Swim with Wild Dolphins & Southwest Mauritius Tour

Dolphins, a dormant volcano, sacred lake, and seven-coloured earth in one day

A full-day private tour of southwest Mauritius with hotel pickup combines a 2.5-hour wild dolphin swim in Tamarin Bay with visits to Trou aux Cerfs volcano, Grand Bassin crater lake, Black River Gorges National Park, and the Seven Coloured Earth geopark near Chamarel Falls. The dolphin portion is shared with other swimmers. The rest of the day is private with your driver. You choose how long to spend at each inland attraction, though the dolphin encounter time is fixed. Lunch is not included, but you can stop to eat. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Trou aux Cerfs Volcano1h
2. Black River Gorges National Park30m
3. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark2h

Wild dolphins and southwest Mauritius tour

• Swim with wild dolphins at Tamarin Bay
• Visit Trou aux Cerfs volcano viewpoint
• Drive past Mare-aux-Vacoas reservoir
• Explore Grand Bassin sacred lake and temples
• Drive through Black River Gorges National Park
• Stop at Alexandra Falls viewpoint
• Visit Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Falls
• See giant tortoise pens at Chamarel

The experience

Tamarin Bay is where the day starts. You'll board a speedboat with a qualified skipper who briefs you on the encounter before heading out to the dolphins. The 2.5-hour session on the open sea includes time in the water swimming alongside them. Depending on time left, you'll also visit The Aquarium, a snorkelling site with coral and tropical fish where snorkelling gear is provided. The dolphin sighting rate runs above 90%, and if dolphins don't appear, a second free outing is offered (though transport to and from your hotel for that second trip isn't included).

After the water, your driver takes you inland to Trou aux Cerfs volcano, a dormant peak standing around 600 metres above sea level. A walk around the crater rim gives 360-degree views of the island on clear days. Next is Grand Bassin, a tranquil crater lake considered sacred by the Hindu population. Temples surround the water, and a tall Shiva statue overlooks the site from the highest temple. Watch for monkeys and wildlife in the area. Note that this stop may not be possible in February or March during the Mahashivaratree pilgrimage festival.

Black River Gorges National Park covers 6,754 hectares and holds the island's largest concentration of endemic plants and animals. You'll drive through the park and Plaine des Champagnes, stopping at Alexandra Falls and its viewpoint. If goyaves de chine are in season, you can pick some like locals do. The final stop is Chamarel, where the Seven Coloured Earth geopark displays seven-coloured sand dunes alongside Chamarel Falls, Mauritius's most famous waterfall. Giant tortoise pens are also there before you leave. The whole day runs up to eight hours. You set the pace at each inland stop except the dolphin portion, which is timed. Bring swimwear for the water and comfortable walking shoes for the rest.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with a fully licensed driver.
• hotel pickup and dropoff.
• 2.5-hour wild dolphin swim in Tamarin Bay with skipper guidance.
• snorkelling gear and time at The Aquarium coral reef (time permitting).
• visits to Trou aux Cerfs volcano, Grand Bassin sacred lake, Black River Gorges National Park with Alexandra Falls, and Seven Coloured Earth geopark with Chamarel Falls.
• English or French-speaking driver.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17.17

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Bonjour Mauritius

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine Mauritius's most famous marine experience with the island's inland landmarks in a single day, and you're comfortable with a shared dolphin swim followed by private sightseeing where you set the pace at each stop.

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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.

Can I really see wild dolphins on this tour?

Yes, in over 90% of departures, dolphins appear in Tamarin Bay during the 2.5-hour encounter. If they don't show, the operator offers a second free outing on the boat, though you arrange your own transport to and from your hotel for that second trip.

What is Grand Bassin and why is it on this tour?

Grand Bassin is a crater lake considered sacred by the Hindu population of Mauritius. Temples surround the water, and a tall statue of Shiva stands on the highest temple overlooking the lake. It's a peaceful stop that shows the island's spiritual side and cultural diversity.

How long do I spend swimming with the dolphins?

The dolphin portion lasts 2.5 hours on the open sea in Tamarin Bay. A qualified skipper accompanies you in the water, and depending on time left, you'll also snorkel at The Aquarium reef site with gear provided.

What are the Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Falls?

The Seven Coloured Earth is a geopark near Chamarel displaying seven-coloured sand dunes created by volcanic minerals. Chamarel Falls, Mauritius's most famous waterfall, flows nearby. Giant tortoise pens are also at the site before you leave.

Is lunch included, and how much time do I have to eat?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, but your driver will stop so you can eat at a restaurant of your choice. You control how long you spend at each inland attraction, so you can take the time you need for a meal.

What should I bring and wear for this tour?

Bring swimwear for the dolphin swim and snorkelling. Snorkelling gear is provided. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the volcano, lake, national park and geopark stops. The tour runs up to eight hours, so sun protection and water are also wise.