DOLPHIN WATCHING IN MAURITIUS
INTRO
Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are the most prevalent types of dolphins we encounter while snorkelling in Mauritius.
This is a unique and must do activity if you’re planning a trip to Mauritius.
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN MAURITIUS
THE HISTORY
THIS ACTIVITY BEGAN
INADVERTENTLY OR
SPONTANEOUSLY
APPROXIMATELY
THREE DECADES AGO.
In the early morning hours, a small pod of spinner dolphins (10 to 15 dolphins) started visiting the bays of Tamarin and Black River.
In the wake of boat motors, they would frolic and cruise in the waves while the boats were heading out to sea to fish with family and friends. The idea of swimming among them at the time wasn’t even a thought.
The tourism business has grown steadily over the years, as a result, there is a greater demand for boat excursions. The boats leaving for day trips realised that the dolphins were super friendly, cruising calmly in the bay, and that they returned almost every day. Seeing that snorkelling gear was always on board, they decided to give it a whirl and this is where it all started…
Since then, an interest in swimming with dolphins in Mauritius has grown, as have the number of boats available for this activity.
SPECIES
SPINNER DOLPHINS
The spinner dolphin also known as the long-snouted dolphin is a small dolphin found in tropical waters around the world.
They’re renowned for their acrobatic leaps, in which they perform two to six rotations in a single leap. Their jumps are apparently a form of communication. Other frequent behavioural traits include nose outs, tail slaps.
Adults range in size from 125 to 235 cm, weigh between 20 and 80 kg, and live in water temperatures ranging from 23 to 30 degrees Celsius. They are easily identified by their three distinct colorations. Dark grey on the top, light grey on the sides and white on the bottom.
They typically venture into deeper waters to feed in the afternoon and at night, diving to nearly 300 metres in search of small fish, squid, and shrimp.
They come close to shore every morning, resting in the bays or cruising along the reefs, but also to socialise and to educate their calves.
They can live for up to 25 years.
COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
There are two distinct species of bottlenose dolphins: the common bottlenose dolphin and the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin.
The common bottlenose dolphins inhabit temperate and tropical waters all other the world and are never found in polar waters. They are grey in colour, range in length from 2 to 4 metres, and weigh between 200 and 500 kg.
They have a short nose. Their brains are larger than those of humans and they’re renowned for their intelligence (the US military even trained dolphins to detect underwater mines).
They are normally found in smaller pods than the spinners. The bottlenose dolphins travel in groups of two to fifteen, mostly feeding on eels, fish, squid, and shrimp.
Every morning, they come close to shore, resting in bays or cruising along the reefs, but also to socialise and to educate their calves. To communicate, they use whistling sounds and a variety of body language signals such as tail slaps (lob tailing). The average life expectancy of a bottlenose dolphin is 20 years
BOATS / PEOPLE & DOLPHINS
WE BELIEVE IT’S IMPORTANT TO SHARE OUR EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND OBSERVATIONS OF DOLPHIN BEHAVIOUR WITH YOU.
Initially, in 2014, we had the impression that there were too many boats and too many people in the water, and that the dolphins were unsafe and stressed as a result of the high level of top water activity (boats + people).
We even considered removing the dolphin watching option from our service. But, little by little, we began swimming and spending hours on end in the water with them.
After several weeks, we realised that they were unfazed by the presence of humans and boats. They continued their playful activities, socialising, playing with seaweeds, spinning in the air, hunting, and so on.
We’ve even noticed that the dolphin population on the West coast of Mauritius has been constantly rising since 2014 and regularly encounter calves swimming alongside their mothers, which is quite an amazing experience.
They’ve been coming close to our shores every morning for almost 30 years ago and this is yet another indication that they’re unaffected by what’s going on around or above them.
THE EXCURSION
What to expect
We depart very early in the morning so that you get the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful moment with fewer boats and people. This way, we optimise your experience and get to choose the best time for you to dive into the sea with them.
We start off by locating the pods by searching for fins on the surface. While searching for them and to gain time, we prepare and provide you with the necessary equipment (masks, snorkels and fins). We, at the same time, provide a clear briefing:
- to wait for the skipper to say “GO” before jumping as he needs to put the motors in neutral first,
- how to jump from the boat,
- in order to maximise your experience, it’s important that remain in standby mode (mask, snorkels and fins on) before jumping, that’s because the dolphins keep moving and they could be long gone if you’re not ready,
- once in the water, it’s very important to keep your gaze below the water surface and not on the surface,
- swim towards them in a calm, gentle manner once you spot them, this way you’ll be able to get even closer to them,
- those of you who are comfortable diving should always be alert to the presence of boats before diving deep and following the dolphins, as the boats will no longer see you swimming on the surface.
- DO NOT inflict unnecessary stress on the dolphins. To ensure the dolphins’ safety, we kindly request that you NEVER TOUCH THEM while in the water with them as this can lead to the dolphin being separated from the pod and/or the chemicals in the sunscreen can cause harm owing to their extremely skin sensitive.
OUR EXCURSION OPTIONS
We offer three Dolphin Watching excursion options to ensure that you find the best option to suit your needs.
Our Dolphin excursions take place off the Southwest Coast of Mauritius where dolphins can be found just beyond the lagoon. Our fleet is fully equipped and customised for all sea excursions.
Our crew is friendly and experienced and take great pride in ensuring that you enjoy fantastic moments on board.
OPTION 1
Approximately 2 hours trip
Departure Time : 6h30 am
Maximum of 6 Persons
Price for 1 to 3 persons
Rs 6,000/Boat
Price for 4 to 6 persons
Rs 1,900/Person
What’s included
• Dolphin Watching/Swimming only
• 2 hours trip
OPTION 2
Approximately 2.5 hours trip
Departure Time : 6h30 am
Maximum of 6 Persons
Price for 1 to 3 persons
Rs 7,500/Boat
Price for 4 to 6 persons
Rs 2,300/Person
What’s included
• Dolphin Watching/Swimming
• Snorkeling behind the reefs
• 2h30 mins trip
OPTION 3
Approximately 3 hours trip
Departure Time : 5h30am or 6h30 am
Maximum of 6 Persons
Price for 1 to 3 persons
Rs 9,000/Boat
Price for 4 to 6 persons
Rs 2,700/Person
What’s included
• Dolphin Watching/Swimming
• Snorkeling behind the Reefs
• Visit of Crystal Rock in Le Morne lagoon
• 3 hours trip
Terms and conditions
You are required to select your option when booking.
