Activity Details

About this Activity

€55
per adult
Daily
Availability
7.5 hours
Duration
Location

Photos & Highlights

  • Embark on a speedboat and tour Mauritius’ west coast on your search for dolphins
  • Watch dolphins from the boat, or swim with them -- snorkels and swim jackets provided
  • Guaranteed dolphin encounters throughout the year - otherwise you will receive a full refund
  • Snorkel in spots preselected for their abundance of coral and fish
  • Take a quick swim and photo at the famous Crystal Rock
  • Enjoy a BBQ lunch and relaxation on the beach at Ile aux Benitiers
  • Registered and insured speedboats with experienced skippers and full safety equipment
  • Optional private chauffeured vehicle will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel

Swim with Dolphin Details

We invite you aboard our speedboat cruise to meet bottlenose dolphins, who will give you a friendly introduction to Mauritius’ magnificent underwater world. The cruise also includes snorkeling, sightseeing, and an extended stop at the nearby Ile aux Benitiers for a scenic lunch and relaxing on the beach.

We offer a choice between full-and half-day hours for this activity. The full day lasts from either 07:00 (with pickup) or 08:00 (no pickup) to 14:30. The half day lasts from 07:50 to 10:30. The half-day option includes the dolphin swim and snorkeling, but does not include lunch at Ile aux Benitiers.

Both include the choice to be chauffeured to the starting location at either Tamarin Beach or Le Preneuse (Black River area) on the southwest coast of Mauritius, as well as being returned to your accommodation at the activity’s conclusion. If you prefer to drive yourself, we will give you directions to the starting point. We also afford you the option to make this a totally private tour.

You will travel by speedboat from the launch in Black River to nearby areas where pods ranging in size from 25-40 bottlenose dolphins come close to Mauritius’ west coast to feed. Dolphins are naturally curious, playful, and intelligent creatures who will seek out interaction with humans even in their wild habitat. Observe them from the comfort and safety of the boat, or utilize the provided snorkeling equipment and life jackets to dive in and have an unforgettable up-close experience.

Next, your skipper will conduct you to a nearby spot known as “The Aquarium” for its attractiveness to snorkelers. This is a calm spot in the lagoon near the island’s western barrier reef. A wide variety of fish species congregate here to use the coral for food and protection. Then you’ll head past Crystal Rock, a famous rock formation, to Ile aux Benitiers.

On this remote, private island, you’ll be served a fresh barbecue lunch. The menu consists of the following: BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages; french fries, pasta salad and other salads (including vegetarian options); water, juice, soda, local rum, and beer. You’ll have several hours to eat, explore, relax, and reflect on the morning’s experience before taking the boat back to the starting point.

Common questions from participants

Am I guaranteed to see dolphins?
We ensure a 99% possibility of encountering dolphins -- we’ve seen a pod on every trip for the past five years. If your cruise fails to encounter dolphins, we will offer you a 100% refund. 

Why does this activity start so early?
The cruise begins in time to reach the dolphins’ feeding area when there is the highest likelihood that the dolphins will be present.

Why does this tour use speedboats? Can I choose to travel by catamaran?
Speedboats are recommended over catamarans because of the speed at which dolphins can swim. A speedboat is the best way to maintain pace with the pod.

I don’t know how to swim; can I still enjoy the experience?
Yes, absolutely--swimming is optional for every activity, and we provide safety equipment. You will be able to enjoy watching the dolphins from the speedboat.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a swimsuit, and spare clothes are highly recommended. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided free of charge, but a wetsuit is also optional. 

Itinerary & Location

  1. Optional Pick-Up (07:00): For an additional small fee, a private driver will pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius
  2. Speedboat Cruise (07:45): Embark on your high-speed quest to find wild bottlenose dolphins in their feeding grounds
  3. Dolphin Swim & Watch (8:20): Observe intelligent, friendly dolphins from the boat deck, or jump in the water for a closer view
  4. World-Class Snorkeling (9:30): See ‘The Aquarium,’ a coral barrier known to be among the best snorkel spots in Mauritius
  5. Ile aux Benitier (11:15): BBQ lunch, including vegetarian options; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served. Relax and explore the beautiful island
  6. Crystal Rock (13:45): Swim and take a photo at a famous geological quirk
  7. Return to the shore (14:30):You will return back to the shore at the same embarkation point. If you chose the chauffeured option, your driver will be waiting to ferry you back to your accommodation

Where You'll Start

The boat leaves La Preneuse Beach at 07:45 and will drop you back at the same place at 14:30 (for full-day) or 10:15 (for half-day). If you opt for self-drive, note that free and secure parking is available on the spot.

78 Reviews –
(4.9)

Reviews can only be left by Mauritiusly customers after they have completed the dolphin cruise.

It was a great way to let the kids have their first speedboat ride, and see and touch dolphins to gain respect for these breathtaking creatures. They tired themselves out swimming and playing at Ile aux Benitiers ;) The private car and speedboats both felt lovely and safe.

Destiny H

Loved the BBQ! So so good in my tummy, especially after a packed morning. Ile aux Benitiers is a paradise. Soft white beaches and privacy to really relax and let the mind wander. I swam, sunbathed, napped, and took back some really special memories with me.

Anastasia

My wife and I loved this day because we felt like we had a mini-honeymoon. Booked the private tour and I recommend it. We never thought we’d see so many awesome dolphins and fish so close to us! I said “woaaaah” into my snorkel, five stars

Shaun