Every morning, pods of spinner dolphins come into the bays of the west coast of Mauritius to rest after a night of feeding at sea. Swimming near them in clear water is one of the most memorable experiences on the island, but it needs to be done responsibly. Here is where and when to go, how to choose a trip and how to behave in the water.
Where to see dolphins
Almost all dolphin trips run from the west coast, where the dolphins rest close to shore:
- Tamarin Bay: the main spot, with resident pods of spinner dolphins.
- Black River (Rivière Noire) and La Preneuse: departure points for many boats, a few minutes from Tamarin Bay.
- Flic en Flac: some boats leave from here, a little further north.
If you are staying in the north or east, many operators offer hotel transfers, but expect a very early start.
Which dolphins?
- Spinner dolphins: slim and acrobatic, often seen leaping and spinning. They live in larger groups.
- Bottlenose dolphins: larger and more robust, usually seen in smaller groups.
When to go
Dolphins are present all year. What matters most is the time of day: boats leave early, often between 6 and 7am, when the dolphins come into the bay and before it gets crowded. The sea on the west coast is usually calmest in the morning. From July to October, you can combine dolphins with whale watching.
The rules
Dolphin watching is regulated in Mauritius. Boats must approach slowly, keep their distance and limit how many vessels gather around a pod, and the number of swimmers in the water at once is restricted. Touching, chasing and feeding dolphins is forbidden. Swimming with whales is illegal.
In the past, Tamarin Bay became known for too many boats chasing the same pods. Help change that by choosing a responsible operator.
Choosing a trip
- Pick an operator that gives a briefing on the rules and does not chase the dolphins or drop swimmers in front of them.
- Prefer small groups and early departures.
- Check what is included: snorkelling gear, life jackets, drinks, transfers and any snorkelling stop at Île aux Bénitiers or the Crystal Rock.
- Read recent reviews and look for comments on how the crew treats the animals.
- Many operators offer trips with hotel transfers, for example Mauritius Travel and Tours.
In the water
- Enter the water quietly and calmly when the crew tells you to. Do not jump or splash.
- Stay at the surface, keep your arms by your side and let the dolphins decide how close to come.
- Never try to touch or follow them.
- Get back on the boat when the crew asks. Swims are usually short.
- Wear a life jacket or a buoyancy aid if you are not a strong swimmer. The water is deep.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and a warm layer for the early morning.
- Reef-safe sun cream and a hat.
- Your own mask if you have one that fits well.
- A waterproof camera or phone case.
- Seasickness tablets if you need them.
Watching without swimming
You do not have to get in the water. Watching dolphins from the boat is a lovely experience too, and less disruptive for the animals. It is a good option for young children and non-swimmers.
