Mauritius Le Morne Lagoon Private Dolphin Turtle Swim

Snorkel alongside wild dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat, not a captive pool.

A private boat trip in the turquoise lagoon beneath Le Morne mountain, where you swim and snorkel with dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat. Yan and Abi, two island locals, lead groups of no more than a handful of travelers on a half-day excursion away from the crowded south coast. Life vest and snorkeling equipment are provided. In winter months (June to September), humpback whales sometimes breach nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip with dolphins and snorkeling

• Swim respectfully with turtles and dolphins
• Snorkel in Morne lagoon's natural aquarium

The experience

The boat departs into the Morne lagoon's crystal-clear water, and the first stop is usually where dolphins move through the shallows. You enter the water with a life vest and snorkel gear to watch them feed and play at close range, not from a distance, not behind glass. The same lagoon holds sea turtles grazing on seagrass, and you'll dive down to observe them in their routine. A guide who knows the animals' patterns and the tides steers the timing so you're in the water when they're most active.

Between June and September, humpback whales migrate through these waters, and the boat positions itself to watch for their jumps and breaches if they're passing through. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours from start to finish, which means you're back by early afternoon if you have other plans. Snorkeling equipment and a fitted life vest come with the booking. Bring a towel and wear something you don't mind getting wet.

What’s included

• Life vest and full snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel tube).
• guidance from a local guide fluent in English or French.
• boat access to the Morne lagoon where dolphins, turtles and tropical fish live.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by METAPHORE

Is this one for you?The boat entry is gentle and the pace is set by the animals, not a schedule, so you're in the water as long as conditions and wildlife activity allow. Choose this trip if you have a free half-day and want to see dolphins and turtles in open water rather than in a pool or a controlled setting.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between swimming with dolphins here and the captive dolphin encounters I've seen advertised?

These dolphins are wild and free in the open lagoon, not trained or confined. You enter their space on their terms, watching how they actually behave (hunting, socializing, moving as a pod) rather than performing on cue. The boat follows their movement. You don't direct it.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel with the dolphins and turtles?

No. A life vest keeps you afloat, and the lagoon water is shallow and calm. The guide positions the boat in spots where you can see the animals without fighting current or depth. Suitable for all fitness levels means the water entry and the pace work for most travelers.

What happens if the dolphins or whales don't show up that day?

Dolphins are in the lagoon year-round, so you'll see them. Humpback whales are seasonal (June through September), and sightings depend on migration timing: some departures see them, others don't. Either way, the turtles and tropical fish make the snorkeling worthwhile.

How many people go on the boat, and will it feel crowded?

Yan and Abi keep groups small and private, so you're not packed in with dozens of other tourists. The boat holds enough people for a family or a few friends without the mass-tourism feel of larger operators in the south.

What's included, and what do I need to bring?

Life vest, snorkeling mask, fins and snorkel tube are all provided. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Breakfast is not included, so eat before you depart or pack something light. The guide speaks English or French.