Mauritius Dolphin Watching: the 15 Trips Worth Booking

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

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

Start early with hotel pickup, then ride a speedboat from the west coast to seek wild dolphins. Snorkel near Crystal Rock with Le Morne behind you, enjoy a three-course BBQ and local drinks on Île aux Bénitiers, then swim or rest on the beach. Guides may include Yan, Alex, Kevin, or Lulu.

“Every aspect from pick up to drop off and the activities in between was scheduled beautifully. Great guides, boat, dolphins. turtles and fishes. Awesome relaxed BBQ on the beach and thwy always kept us informed of the schedule. superb. 10/10!”

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

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

Set out from Grande Riviere Noire on a 14-passenger speedboat with two skippers. Swim with spinner and bottlenose dolphins, watch whales from the boat, and snorkel a coral reef. The crew speaks English and French and puts animal welfare ahead of close encounters.

“Seeing sperm whales for the time as well as swimming with wild dophin was a surreal moment and something I’ll never forget. This company was ethical and respectful to all sea life on this trip. Other boats allowed people to jump in the water and drove their boats far too close to the animals, which clearly scared the whales. It was nice to do this experience with ethical consideration and highly recommend!!”

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3.Tamarin: Dolphin Snorkel, CrystalRock, ile o Benitiers Lunch

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

Join a licensed crew such as Gregory, Peanut, Jordan, or Atish for a speedboat trip from Tamarin. Look for dolphins, snorkel with provided gear, stop at Crystal Rock, then enjoy a local beach barbecue on Ile aux Benitiers. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

“Swimming with dolphins and walking near crystal rock. Having amazing lunch spread and also spotting a turtle as bonus!”

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

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

Meet the Lydia Boat crew at Emba Filao beach for a private seven-and-a-half-hour speedboat trip. Miguel, Navy, Owen, Rino, Theo, and others may guide your group toward wild dolphins, whales, turtles, aquarium snorkeling, Crystal Rock, and a seafood barbecue, now served on the boat while Île aux Bénitiers is closed.

“The tour was amazing. Navy & Rino went out of their way to make sure we saw whales & dolphins, and ensured our comfort and safety at all times. The seafood lunch they prepared was easily the best meal we had over our 2 weeks in Mauritius, and we will never forget the fresh grilled lobster we had. Easily one of the best Viator tours we have ever booked, we highly recommend this experience!”

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5.Whale Dream ltd – Whales watching and swim with dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 308 reviews

Leave Rivière Noire at 6am with Whale Dream’s marine-focused crew, using a hydrophone to find sperm whales and other wildlife. You may swim with spinner or bottlenose dolphins, snorkel in a lagoon, and enjoy snacks and soft drinks aboard a private boat for up to four.

“Good and trustworthy company for the whales tour. They are taking deposits from clients so you know for sure that the trip will take place. Other companies are often cancelling the trips last minute so Whale Dream is a safe choice. 😊”

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

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

Join a small group of up to 15 from Flic en Flac for a six-and-a-half-hour speedboat trip with dolphin observation, snorkeling at Crystal Rock, and time on Île aux Bénitiers. Guides speak English and French, and lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, local drinks, and vegetarian options.

“We loved the tour! The guides were very friendly and it was so nice to swim with the dolphins. The barbecue on the island was nice and we had time to enjoy the nice beach. We would 100% recommend this tour! 🤗”

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7.Tamarin: Guided Kayak Tour with Dolphins

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

You’ll meet a Yanature guide in a green T-shirt and paddle from Tamarin Beach into the bay at sunrise. Guides such as Théo, Yan, Mathieu, and Gilles share local wildlife facts while you watch for spinner and bottlenose dolphins. If dolphins stay away, the route follows the Tamarin River.

“I booked in for this tour and then accidentally overslept. The company were absolutely fantastic about it and rebooked me for the next day, a big thanks to Tatiana for sorting it out for me! Our guide Mathieu was lovely and made sure the group were ok and happy. The sunrises was beautiful and it was very peaceful on the water. We were lucky enough to see 3 bottlenose dolphins and as we still had time, we went for a little kayak up the river and saw the beautiful Mountain View's. Perfect way to start the day”

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8.Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 153 reviews · from $116

Meet at 6:45 a.m. in Black River for a five-hour speedboat trip with Dolswim Ltd. A skipper and crew take you to wild dolphins, possible dolphin swims, reef snorkeling, and whale watching with a hydrophone. The boat holds up to eight people, with drinks and gear included.

