Mauritius Tours
Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour from Mauritius
5

Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour from Mauritius

By Dolswim
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99
Duration: 4h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English, French
More


  • Beverages
  • Bottled water
  • Live commentary on board
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch


Start:
  • La Jetée Road, La Jetée Rd, Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 54582P9

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • We will carry the person onto the boat. Please advise weight. The wheelchair cannot be taken on board and wheelchair clients will not go in the water.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    • Most travellers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 54582P9

    From
    ₹55,199.23
    per group (up to 6)
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Dolswim
      759
      Mauritius
    • allexanderh94
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience!
      It was a great experience. Our guides explained a lot to us and were respectful to the animals. We were the only boat in the sea and had the chance to calmly watch the whales in a safe distance for us and for them.
      Written 27 January 2025
    • Gills1
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Unfortunately not my day
      I thought about not writing a review, but there are so many glowing ones here, I thought I'd better give my account. The truth is, these are wild animals and it's open ocean. So sightings aren't guaranteed. And unfortunately that's what happened with our group. It was windy, so not safe to go out further than we did, which meant only a split second sighting of a whale breaching on the horizon. And other than that, two hours of nothing. I suppose can't be helped, but still disappointing, especially as I'd driven two hours to take the trip. Just thought this might set expectations and alleviate disappointment if this happens to you too. Hope you have better luck.
      Written 7 December 2024
    • Mr_MrsDonlon
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      From booking to boarding the whole process was very smooth. We were booked on the 9.45 whale watching experience. The two crew members explained the safety elements. While the outer waters were a little bit rougher than hoped for they were not that bad that anybody on the boat had any problems! The crew spotted a large sperm whale bit unfortunately due to unscrupulous other boats allowing there passengers to swim with the whales which is totally illegal in Mauritius dived before we could get a clear look. We did manage to find another adult whale which we managed to film from a safe distance. We then located 6 month old whale, again we stayed at a safe distance to film it unfortunately two boat again allowed their passengers to swim with it, we both found this quite upsetting as the swimmers didn’t even give this baby any space and were inches away from it. After a good time taking photos we returned to harbour. Overall the crew did their job very well and respected the whales it’s just a shame that other boat operators don’t respect the whales.
      Written 28 November 2024
    • triff97
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Ethical Whale Watching & experiences for a lifetime
      We were lucky to observe a female sperm whale but unfortunately our tour was the only boat there which respected the whale and didn’t jump into the water. Was very sad to see so many people getting so close to the whale and even touching it at times. Then we were able to get in the water with dolphins which was truly the most amazing experience and I can highly recommend booking this tour with Dolswim! The boat was also super comfortable, we weren’t many people on ours luckily and our captain Vince was really good
      Written 25 November 2024
    • Sarbarwell
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      First rate ethical whale watching
      First rate ethical whale watching. Until we arrived in Mauritius we thought that swimming with whales (as with dolphins) was fine, as so many tourists companies seemed to offer it. We were wrong. After realising that dozens of noisy tourists jumping in the sea next to resting whales and their calves is not only distressing for the mammals but illegal (and for good reason) did we realise you should only book to observe these amazing creatures with a company like Dolswim. Fletcher and Victor, our guides were professional and respectful at all times and their experience spoke volumes. POV if you’re one of those tourists who fancies jumping in the water to chase a picture of a whale, just be mindful that its enormous tail may injure you when it descends..,, ( and it swims faster than you so you won’t see much anyway) you’ll also miss the breathtaking majestic dives we saw when disturbed from its rest by all the snorkelling tourists!! Believe us, ditch the snorkels and enjoy the view.,., ethically and legally … with Dolswim.
      Written 16 November 2024
    • Miruna S
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Whales Watching in Mauritius
      Great Whale Watching experience! Fast boats and interesting explanations. What we also found really good was that they didn't allow people to get into the water as this is stressing the whales. We could see other boats were allowing this and the whales were then diving away...
      Written 25 October 2024
    • Tag_FD
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Responsible whale watching and dolphin experience + snorkeling
