Swimming with dolphins in Mauritius: everything to know before you go

There are mornings in Mauritius that change a life. The ones where, just after sunrise, you slip into calm water and find yourself surrounded by wild dolphins. This unique experience, possible on the west coast of Mauritius, deserves a few precautions. Here is everything you need to know before booking.

Where to swim with dolphins in Mauritius?

The prime area is off Tamarin and Rivière Noire, on the west coast. Relatively calm waters, sheltered from the prevailing winds. Boats leave from Tamarin or La Preneuse. If you’re combining the North and West, see which region to choose in Mauritius.

Which species will you encounter?

• The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): robust, curious, in groups of 20 to 200 individuals.
• The spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris): slimmer, with spectacular aerial acrobatics.

These dolphins are neither captive nor trained. They live freely — which is what makes the encounter so precious and so fragile.

When to go? The importance of an early departure

The golden rule: leave early, very early. Dolphins come back towards the coast at dawn to rest. Outings take place at 6:00 or 7:00 at the latest. After 9:30, they head back out to sea. Mauritius welcomes dolphins all year round, with the best conditions from April to November. See when to visit Mauritius.

How a typical outing unfolds

• 5:45-6:00: meeting at the port, briefing, snorkelling gear
• 6:00-6:30: sailing to the areas where they gather
• 6:30-8:30: observation and, if the dolphins allow it, a gentle entry into the water
• 8:30-10:00: snorkelling, a beach break, return

The guide monitors the animals’ behaviour: if they seem stressed, you stay on board.

Price and booking

The price ranges between €40 and €65 per person. Sailset Tours also offers private boat outings for families. Discover our excursions or our combined packages including hotel + activities.

Ethics and respect for the dolphins

The activity’s popularity has led to problematic behaviour. The rules to respect:

• Never rush towards the dolphins: enter the water gently.
• Do not touch them, even if they come close.
• Never separate a mother from her calf.
• Respect the limit on the number of boats at once in the area.
• Choose a responsible operator — that’s our commitment.

What to bring?

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes, a towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen, mandatory
• A waterproof camera or GoPro
• Seasickness medication
• A light jacket (it’s chilly at 6am)

Combine with other activities in the West

After your outing: a hike at Black River Gorges, surfing at Tamarin Bay, a visit to Chamarel, diving. If you need a rental vehicle, Sailset Tours delivers it to your hotel.

Ready to swim with the dolphins?

Well prepared and experienced with respect for the animals, a dolphin outing is unforgettable. Contact us to book — personalised quote in under 24h.