Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour: Mauritius

Swim alongside wild dolphins or listen to whales’ songs through a hydrophone.

A 4.5-hour private boat tour in Mauritius where you swim with wild dolphins in their natural environment or watch from the boat, then search for whales using a hydrophone to locate them. The tour is limited to a maximum of eight travelers. Live guides speak English and French.

The experience

Four and a half hours on the water splits into two distinct encounters. The first part takes you to where dolphins move through their natural range. If conditions allow and you choose to, you enter the water with snorkeling gear to move among them. If you prefer to stay aboard, the boat keeps you close enough to watch. The crew handles the logistics: lifejackets are compulsory both on deck and in the water, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

The second half shifts to whale watching. The crew uses a hydrophone to listen for whales and track their location, then positions the boat for observation. This part stays on the boat. No swimming happens here. The difference between the two halves matters: dolphins allow for in-water contact if you want it, while whales are watched from the deck. Bottled water and other beverages keep you hydrated across the full morning or afternoon.

The boat holds a maximum of eight travelers, which shapes the whole experience: no crowding, no jostling for position. A live guide in English or French narrates what you're seeing and explains the animals' behavior as it unfolds. Children under 18 months should not join the dolphin portion, and those under three are not suited to the whale watching. The crew will advise on age suitability when you book.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and lifejackets.
• bottled water and beverages.
• live guide commentary in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2d 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dolswim Ltd

Is this one for you?The 4.5-hour duration fits a half-day excursion, leaving the rest of your day free for other activities or relaxation. Book this if you want the chance to enter the water with dolphins and prefer a small private group over a larger shared boat.

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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 swim with the dolphins or do I have to watch from the boat?

Swimming with dolphins happens in the first part of the tour if conditions allow and you choose to enter the water. If you prefer to stay on the boat, you can observe them from there instead. The whale watching portion is observation only, from the boat.

What should I bring or wear for a morning or afternoon on the water?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and lifejackets are compulsory both on deck and in the water. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. Bottled water and beverages are included, so you don't need to pack drinks.

How does the crew find the whales?

The crew uses a hydrophone, an underwater microphone, to listen for whale calls and locate them. Once they've pinpointed a whale's position, the boat moves to a spot where you can observe and admire the animal from the deck.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children under 18 months are not recommended for the dolphin portion. Children under three are not suited to the whale watching. The crew can advise on age suitability when you book.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, bottled water, other beverages and live guide commentary in English or French are all included. Hotel pickup and breakfast or lunch are not.