Where to Go: the 5 Best Speedboat and RIB Dolphin Trips in Mauritius

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

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

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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2.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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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”

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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!!”

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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.”

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