      Went in mid october. The tour starts early, but that is for a reason. Had a clear instructions before the trip. We had 2 skippers, both were very professional. We were lucky, whales were spotted after 1 hr of searching. And then we spotted them a couple of more times. It is illegal no swim with whales, however a lot of people from other boats do that. I hope that Mauritius government will introduce hefty fines for them and will control it better. The swimmers were scaring the whales away... Then we did spot quite a lot of dolphins groups and there was a chance to snorkel with them, but, it was pretty busy from other boats, so was a bit chaotic. Finally, arrived at the Coral reef, where it was very silent, only 2 boats, so we had a great snorkel experience there. Trip took a bit shorter than planned, because we were lucky to find all the creatures quick, but everyone was asked whether that is okay. Overall, very nice, responsible, seen the great creatures. I wish that other boats and people would have the same level of responsibility. The only drawback - the boarding location has no toilet.
      Written 24 October 2024
    • P7973FJmichaell
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience!
      We had an amazing time! Saw whales far and close throughout our two hour excursion—even got to see a mother and baby whale swimming pretty close to us, with the baby leaping out of the water multiple times. Really outstanding.
      Written 12 October 2024
    • Alison D
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great trip, worth every penny
      We had a great crew, saw sperm whales and then spinner dolphins, and could swim with dolphins, then a snorkel at the reef, with beautiful fishes. Great trip. I would recommend.
      Written 11 October 2024
    • FFHev
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mindful Observation Of Sperm Whales
      This is a once in a lifetime experience. Please be mindful that you are encroaching on Sperm Whales predominantly during their rest times. Other companies will advertise swimming with them and will drive a speed boat at the front of a whale and shove you into the sea with them.... this is illegal and inhumane . It also unnerves the Whale and forces them to dive sooner than they need to, preventing them from getting adequate rest times. This group are very knowledgeable and mindful of the Whales, they do not allow swimming ! It is not guaranteed to see a Whale but if you do it's the most humbling of experiences to see these majestic and peaceful creatures. I can't help but think due to saturation of the tourists and the need to make money, Whale watching here will be on a time limit because I am sure the Whales will soon tire of the constant harassment of the need to have selfie with them over the need for them to rest, feed and mate for their existence.
      Written 8 October 2024
    • 626ulrikes
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nice tour!
      We had a very nice trip with a friendly crew! The taxi was in time, the food was nice, and all was organized very well. I really can recommend thi trip.
      Written 3 October 2024
    • Sarahbethsheff
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      THIS IS A MUST DO!
      We booked this trip as it had the best reviews and they weren’t wrong. From start to finish, everything was just brilliant. We were a little late so called ahead and they were very patient. The safety talk was good and one of our party who was a little scared of boats was instantly reassured. They explained we may not see the whales as they don’t see them every day but we were utterly blessed. We saw a mother and her calf (Humpback Whales) several times and as she swam we would speed across the ocean to see them again. It was absolutely breathtaking and something I will cherish forever. Please be aware that swimming and getting in the water is ILLEGAL and should not be done, the whales deserve respect and to be treated with care, do not book with any tour operator who will allow you to do this, they have no consideration for the animals. Dolswim though were responsible and respectful. Such an incredible experience ⭐️
      Written 2 October 2024
    • Cathysfriends
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Thai Tonga is the BEST. Forget the rest!
      I was lucky enough to find Thai Tonga and went with them for a couple of days whale watching/swimming. They were very responsive to all my emails and questions. They only run with 8 guests, which is perfect! Thai Tonga is on time, well prepared, and did their best to make my tour with them absolutely incredible. They provided fruit, cake and a yummy sandwhich for lunch. There is not enough words to accurately describe how wonderful this company is. I would give them 100 stars if possible!
      Written 23 September 2024
    • 995peiyiw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good experience.
      It's really amazing to have whale watching. The operator helped to change the tour date. That helps us to have a chance to attend the activity before we leave.
      Written 22 September 2024
    • brigitteandfrank
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience and great guides!
      The trip was very nice and a great experience to watch tge Dolphins and Spermwhales out in the ocean. The tour was well organized and safe. Pascal and Julian our guides on the boat were very friendly, knowledgable and sensitive and respectful to the keep distance to the animals. They did share interesting facts and information on Dolphins and whales. Overall well worth the money and would recommend to anyone. One side note on the whale watch; There were many boats out there with people jumping into the water to get close to the whales even tried to touch them (hate to say this but mostly chinese tourists). Despite a law that forbids to swim with the whales as they are very shy creatures - mostly mothers with baby whales, it appears nobody cares about that and allows numerous groups to ‘hunt’ them in the waters with big underwater cameras. Bad side of human recklessness towards nature. Would be great if there was more restrictive enforcement by the local authorities to maintain a species that is very rare and threatened to be more and more reduced in population!
      Written 16 September 2024
    See all 759 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles12 reviews
    Excellent
    11
    Very good
    0
    Average
    0
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    0

