Swimming with dolphins, a dream come true

Published on August 16, 2024 at 4:00 pm

A dream for some, a unique experience for others. Swimming with dolphins in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean is one of the most popular activities in Mauritius. It has to be said that the gentle lagoons invite tourists to explore. With your head under the water, you can marvel at a school of dolphins that passes before your eyes again and again. Some spinner dolphins are playful, others very stealthy. Unlike many countries, Mauritius does not allow dolphins to be held in captivity and the observation of marine species is regulated by law. The practice must therefore be carried out with respect for the environment and the animal's natural habitat, without endangering biodiversity. There are a multitude of ways to swim with wild dolphins, such as combining dolphin swimming with whale watching; lunch on a tropical island; full-day excursions; shared or private excursions, and much more.

Encounters with dolphins are a unique sight in Mauritius.

Summary

What types of dolphins can be seen in Mauritius?
What does the experience look like?
Where can I go on these excursions?
Practical information

Whether on the water or underwater, encounters with dolphins are a unique and magnificent sight that we never tire of. In Mauritius, spinner dolphins can be seen all year round. These intelligent, social and elegant creatures tend to live in families. Playful by nature, they don't hesitate to approach curious onlookers... a magical moment.

Dolphins playing in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, in a picturesque mountain setting at sunrise.

What types of dolphins can be seen in Mauritius?

Two species of dolphin live in Mauritius' turquoise waters: long-beaked and blowing dolphins. Blowers are larger than spinner dolphins and travel in small groups. Long-beaked dolphins are more common and less stealthy. They move quickly in large numbers. In both cases, the experience is rewarding.

What does the experience look like?

The first stage is the most difficult: you have to get up very early. In general, the dolphin-watching and swimming boats depart around 5.30 am. It stings, but it's worth it! The good news is that the dolphins are also early risers and will certainly be there to meet you. Before jumping into the water, the guides will give you a few tips (see the practical information section). Swimmers are invited to put on their swimming costume, flippers, lifejacket, mask and snorkel. The boat follows a pod and then stops several metres from the group of dolphins. The time you spend swimming alongside the dolphins varies according to their behaviour. Sometimes they are sociable and approach easily, and sometimes they swim away from humans.

The experience in the water is magical and unique. It all depends on how rough the sea is, the visibility and the number of dolphins present. But in all cases, the dolphins frolic around undisturbed, and visitors sometimes have the chance to spot whales.

In Tamarin Bay, tourists watch dolphins playing near the catamaran.

Where can I go on these excursions?

Dolphins generally move through Tamarin Bay, on the south-west coast of the island, early in the morning as they head towards the deeper waters off Le Morne. Most boats leave from the towns of Flic en Flac, Tamarin or Grand Rivière Noire around 5.30am.

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Ile aux Bénitiers, around 500 metres off the island's south-west coast, is also a great place to watch dolphins. Most excursions also include a barbecue on the island, with its white sandy beaches and shallow lagoon. Travellers will find themselves in a paradise-like setting facing other natural wonders such as a breathtaking view of Le Morne mountain.

Dolphin watching near the Black River.

Naturally, encounters with cetaceans must take place within a regulatory framework that respects the natural environment. Several operators, such as Mauritius Dolphin Swim, are licensed by the Mauritius Tourism Authority. Excursions comply with strict safety rules, such as not approaching a pod or obstructing the dolphins.

For those who are not comfortable in the water, it is quite possible to observe them from a distance without touching the water.

Swimming with dolphins is a regular activity in Mauritius

Practical information

👉 Boat departure times depend on the season. In winter (May to October), swimming with the dolphins starts from 7am to 9am with departure before 6am.

👉 What is the code of conduct for swimming with dolphins?

During cetacean watching, boat engines must be in neutral. It is forbidden to approach the dolphins to less than 50 metres and to obstruct the path of the dolphins by coming in front or behind the group. You must not feed them or attract them by making noise or throwing objects. When swimming, do not cling to the dolphins.

👛 How much does it cost?

On average, the price of a dolphin-watching excursion at sea is €30 per person. If you opt for a longer excursion with a meal included, the price is around €100 per person. In general, children under 6 are free, while children aged 6 to 12 are half price.

by Faustine PEREZ | Staff Writer

Faustine Perez is a writer currently based in Paris. She is pursuing a Master's degree at SciencesPo Paris in Communications, Media and Creative Industries. She is an avid traveller and has been fortunate to explore the USA and the Caribbean.

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