“When I first arrived in Mauritius, I unfortunately booked a tour through an independent tour operator and was shocked by the unethical practices once on the boat. However, the Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching trip with Dolswim Ltd exceeded my expectations. This trip was the most professional and satisfying excursion that I've experienced since arriving in Mauritius. The skippers took their jobs and the safety of those onboard very seriously at all times. They were also kind, accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the sea creatures. I would highly recommend this trip and company.”

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9.Dolphin Encounters, Ile aux Benitier & Crystal rock: Full-Day (Lunch & Transfer)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 148 reviews · from $111

Start with hotel pickup and a speedboat ride from Flic en Flac or Tamarin. You’ll look for dolphins in open water, snorkel near Crystal Rock, then eat grilled seafood, chicken, salads, dessert, and unlimited local drinks on Ile aux Benitiers. Guides such as Oliver, Brian, Ashish, and Avish have earned praise for friendly service.

“Amazing tour, everything was perfectly organized. I would always recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy the islands and the big fishes with a professional company”

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10.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 ride by speedboat into open water to watch dolphins, swim when conditions allow, and snorkel with supplied gear. Jérôme may captain the boat, and the trip includes drinks, life vests, and about two hours at sea.

“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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11.Mauritius Le Morne: Eco-Friendly Dolphin Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 123 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your captain at Emba Filao restaurant for a private two-hour boat trip off Le Morne. Ben and his skippers explain dolphin behavior, help you enter the water safely, and take you snorkeling in the lagoon. Early departures offer calmer water and fewer boats, with turtles and fishing possible if time allows.

“Everything was as described. Being in only two guests on the boat was a good thing. There was a guy that helped all the time my girlfriend who is not able to swim, and she too saw the dolphins with a big smile on her face. Thank you Ben”

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12.La Preneuse: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour

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

Meet your skipper at La Tour Martello on La Preneuse Beach for a two-hour speedboat outing. You may swim near wild dolphins, then snorkel among reef fish, lionfish, octopus, and other marine life. Guides speak English and French, and names frequently praised include Feliciano, Andy, and Miguel.

“Nice. I simply decided, by my own, to request a return to the beach because I had the feeling of a sort of agressivity against the dolphins. Indeed, most speedboats than dolphins and not enough care from other skippers to indicate (educate) their customers to be with a huge respect and silence for dolphins. They are not cats or dogs. Anyway, your team was nice, full of respect and important communication and share of mutual understanding. Thanks a lot and see you soon. Nice end of Year Christmas festivites.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 68 reviews

Set out from Le Morne Public Beach with Lydia Boat Mauritius for a private dolphin-watching trip. Guides such as Captain Navy, Miguel, Tyler, and Jeremy may help you observe and swim near wild dolphins, then snorkel or search for turtles. Masks, fins, and bottled water are included.

“A Once-in-a-Lifetime Ocean Experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We recently went on the Observe & Swim dolphin tour with Captain Navy and Ocean Guide Tyler, and it was truly the highlight of our trip. From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear we were in great hands. Captain Navy’s skill on the water and Tyler’s deep knowledge of marine life made this an unforgettable adventure. They were both incredibly dedicated to giving us the full experience — and they delivered! We cruised across stunning blue waters, scanning the waves, and sure enough, we found a pod of dolphins. Not only did we watch them play and dive around the boat, but…”

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

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

Meet Izel and the Friendly Dodo crew at La Balise in Grande Riviere Noire for an early two-hour boat trip along Mauritius’s west coast. You’ll look for spinner and bottlenose dolphins, swim near them when conditions allow, and use onboard masks and fins before enjoying fruit and water.

“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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15.La Preneuse: Dolphin Swimming and Snorkeling Speedboat Trip

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

Meet your guide at La Preneuse Beach at 7:30 a.m. for a 150-minute speedboat trip in search of dolphins. You’ll receive snorkeling equipment, guidance on when to enter the water, and time at a coral reef. Small private groups can be arranged, but hotel transport is not included.

“The activity was beyond my expectations! Wonderful guide, 4 encounters with dolphins and exciting coral reef snorkeling! Best money ever spent!”

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