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    MelanieBenham
    Kingskerswell, UK49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2023 • Couples
    We had a great tour with Dolswim. We started at 7am and went out to find dolphins and then further out in the hope of finding Sperm whales. The boat staff knew exactly where to take us and we saw a pod of 6. They were very ethical and mindful of the fact that these beautiful mammals should not have humans trying to touch them. We witnessed other boats allowing some disgraceful behaviour. Our boat kept a respectful distance and we were rewarded with an hour of the whales close to our boat. We had an incredible time and I was very impressed with this company.
    Written 26 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    John W
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    Conrad and our awesome driver and chef were wonderful. They worked so hard to make sure we had the best experience. We got SO lucky and saw at least 8 sperm whale. They were amazing. We were able to jump in with a beautiful pod of dolphins for a swim. Our skippers checked in with us before moving onto the next thing on the itinerary to make sure we didn’t want more time with any one thing. We ended our trip with a swim in beautiful blue water while our excellent chef cooked us a fantastic lunch. We were truly impressed with this cruise, our crew, and our experience. Would absolutely recommend them for an excellent trip.
    Written 18 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    morganbs
    Le Mans City, France86 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed our excursion with Clovis and his sidekick (sorry, we forgot his first name 😅). The meeting point is easy to access; arrive a little early to be sure of finding a place because the pier is located at the end of a street.
    The appointment time is respected and the information is clear. The boarding briefing is done in several languages if necessary. Points on safety on board, sperm whale watching, swimming with dolphins and snorkeling. Everything is done to respect marine mammals and the marine environment as much as possible: a law prohibits swimming with sperm whales (so you won't be able to do it, even if you bribe the captain 😉).
    The crew is attentive to our questions and always looking to help us spot sperm whales and dolphins.
    Special mention for snorkeling at the end of the excursion: magnificent seabed with lots of different fish!
    We absolutely LOVED our excursion with Dolswim! Thank you 🤩
    Google
    Written 16 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Claudia S
    Hamburg, Germany6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2024 • Friends
    It was fantastic. We have seen both humpback and sperm whales. Besides, there were so many dolphins. Bottlenose, Spinners, Spotted Dolphins. A great experience. We swam with you. Big thanks to Pascale and Franko, who were great guides and acted with a lot of care.👍🫶🏻
    Automatically translated
    Written 10 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Al C
    Southampton, UK5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2019 • Family
    Our trip was not quite this one but the most similar I could find.
    Early start but warmly welcomed at Dolswim with breakfast. Private boat for 3 of us, the crew, Fabian and Julien, were brilliant all day. Swimming with dolphins was not really my thing as there were lots of boats and people in the water chasing them but my teenage son enjoyed the experience. Next we headed out to sea looking for whales and we found plenty! It was amazing getting close to sperm whales - the crew were very knowledgeable and respectful of the animals which was lovely and exactly what we wanted. Next scuba diving on the reef then a trip to Crystal Rock and a delicious BBQ for lunch and a swim. We finished by driving over to La Morne for a nose at the resorts there. A totally fabulous day! Highly recommend!
    Written 20 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Richard921
    Melbourne, Australia42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2024 • Family
    We did a private boat trip with bbq.
    We had a great experience with DolSwim the crew were very informative and respectful to the animals. They were really patient, unlike some other boats around, and we were lucky enough to see Whales as well as dolphins.
    The BBQ on the boat was fantastic with loads of well cooked food. Communication prior to our trip was quick and very helpful.
    Written 6 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello .. We really appreciate your positive feedback .. Thank you
    Written 8 October 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Carly T
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2021 • Couples
    Seeing the whales was one of the best experiences of my life. Staff were very friendly and attentive.
    Written 28 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Teresa D
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2021 • Couples
    Skipper Mr Pascal is an amazing host. We swim with a plenty of dolphins and we saw whales just next to us. Thank you Pascal!
    Written 20 October 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Alice M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2018 • Couples
    This was the best trip , and I would definitely recommend for adults and possibly older children, we saw both wild whales and dolphins in there own free environment, and my daughter swam with the dolphins . This was an experience of a lifetime and not to be missed. The two lads that took us out to sea were both knowledgeable, polite, friendly, and helpful. Safety standers were very very good
    Written 17 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Madam Thank you for your visit and thank you for your comment. It was a pleasure to welcome you and we're pleased to read you had an unforgettable day The whole team hopes to may welcome you and your family again in future Kind regards Dolswim team
    Written 28 October 2018
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Paula T
    2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2018 • Family
    After what can only be described as a manic taxi ride over from our hotel by a driver organised by Dolswim, we arrived at the company base in Grand Riviere Noire. The first impression of the company was very poor - there was no greeting and the first thing one of the two woman staff there said to us was 'you owe us 3000 MUR now for the taxi'. We were then shown a table where we could get breakfast, which consisted of a pot of stewed coffee, one for tea, a jug of water and one of orange cordial. There were also a few croissants in a plastic box. We were then asked to wait in another room. Our trip was supposed to start at 10am - at 10.15am I asked one of the two woman what time we would be leaving and only then did they start to get us life jackets and take us to where the boat was waiting. This unfriendly and unprofessional start was not a good first impression of Dolswim. We then got on the boat with two further Dolswim staff and this part of the trip was very good. Following a safety briefing we headed off and saw a good group of sperm whales. We then had three short opportunities to swim with a large group of dolphins. Following this we were taken in to the shore and were given the opportunity to snorkel for 25 minutes. The reef around Mauritius is dead, so unless it is your first time snorkelling and seeing fish, the experience isn't that great. When we arrived back on shore, the company base was all shut up and the boat staff did not have a key, which meant we weren't able to use the toilets or change out of our wet clothes before getting the taxi back. We were on the boat for around 2 hr 45 mins, which I would not consider particularly good value for the price we paid for the private boat trip and as it was advertised as a 5 hr 30 min trip. Although the boat part of the trip was good and we were able to see and swim with the wildlife we were meant to, which I would give four stars for, the initial and last part of the trip and impression of the company was very poor and I would give this part one star.
    Written 16 September 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Madam Thank you for taking time to write a review on Tripadvisor We take note of your comments about our welcome team and will analyse what happened. Improvement of our services is very important to us Kind regards Dolswim team
    Written 28 October 2018
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Whale and Dolphin Watching Private Boat Tour from Mauritius provided by Dolswim

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