (limited to 20 people per boat maximum)
- a session of dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay (at a respectful distance, so as not to stress them)
- a swimming and snorkeling break near Crystal Rock
- a barbecue lunch served on board
- unlimited beverages
- a stopover at Ile aux Bénitiers
The cruise lasts a day, departing from Rivière Noire at 9 am and returning around 3:30 pm. The crew is super friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming throughout the day.
With this option, you won’t be invited into the water but will instead admire the dolphins from the boat.
Book your Ile aux Bénitiers cruise + dolphin watching by clicking right here.
If you want to go to Ile aux Bénitiers during your stay, I’ve prepared a detailed article to help you plan your visit. You can read it right here: Visiting Ile aux Bénitiers – Complete Guide
What Dolphins Can You See in Mauritius?
In Mauritius, you can encounter two different species of dolphins:
- the long-beaked dolphin
- the common dolphin (also known as the bottlenose dolphin).
The long-beaked dolphin of Mauritius is quite small and can be identified by its dark grey back, its white belly and the light grey stripes on the side of its head and flanks. It is also known for its acrobatic jumps out of the water. In English, it is called “Spinner dolphin,” which refers to its spinning behavior.
These dolphins live and move in large groups that can number up to a hundred individuals.
The common dolphin, also known as the bottlenose dolphin, is larger and usually moves in small groups of just a few individuals (up to twenty at most). It is recognizable by its large size and its uniform light grey color. It inhabits all the oceans of the world, except for the cold arctic and antarctic waters.
Very curious by nature, common dolphins will often approach boats and divers.
Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice
Many travelers mistakenly believe that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public healthcare system is fragile and even a simple visit to a private clinic can be very expensive!
That’s why it’s crucial to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you leave.
To travel safely, I recommend the following two insurances (both include epidemic guarantees, like Covid-19 – very important!)
To subscribe, it’s very easy, you just need to click on the orange links below:
- ACS AMI Globe Partner: Medical insurance and repatriation
- Assur Travel Summum: Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, baggage theft, flight delay, cancellation and more!)
And you, have you planned to swim with dolphins in Mauritius?
🏨 Book your hotel
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight
You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!
Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.
- Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices
The best itineraries for your trip
- Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
- Itinerary: One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
- Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
- Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
- Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
- Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!
Places to Visit
- Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
- Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
- Chamarel: 11 Epic Things to Do
- Flic-en-Flac: Top 10 places to visit and things to do
- Grand Baie: The Ultimate Guide
- Grand Bassin: All the Best Things to Do
- Île aux Bénitiers: How to get there + Tips
- Île aux Cerfs: The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
- Mahébourg: Best Places to Visit + Tips
- Morne Brabant: How to Visit Morne Brabat?
- Black River Gorges National Park: What to See and Do?
- Port-Louis: The ultimate guide
Activities
- The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
- The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
- Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide
- Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius: Best excursions, Prices + My best Tips
- Seaplane tour in Mauritius: My experience + Prices and Tips
Organize your stay
- Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
- 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
- 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
- All Inclusive Hotels in Mauritius: My top 15 of the best hotels
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