The sheltered bays of the west coast, from Tamarin to Black River and Le Morne, are where wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins come to rest in the early morning, and deeper water just offshore is home to sperm whales, with humpbacks passing through in the southern winter. Seeing them is one of the great experiences of Mauritius, but it needs to be done well, as the bays can fill with boats and the animals are easily stressed. This page links to Dolphins Encounter and Whale Watching with Dolswim, rated 4.6 from more than 180 reviews, a small operator praised by reviewers for keeping its distance from other boats and limiting how many people are in the water and for how long. The speedboat leaves the jetty at Grande Rivière Noire at seven in the morning with a skipper and a guide. You search the bays for dolphins and may slip into the water with snorkel gear to watch them pass beneath you, if conditions and the animals allow; swimming is optional. Then the boat heads out to sea, where a hydrophone lets you listen for whales and the crew watches for blows and fins. Breakfast, lunch, drinks and hotel transfers are included, and groups are capped at fourteen.
How it works: the trip lasts about four to five hours from a 7:00 departure at the jetty on La Jetée Road in Grande Rivière Noire. Hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, lunch, soft drinks, water, snorkel gear and live commentary are included. The price varies by date and group, and free cancellation is possible until 24 hours before. The jetty has no facilities, so come ready to board.
What you see: dolphins are seen on most mornings, though never guaranteed. Whale sightings are less certain: sperm whales live off the west coast for much of the year, and humpbacks pass in the southern winter, roughly from July to October. Swimming with whales is not permitted, so whale encounters are from the boat only.
Making the most of it: choose a responsible operator, follow the crew’s instructions in the water and never chase or touch the animals. The sea can be choppy, so take seasickness tablets if you need them. The tour is not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with back or heart problems, and children must be with an adult.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group speedboat trip from Black River to look for dolphins in the bays, with an optional snorkel swim, followed by whale watching and listening offshore.
Best time
Dolphins are around all year in the early morning; the southern winter, roughly July to October, adds the chance of humpback whales.
How long
About four to five hours from the 7:00 start, back in time for a late lunch or an afternoon on the beach.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, a towel and a windproof layer, and take seasickness tablets if the sea is rough.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers who want to see dolphins and whales with a careful, small operator.
- Families
- Children who swim confidently love it, but they must be with an adult and can stay on the boat if they prefer.
- Couples
- An unforgettable early start, with breakfast on the water and the afternoon free on the west coast.
- Pair with
- Casela Nature Parks or the Black River Gorges hike, both close to the meeting point.
- Time needed
- A morning.
Good questions
Where does the dolphin and whale trip start?+
It starts at 7:00 from the jetty on La Jetée Road in Grande Rivière Noire, Black River, on the west coast. Hotel transfers are included.
Can you swim with dolphins in Mauritius?+
Yes, on this trip you can snorkel near wild dolphins when conditions allow, with the crew limiting time in the water. Swimming is optional.
Will I see whales?+
Whales are often spotted or heard on the hydrophone but are not guaranteed. Humpbacks pass through in the southern winter, roughly July to October.
Can you swim with whales?+
No, swimming with whales is not permitted, so whales are watched from the boat. Dolphin swims follow strict guidelines.
Are meals included?+
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included, along with soft drinks, water and snorkel gear. Bring a towel and sun protection.
