MAURITIUS

The 15 Best Dolphin Trips in Mauritius

20 tours  ·  from $47 a head

The west coast off Tamarin and Black River gets spinner pods close in at first light, which is why every boat here leaves early. The 15 below compare speedboats and catamarans, swim rules and what the day costs.

Île aux Bénitiers: Snorkeling w/Dolphins Boat Tour & Lunch - Speedboat boarding and what the ride feels like
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Île aux Bénitiers: Snorkeling w/Dolphins Boat Tour & Lunch

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…”

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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat - What the dolphin encounter is really like
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Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

2.Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 595 reviews · 5 hours · from $129

From Grande Riviere Noire, you’ll ride a speedboat with up to 14 passengers and two skippers, looking for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, resident sperm whales, and humpbacks in season. Guides such as Globis, Conrad, and Alan have been praised for careful animal practices. Expect a wet, bumpy ride, dolphin swimming, whale watching from the boat, and reef snorkeling.

“Trip was good! Skippers friendly and happy to explain things, respectful of the animals too. We saw whales, dolphins and a turtle. Swam with dolphins (snorkel and fins provided). Then they took us to a reef for more snorkeling. Had a very good morning!! Refreshements on board - simple but gladd we had them. We had 8 people on our boat which was just enough that we didnt feel too crowded. Boat could do with some small repairs but nothing to detract from the overall experience. Only downside was that we couldnt book this trip including transfer from hotel in the north and it was an expensive trip to then…”

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Tamarin: Dolphin Snorkel, CrystalRock, ile o Benitiers Lunch - The speedboat ride toward the dolphins
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Tamarin: Dolphin Snorkel, CrystalRock, ile o Benitiers Lunch

3.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.”

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Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter - Searching for dolphins in the open sea
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Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter

4.Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 409 reviews · from $225Top rated

Spend about 7.5 hours with Lydia Boat Mauritius on a private speedboat from Le Morne. Guides such as Miguel, Navy, Owen, and Theo search for wild dolphins and whales, then lead snorkeling near the lagoon aquarium and Crystal Rock. Fresh seafood, oysters, sea urchins, lobster, drinks, and music complete the day. The barbecue is currently served on the boat because Benitier Island is closed.

“Amazing seeing dolphins and sperm whales. Then to a beautiful island for a wonderful lunch and swim. And on the way back they even helped us find sea turtles. Thanks to Miguel and Cristiano”

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Whale Dream ltd - Whales watching and swim with dolphins - Listening for whales with a hydrophone
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Whale Dream ltd – Whales watching and swim with dolphins

Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch - Finding dolphins without treating them like a show
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Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch

6.Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 279 reviews · 6h 30m · from $74

Meet your skipper at Flic en Flac Public Beach for a small-group speedboat trip to see dolphins in the wild, snorkel near Crystal Rock, and visit Île aux Bénitiers. Guides such as Brian and Steven keep the outing friendly and wildlife-conscious. Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, drinks, and time to relax by the sea.

“This was an absolutely fantastic activity from start to finish. The guides were very attentive and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Swimming with the dolphins was an unforgettable experience – magical and truly one of a kind. The lunch on the beach was great too. We had a delicious BBQ with plenty of options, and it was all-you-can-eat, which was perfect. Drinks were available during lunch as well, and we could help ourselves to whatever we wanted, as much as we liked – which was a nice touch. Overall, everything was well organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique…”

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Tamarin: Guided Kayak Tour with Dolphins - Watching dolphins without chasing them
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Tamarin: Guided Kayak Tour with Dolphins

7.Guided Kayak Tour with Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 190 reviews · 2h 30m · from $64

Set out early with a bilingual English or French guide, such as Yan, Théo, or Gilles, and kayak across Tamarin Bay for wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins. The calm morning light and respectful viewing style are major draws. If dolphins do not appear, you paddle along the Tamarin River instead.

