Mauritius: Le Morne Dolphin & Whale Tour with BBQ Lunch

Summary

Swim with dolphins near Le Morne then relax on Benitier Island

You’ll meet your guide at Emba Filao beach before heading out by boat along Mauritius’s west coast to swim with wild dolphins near Le Morne. Snorkel at “the aquarium,” taste fresh oysters and sea urchin, then relax over a seafood barbecue lunch on Benitier Island with drinks included. This tour is all about gentle encounters, local flavors, and time to just soak up island life.

What’s the experience like?

I was still rubbing sleep from my eyes when we met our guide, Jean-Luc, right by the Emba Filao restaurant. He gave this little wave — not rushed, just patient — and led us across the cool sand to the boat bobbing in that weirdly soft morning light. The sea felt almost too calm, like it hadn’t decided to wake up yet. I remember thinking I’d never seen water so glassy. There were only a few of us, which made everything quieter somehow.

We headed out along the west coast of Mauritius, past Le Morne’s shadow. It wasn’t long before Jean-Luc pointed out a cluster of spinner dolphins — he called them “les acrobates” — twisting through the water like they were showing off just for us. I tried sliding into the sea (awkwardly, if I’m honest), and for a second I could hear nothing but my own breath and these high clicks from somewhere below. We swam close but didn’t chase; Jean-Luc kept reminding us it’s their home, not ours. That stuck with me.

Later we drifted over to a spot they call “the aquarium.” The colors down there are wild — blues and greens you can’t really describe without sounding cheesy. Someone handed me an oyster straight from the sea (salty as anything) and then sea urchin, which I hesitated over but ended up liking more than expected. The sun was higher now and everything smelled like salt and grilled fish drifting from somewhere ahead.

Lunch was set up right on Benitier Island — just a table in the sand with lobster sizzling over charcoal and shrimps skewered next to them. I probably ate too much garlic bread but nobody seemed to mind. There was music playing somewhere behind us (local sega tunes, Jean-Luc said), and for a while we just sat there watching the waves flicker against Crystal Rock in the distance. I keep thinking about that quiet moment after lunch when everyone stopped talking for a bit — just listening to the ocean and feeling sunburnt in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Eco-friendly dolphin and seafood tour

• Meet guide at Emba Filao beach
• Board private boat
• Watch and swim with dolphins
• Snorkel at lagoon and crystal rock
• Taste fresh oysters and sea urchins
• Enjoy seafood barbecue on Benitier Island
• Relax and sunbathe on the beach

Top questions

What time does the dolphin tour in Mauritius start?

The tour starts at 6AM from Emba Filao beach near Le Morne.

Can you swim with dolphins on this Mauritius tour?

Yes, swimming and snorkeling with dolphins is included under close supervision by an experienced guide.

Is lunch included during the dolphin & whale tour?

Yes, a seafood barbecue lunch (with non-seafood options) is served on Benitier Island with drinks included.

Where does the Mauritius dolphin tour depart from?

The meeting point is in front of Restaurant Emba Filao on the beach near Le Morne.

What wildlife can you see during this tour?

You may see spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins; sightings vary as they are wild animals.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and both bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

How long does this private dolphin excursion last?

The full-day tour lasts around 7 hours including all activities.

Is this dolphin tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; it’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide at Emba Filao beach for private boat transport along Mauritius’s west coast; supervised dolphin swimming; snorkeling at “the aquarium” near Crystal Rock; fresh oyster and sea urchin tastings; plus a full seafood barbecue lunch (or alternatives) with drinks served right on Benitier Island before returning in the afternoon.