Dolphin watching in Mauritius cuts straight to what travelers want: close encounters with these incredible creatures in crystal-clear waters. Smart travelers choose between small-group options like the Dolphin Encounter & Whale Watching tour, which provides quality gear and keeps groups intimate. My favorite pick is the Full-Day Dolphin Cruise – you’ll swim with dolphins and enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch, making it perfect for families. Budget-conscious visitors should consider the 2-Hour Dolphin Excursion, while those wanting extra comfort will appreciate the Private Boat Tour‘s hotel pickup service and included refreshments. Whale Dream Ltd.’s flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind for uncertain weather days.
Let’s explore the top dolphin watching experiences Mauritius has to offer.
Key Points
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The “Dolphins Encounter & Whale Watching” tour offers a cost-effective, intimate, and safety-focused experience to swim with dolphins, with a maximum of 8 participants.
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The “Whale Dream Ltd” private tour provides a flexible, highly rated, and immersive experience to observe whales, with a hydrophone to hear their sounds.
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The “2-Hour Dolphin Excursion” is a budget-friendly option with a small group size, comfortable speedboats, and hands-on assistance for snorkeling with dolphins.
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The “Private Boat Tour by Dolswim Ltd” offers a personalized and inclusive package, with hotel pickup, beverages, and snorkeling gear, for up to 6 participants.
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The “Full-Day Dolphin Cruise” allows for swimming with multiple dolphin species, snorkeling at Crystal Rocks, and a BBQ lunch on Bénitiers Island, though concerns about overcrowding have been noted.
Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching
For those interested in getting up close and personal with marine wildlife, the Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching tour in Mauritius offers an unforgettable opportunity.
This 4-hour excursion allows travelers to swim with dolphins and go whale watching, with a maximum of 8 participants ensuring an intimate experience. Equipped with snorkeling gear, guests can observe the majestic humpback and sperm whales, as well as the playful spinner dolphins.
With an experienced crew providing live commentary and ensuring safety, this tour emphasizes the respectful observation of marine life. Rated 4.5/5 by travelers, the tour is highly recommended for its professionalism, memorable encounters, and exceptional organization.
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Whale Dream Ltd – Whale Watching and Swim With Dolphins
Frequently, travelers seeking an immersive marine experience in Mauritius turn to Whale Dream Ltd, a company specializing in whale watching and swimming with dolphins.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 270 reviews, Whale Dream Ltd offers a private tour that includes snorkeling equipment, a hydrophone, snacks, and soda.
The activity starts at 6:00 am and concludes at the meeting point, the Yacht club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Rivière Noire.
Priced at $527.78 per group of up to 4 participants, the tour features a flexible cancellation policy and payment options.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in this captivating adventure to encounter whales and dolphins.
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2-Hour Dolphin Excursion in Mauritius
This 2-hour Dolphin Excursion in Mauritius offers travelers an opportunity to encounter wild dolphins in the breathtaking waters of Black River or Tamarin Bay.
The small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 people, allows participants to swim and snorkel alongside the dolphins. Equipped with comfortable speedboats and all necessary gear, the guides provide hands-on assistance in the water.
With stunning ocean views and a badge of excellence, the excursion is recommended by 90% of travelers. Priced from $59.24 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option.
While not wheelchair accessible, the excursion is suitable for children accompanied by an adult.
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Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour From Mauritius
Travelers seeking a more personalized whale and dolphin watching experience can embark on a private boat tour from Mauritius.
Operated by Dolswim Ltd, this tour is recommended by 93% of travelers and priced at $640.88 per group of up to 6 people.
Inclusions like beverages, snorkeling equipment, and hotel pickup make this a comprehensive package.
The tour departs at 7:00 am from La Jetée Road, Grande Riviere Noire, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, assistance is provided for boarding.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 14 reviews, this private excursion promises close encounters with whales and dolphins led by knowledgeable skippers.
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Full-Day Dolphin Watching Cruise in Mauritius
Visitors to Mauritius can embark on a full-day dolphin watching cruise along the island’s west coast.
The tour includes swimming with bottlenose and spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay, as well as snorkeling at the vibrant Crystal Rocks reefs. Travelers will enjoy a BBQ lunch on Bénitiers Island, with time to explore the local mountains.
The tour is led by experienced guides and includes hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, and all beverages.
While reviews are generally positive, some note concerns about environmental impacts and overcrowding, suggesting a private tour for a better experience.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, early booking is recommended for this popular activity.
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Exciting Dolphin Encounters in the Maurtiuss Lagoon
One of the most popular activities for visitors to Mauritius is the exciting opportunity to swim alongside dolphins in the island’s scenic lagoon.
The dolphin encounter tour offers a 90% recommendation rate from 20 total reviews, with a Badge of Excellence. Priced from €50.00 per person, the tour provides use of snorkeling equipment and breakfast.
However, it’s not wheelchair accessible and requires a strong physical fitness level and swimming proficiency. Some guests have reported overcrowding issues due to weather conditions, but the local provider acknowledges the challenges.
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Guided Kayak 2-Hour Activity With Dolphins
This guided kayak tour offers a captivating 2-hour experience to explore Tamarin Bay and potentially encounter dolphins in their natural habitat.
Travelers will depart at 6:20 am and paddle through the serene waters, accompanied by a maximum of 10 other participants.
The activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, excluding non-swimmers, those with back problems, pregnant travelers, and individuals with heart issues or serious medical conditions.
Kayaks, life vests, and bottled water are provided, with the tour returning to the meeting point at Tamarin Bay Surfschool.
Priced from $53.86 per person, this eco-friendly dolphin encounter has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 98% of travelers recommending the activity.
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Eco-friendly Dolphin Watching Tour in Mauritius
The eco-friendly Dolphin Watching Tour in Mauritius offers travelers a unique opportunity to observe these captivating marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Operated by Flipper Dolphins and Whales Watching, this private tour allows only your group to participate, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour includes a delightful breakfast spread and the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing you to get up close with the dolphins.
Located at the picturesque Le Morne Public Beach, the tour has earned rave reviews, with a perfect 5-star rating across multiple platforms.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this eco-friendly tour promises an unforgettable encounter with Mauritius’ dolphins.
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Dolphin Experience in Open Sea and South West Tour of Mauritius Including Lunch
For those seeking a more immersive dolphin experience in Mauritius, the Dolphin Experience in Open Sea and South West Tour offers a captivating opportunity.
This 2-hour swimming with dolphins excursion takes travelers to the open sea and southwest coast, with a maximum of 15 participants. Priced from $142.18 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, beverages, rhum tasting, snorkeling equipment, and gratuities.
Dietary requirements can be accommodated, and a free second outing is provided if dolphins aren’t spotted on the first attempt.
With 5 reviews and a 5.0 overall rating, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent marine creatures.
Read our full review: Dolphin Experience in Open Sea and South West Tour of Mauritius Including Lunch Review
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Recap
Mauritius offers a range of exceptional dolphin watching tours. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with these magnificent creatures, whether through boat excursions, kayak trips, or guided tours. These eco-friendly experiences provide an opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat while supporting sustainable tourism practices. With a variety of options available, travelers are sure to find the perfect dolphin watching adventure to make their Mauritius trip truly memorable.