“Amazing experience! Being out on the bay in the morning light was beautiful in itself, then watching the group of dolphins so close unforgettable! Kayaking is truly the best and most appropriate way to encounter the beautiful animals. We were happy about choosing kayaking over the number of speedboats coming in and dropping agitated snorkelers. It is so much nicer and respectful to approach the dolphins by kayak. We encourage all to experience dolphins by kayak with Yanature instead!”

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Mauritius: Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins on Speedboat Tour - The speedboat ride adds real scenery
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Mauritius: Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins on Speedboat Tour

8.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”

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Mauritius Le Morne: Eco-Friendly Dolphin Watching Tour - Finding dolphins in their natural environment
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Mauritius Le Morne: Eco-Friendly Dolphin Watching Tour

9.Mauritius Le Morne: Eco-Friendly Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 123 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your captain near Emba Filao restaurant for a private two-hour trip into the waters around Le Morne. Ben and his skippers explain dolphin behavior, keep the boat at a respectful distance, and help you enter the water with fins and masks. Early departures offer calmer water and fewer boats. Turtles and whales are possible, but never guaranteed.

“Amazing trip, with a great friendly host! Even saw whales!”

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La Preneuse: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour - The first 20 minutes: speed across the coast
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La Preneuse: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour

10.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!!”

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Le Morne: Private Boat Tour Dolphin-Watching & swimming - Watching wild dolphins without turning them into a show
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Le Morne: Private Boat Tour Dolphin-Watching & swimming

11.Le Morne: Private Boat Tour Dolphin-Watching & swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 68 reviews

Set out from Le Morne Public Beach on a private half-day boat with Lydia Boat Mauritius. Guides such as Miguel, Tyler, Jeremy, and Captain Navy help you watch wild dolphins respectfully, enter the water when conditions allow, and snorkel near fish or turtles. Gear and bottled water are included, but bring a towel and camera.

“It was great. That the guide tried to get us as close to the dolphins as possible.”

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Grande Riviere Noire: Boat Tour and Swimming with Dolphins - Why the sunrise start matters
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Grande Riviere Noire: Boat Tour and Swimming with Dolphins

12.Grande Riviere Noire: Boat Tour and Swimming with Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 62 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Set out from La Balise in Grande Riviere Noire with Izel and the Friendly Dodo team for a two-hour sunrise search for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. The small boat carries up to eight participants, with masks, fins, water, and fruit supplied. Conditions decide how close you get, and exact departure details arrive by WhatsApp.

“GENIAL ! Un grand merci à Izel et son skipper pour leur gentillesse et leur professionnalisme. Très respectueux des dauphins contrairement à d’autres bateaux que nous avons pu voir, ils ont tout fait pour que chaque personne puisse profiter et voir au mieux les dauphins. Je recommande vivement ! Encore un grand merci !”

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La Preneuse: Dolphin Swimming and Snorkeling Speedboat Trip - Speedboat searching along Mauritius’s west coast
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La Preneuse: Dolphin Swimming and Snorkeling Speedboat Trip

13.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.”

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West: Swim wz dolphins, Crystal Rock, Lunch Benitiers island - Finding dolphins in the Indian Ocean
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West: Swim wz dolphins, Crystal Rock, Lunch Benitiers island

14.West: Swim wz dolphins, Crystal Rock, Lunch Benitiers island

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 41 reviews · from $72

Set out from a west-coast beach for a morning dolphin encounter, snorkeling, and a close look at Crystal Rock. You’ll then eat a Creole-style barbecue on Ile aux Bénitiers, with drinks and snorkeling gear included. The tour runs roughly 7:30 am to 2:00 pm. Hotel transfers cost extra.

“Une merveilleuse croisière, les guides ont bien pris le temps pour qu’on puisse profiter de chaque moment (nage avec les dauphins, nage à proximité du Cristal Rock et temps libre sur l’île).”

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Dolphins & Whales, Private Tour Snorkeling - Setting out by speedboat
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Dolphins & Whales, Private Tour Snorkeling

15.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.”

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Where to see dolphins

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