Mauritius: Dolphin Swim & Whale Watching Tour, Black River

Summary

Swim with dolphins at sunrise then search for whales off black river

You’ll slip quietly into Mauritius’ dawn waters to swim near wild dolphins (or just watch from the boat if you’d rather), then listen for whales using a hydrophone with your local crew guiding you all the way. Expect small moments—like laughter over tea or hearing whale clicks—that linger long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull—still half-dark, my shoes already damp from the dock at Black River. We were all a bit quiet at 7am, clutching coffee or just blinking into the soft morning. Our skipper, Jean-Luc, grinned and handed out snorkel masks as he explained how to move slow in the water so we wouldn’t startle the dolphins. He told us they come here early, before the boats get noisy. I liked that—felt respectful somehow.

I’ll be honest: I hesitated before slipping in. The sea was cooler than I expected, and my heart thumped louder than the engine had. But then—there they were. Dolphins flickering through shafts of light below me, close enough to hear their quick breaths when they surfaced. I tried not to flail (not elegant), but one curious little one darted near anyway. Jean-Luc laughed from the boat: “You’re part of the pod now!” Maybe he says that to everyone but it still made me grin under my mask.

Afterwards we warmed up with sweet tea and let our legs dangle off the side while someone pointed out flying fish skipping past. The switch from dolphin swim to whale watching felt slower—a kind of hush settled as our guide lowered this odd microphone (hydrophone?) into the water. We listened for clicks and deep rumbles. It’s strange how quiet everyone gets when waiting for something huge beneath you. Sperm whales are around all year but we were hoping for humpbacks too—June to October is best apparently. Didn’t see any leaping (maybe next time), but just hearing those sounds echoing up was… I don’t know, grounding?

I still think about that feeling—the salt drying on my skin and that brief moment underwater when everything else faded out except for movement and breath and sunlight above me. If you’re wondering about logistics: there’s bottled water and soft drinks on board, snorkeling gear included, and a crew who actually seem to care about both people and animals. It didn’t feel rushed or touristy; more like being invited along for something locals genuinely love.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin encounter and whale watching

• Meet at 6:45 a.m. in Black River
• Depart at 7 a.m. by speed boat
• Observe wild dolphins in natural environment
• Swim with dolphins if conditions allow
• Learn rules for respectful dolphin encounter
• Snorkel on the coral reef
• Use hydrophone to locate whales
• Observe sperm and humpback whales
• Enjoy water and soft drinks onboard
• Return around 12:30 p.m.

Top questions

What time does the dolphin & whale tour start in Mauritius?

The meeting time is 6:45 a.m., with departure at 7:00 a.m. from Black River.

Can I swim with dolphins during this Mauritius tour?

Yes, if conditions allow, you can swim with wild dolphins accompanied by a skipper (max 2 people at a time).

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this dolphin & whale tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

Are drinks included on board during the trip?

Bottled water and soft drinks are served during the excursion.

When can humpback whales be seen in Mauritius?

Humpback whales can be observed between June and October; sperm whales are present year-round.

Is this dolphin & whale watching tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The wheelchair cannot be taken on board, but guests can be carried onto the boat; swimming isn’t possible for wheelchair guests.

How long does the Mauritius dolphin & whale watching trip last?

The excursion starts at 7:00 a.m. and returns around 12:30 p.m.

What’s included

Your morning includes an early departure from Black River with a professional guide, use of snorkeling gear if you want to swim with dolphins, live commentary throughout both dolphin and whale encounters, plus bottled water and soft drinks served on board before returning around midday.