The 7 Dolphin and Snorkeling Trips in Mauritius That Are Worth the Early Start

1.Île aux Bénitiers: Snorkeling w/Dolphins Boat Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,635 reviews · 7 hours · from $115Our pick

Set out from the west coast by speedboat for a dolphin encounter, Crystal Rock snorkeling, and time at Île aux Bénitiers. Your day includes hotel pickup, equipment, a three-course BBQ with local drinks, and guides speaking several languages. Expect an early start, shallow-water boarding, and an exciting ride back across the lagoon.

“We had a very enjoyable day. We were picked up on time and taken to the departure point, we did have to wait around abit for everyone to collate and off we headed. First off the dolphins. They were lovely to see, although alittle manic with a lot of boats doing the same. Off the boat on the boat, I did feel alittle sorry for the dolphins with so much going on but was nice to see them. Off we went to the snorkelling area which was lovely to see the reef and different fish and onto crystal rock and to the island for lunch. We were made felt welcome…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin Snorkel, CrystalRock, ile o Benitiers Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 511 reviews · from $77

Join an English or French speaking crew from Tamarin Public Beach for a speedboat search for dolphins, snorkeling, a Crystal Rock stop, and a beach barbecue on Ile aux Benitiers. Guides such as Gregory, Peanut, Atish, Jonathan, and Jordan are praised for friendly service, though conditions and island access can affect the plan.

“Gregory & Peanut were absolutely amazing crew on the boat. They made sure we saw everything that was promised in the description and even more! Absolutely recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Mauritius: Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins on Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 147 reviews · from $49

Meet your captain and guide at Tamarin Beach for a briefing, then head out by speedboat to watch and swim with dolphins in open sea. Snorkeling gear, life vests, and light drinks are provided. Captain Jérôme has earned special praise, but conditions and dolphin behavior shape the timing of each swim.

“The fruit juices mentioned in the service were the only thing missing. But great activity! We were really impressed. An unforgettable moment”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.La Preneuse: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 92 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

Meet Feliciano, Andy, Miguel, or another bilingual skipper at La Tour Martello on La Preneuse beach. You’ll ride a speedboat toward wild dolphins, swim only if you are a confident swimmer, then snorkel in a lagoon with reef fish, possible octopus, and dramatic views toward Le Morne. Equipment is included.

“Amazing! Our guide was half dolphin himself, toon my GoPro with him and got some amazing shots too!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.La Preneuse: Dolphin Swimming and Snorkeling Speedboat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 54 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47Best value

Meet your English or French-speaking guide at La Preneuse Beach around 7:30 a.m. for a 150-minute speedboat trip in search of dolphins. You may enter the water several times, then snorkel with provided equipment. Groups can be small, though conditions and other boats affect the experience. Hotel transfers are not included.

“The captain made every effort to ensure each person had an opportunity to see the dolphins, he went the extra mile when there was one lady who didnt see the dolphins up close yet and allowed her another opportunity to jump in and she saw it. The guide was also guide and am excellent swimmer which put me at peace while in the water as I am not a strong swimmer.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Dolphins & Whales, Private Tour Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 21 reviews · 4 hours

Take a four-hour private speedboat trip off Mauritius with an English- or French-speaking skipper. You may see humpback whales and spinner dolphins, then stop at Crystal Rock and the natural aquarium for swimming and snorkeling. Skipper Ali and assistant Bebe have earned praise for calm, nature-minded guiding. Drinks, equipment, and a private boat are included.

“We saw both Dolphins and Whales, guide captain (Ali) was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.All In One- Dolphins, Whales, Snorkeling & Lunch onboard

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2 reviews · 6h 30m

Spend 390 minutes on a private speedboat off Mauritius’s west coast, looking for dolphins and whales, visiting Crystal Rock, and swimming in a natural aquarium. Your skipper and guide speak English, French, Arabic, Hindi, or Urdu. A fresh barbecue meal and drinks are included, though the meal may be served on an island rather than onboard.

Check availability →Read our full review