Swim with Dolphins & Watch Whales in Mauritius: Shared Speedboat

Swim alongside dolphins, then hunt for whales in a single morning and afternoon

A 6-hour shared speedboat tour in Mauritius combines dolphin swimming in Tamarin Bay with whale watching and snorkeling at The Aquarium. The tour includes hotel pickup, a live English or French-speaking guide, and a skipper who accompanies you in the water during the dolphin encounter. Humpback whales migrate through Mauritian waters between July and October, making that season the best window for sightings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin swim, snorkeling, whale watching

• Speedboat ride to Tamarin Bay
• Swim with wild dolphins
• Snorkel at The Aquarium
• Return briefly to shore
• Whale watching cruise

The experience

The tour starts with a speedboat ride to Tamarin Bay, where you swim directly with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. A skipper guides you in the water to keep the experience safe and controlled, and you'll spend roughly 2.5 hours observing and swimming alongside them. The dolphins here move freely, so sightings and interaction levels vary by day (some departures see dozens, others fewer), but the bay itself is where they reliably congregate.

After a brief return to shore, you head back out for a 3-hour whale-watching cruise along the Mauritian coast. Humpback whales migrate through these waters between July and September or October, traveling from the South Pole to warmer equatorial waters. Outside that window, sperm whales are the primary target. Between the two outings, if time allows, the boat stops at The Aquarium, a snorkeling site known for vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, so you can explore that ecosystem on the same day.

Hotel pickup is included, and the guide speaks English or French. The tour suits all fitness levels, and children from age 1 are welcome, though very young children may find the boat motion or time in the water challenging to manage.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a live guide in English or French.
• entrance fees to the marine sites.
• speedboat transport to Tamarin Bay, The Aquarium and the whale-watching grounds.
• and a skipper who accompanies you in the water during the dolphin swim.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 10

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.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Fabular Mauritius Holidays

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or need to arrange your own transport to the coast. The shared speedboat keeps the price lower than a private charter while still giving you a full morning with dolphins and an afternoon hunting for whales.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years).

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 swim with the dolphins, or do I just watch from the boat?

You swim directly with the dolphins in Tamarin Bay. A skipper enters the water with you to guide the experience and ensure safety, so you're in the water alongside them rather than observing from the deck.

When is the best time to see humpback whales in Mauritius?

Humpback whales migrate through Mauritian waters between July and October as they travel from the South Pole to warmer equatorial waters. Outside that window, the tour focuses on spotting sperm whales instead.

What happens at The Aquarium, and is it always included?

The Aquarium is a snorkeling site with coral reefs and tropical fish. It's a stop depending on remaining time after the dolphin swim, so it's not guaranteed on every departure but is built into the itinerary when the schedule allows.

How long do I actually spend in the water with the dolphins?

You spend approximately 2.5 hours out at sea in Tamarin Bay observing and swimming with the dolphins, with a skipper in the water alongside you.

Is the boat crowded, and how many people typically go on this tour?

This is a shared speedboat tour, so you travel with other passengers rather than as a private group. The exact group size varies by departure date.