Mauritius Private Swimming with Wild Dolphin Excursions

Swimming with wild dolphins is one of the must-do Mauritius excursions. Spinner dolphins are found off of the coat of Mauritius throughout the year. While it's possible to swim with these magnificent creatures as part of a shared excursion, there are many benefits to opting for a private experience. If you're part of a larger group, or are looking for a more intimate experience, a private wild dolphin swim may be for you.

 

Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Hotel Pickup/Dropoff

If you're just interested in a wild dolphin swim in the morning (and not a full-day tour), Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Transport fits the bill. This 2.5h private excursion includes several opportunities to swim with wild dolphins, as well as time to snorkel near the coral reef. Private hotel pickup and dropoff is included.

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Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Benitiers Island, Including Hotel Pickup/Dropoff

Benitiers Island is off of the southwest coast of Mauritius, and is an extremely popular stop for travellers. It's easy to see why! This peice of paradise is blessed with white sand beaches perfect for tanning, and a shallow lagoon perfect for swimming. The Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Benitiers Island excursion includes a morning swimming with wild dolphins, a snorkelling stop, a barbecue lunch on Beniters Island, then time to relax on Benitiers Island, before heading back to shore. In total, this 7-hour trip is a full-day experience. Bonus: You'll pass by the famous Crystal Rock on your way to Benitiers Island!

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Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Volcanic Wonders Tour

The Private Dolphins & Volcanic Wonders Tour is uniquely offered by Bonjour Mauritius: you won't find this tour anywhere else! This 8-hour excursion combines private swimming with wild dolphins (including a snorkelling stop of course) with a tour of the Southwest of the island. This fully private experience is the best way to swim with wild dolphins and explore the amazing sites in Mauritius' southwest in the same day. Sites in the southwest include Trou aux Cerfs extinct volcano, Chamarel 7-Coloured Earth, Chamarel Waterfall and Black River Gorge National Park. As always, private hotel pickup and dropoff is included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Mauritius?

The cost of swimming with dolphins in Mauritius typically ranges from approximately €180 to €500 or more. However, it's important to note that the exact price can vary based on several factors, including the specific tour package offered by different Mauritius touring services. The variations in cost may be influenced by factors such as the duration of the experience, the type of boat used, additional inclusions (such as snorkeling equipment or meals), and the location of the dolphin encounter.

2. What is the difference between a dolphin encounter and a dolphin swim?

In a dolphin encounter program, participants typically have the opportunity to observe and interact with dolphins. Activities may include being on a boat or in shallow water platforms, where participants can watch the dolphins, learn about their behavior, and sometimes feed or touch them under the guidance of trainers. Meanwhile, a dolphin swim program usually involves more direct and hands-on interaction with the dolphins, including being in the water with them. Participants may have the chance to swim alongside, touch, and sometimes even be towed by dolphins while wearing appropriate safety gear such as life vests and sometimes snorkeling equipment. The focus is on a more immersive experience, allowing participants to have a closer and more interactive encounter with the dolphins.

3. Where can you swim with wild dolphins in Mauritius?

One of the common places where you can encounter wild dolphins is in the waters around Tamarin Bay and the western coast of the island. Boat trips and dolphin-watching excursions are organized by various tour operators like Bonjour Mauritius along the western coast, departing from locations such as Tamarin, Black River, and Flic en Flac.

4. Is swimming with wild dolphins in Mauritius safe?

Yes. Swimming with wild dolphins in Mauritius is conducted responsibly and ethically with reputable tour operators to ensure participant's safety. Participants are provided with safety gear, such as life jackets, during the dolphin swimming experience, adherence to any local regulations or guidelines established by authorities must be followed for safety of both participants and marine life.

5. How long is the private swimming with wild dolphins excursion?

The duration of a private swimming with wild dolphins excursion in Mauritius can vary depending on the specific tour operator and the package they offer. Generally, these excursions can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, including the time spent searching for dolphins, observing them, and the actual in-water experience.

6. Can non-swimmers participate in the dolphin excursions?

In many dolphin excursions, it's often possible for non-swimmers to participate. Specific policies and arrangements can vary among different tour operators, so it's crucial to check with the operator you plan to book with to ensure that they can accommodate non-swimmers.

7. Are there age restrictions for participating in dolphin swimming excursions?

Age restrictions for dolphin swimming excursions can vary depending on the tour operator and the specific guidelines they follow. Minimum age requirement is often due to safety concerns and the ability of individuals to follow instructions and handle the conditions of the activity.

8. How can I book a private swimming with wild dolphins excursion?

To book a private swimming with wild dolphins excursion, look for reputable tour operators in Mauritius that specialize in dolphin excursions. Consider online reviews, recommendations from other travelers, and the operator's reputation for responsible wildlife interactions. You may also visit the websites of the selected tour operators to gather information about their private dolphin swimming packages. Check for details such as duration, cost, inclusions, and safety measures.

9. Are sightings of dolphins guaranteed during the excursion?

Dolphin sightings during excursions in Mauritius are not guaranteed. While the waters around Mauritius, particularly along the western coast, are known for their population of spinner dolphins, these are still wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. Before booking a dolphin excursion, it's advisable to communicate with the tour operator to understand their policies and success rates regarding dolphin sightings.

10. What should I bring for a private dolphin swimming excursion?

When preparing for a private dolphin swimming excursion in Mauritius, it's important to bring essential items such as swimwear, rash guard or wet suit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat, waterproof camera, snorkeling gear, a waterproof bag, flip flops or water shoes. Before the excursion, check with the tour operator to see if they provide any specific gear or if there are additional recommendations based on their guidelines.