Swimming with Dolphins and Whales in Mauritius: 7 trips compared, 2026 prices

This is the top-rated and most-reviewed whale and dolphin watching trip in Mauritius, with 5 out of 5 from 38 verified Manawa reviews. Dolswim is one of the longest-established operators on the south-west coast, running speedboat trips from Black River with a hydrophone on board to pick up the humpbacks' song.

The humpback whale season in Mauritius runs mainly from July to October, when they come up to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to give birth and nurse their calves. The trip runs for most of the year anyway, thanks to the sperm whales that live on the continental shelf off Tamarin all year round. There's a briefing before anyone gets in the water; you watch from the boat, and a respectful swim may be possible under the Mauritian code of conduct.

Who it's for: anyone who wants the best-rated, most-reviewed trip, travellers staying on the west coast or visiting in whale season (July-October), and families (no fitness needed, as you watch from the boat). Who it's not for: anyone who really wants to swim close to dolphins (the €53 dolphin snorkelling trip is better) and travellers staying in the south-east or north (it's a drive to Black River).

Manawa price €66.25 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. Sightings aren't guaranteed but are likely in season (reviews suggest Dolswim's success rate is consistently high). The trip starts with a briefing on the code of conduct (keeping a respectful distance, entering the water calmly if allowed).

This is the top-rated spinner dolphin snorkelling trip in Mauritius, with 5 out of 5 from 11 verified Manawa reviews. Boats leave Black River early (6.30 to 7.30am depending on the season), when the dolphins are active in Tamarin Bay before heading out to sea for the day.

You swim with mask, fins and snorkel close to the pod, under supervision (no touching: the Mauritian code of conduct requires a respectful distance). Each swim is usually short (5-10 minutes, depending on how the dolphins behave) but repeated several times over the 3 hours. At €53, it's one of the most affordable ways to see dolphins and whales in Mauritius.

Who it's for: confident open-water swimmers who want to get close to the dolphins responsibly, and travellers staying on the west coast who don't mind an early start. Who it's not for: non-swimmers (the €66 whale watching from the boat is better), late risers (you have to leave early to find the dolphins) and anyone prone to seasickness (the sea on the west side can be choppy).

Manawa price €53.32 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and have a light breakfast beforehand (it's usually not included).

The same morning snorkel with spinner dolphins in Tamarin Bay as the Dolswim trip (€53, 5/5), but with a different operator, Bonjour Mauritius. It's rated 4 out of 5 from 3 verified reviews, a little lower than Dolswim but based on fewer reviews.

With only 3 reviews, the difference in rating (4 vs 5) doesn't tell you much, so it's still worth booking if Dolswim is full or you'd like to compare operators. The trip is much the same: an early start, Tamarin Bay and a supervised swim under the code of conduct.

Who it's for: travellers who can't get a Dolswim slot, anyone who wants to try 2 operators on 2 different trips, and groups splitting across 2 boats. Who it's not for: anyone who wants the operator with the most verified reviews (Dolswim at €53, 5/5 from 11 reviews, is better).

Manawa price €61.78 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. The same swimming rules apply (the Mauritian code of conduct). It's an early-morning trip (departure before sunrise, depending on the season).

The most complete dolphin snorkelling trip: a full half-day at sea from Bel Ombre (10km south of Le Morne), with much more than dolphin watching on the programme. Rated 5 out of 5 from 2 verified Manawa reviews.

At €400, it costs much more than the short trips (€53-66) because it usually includes a half-day with lunch on board and several stops (dolphins, reef snorkelling and Le Morne seen from the sea). Check the exact details with the operator when you book, but the price suggests a premium trip.

Who it's for: anyone who wants a long day on the water with the dolphins and Le Morne, travellers staying in Bel Ombre or Le Morne (no drive to Black River) and couples or small groups who'd rather have a quality trip than a quick one. Who it's not for: tight budgets (Dolswim at €53 is better) and anyone who just wants a short morning trip.

Manawa price €400 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. Check the exact programme and what's included with the operator when you book; at this price, you should expect a full service.

A premium alternative to the standard €66 whale watching trip: a speedboat with a professional hydrophone, a longer trip and a smaller group. Rated 5 out of 5 on Manawa, but from just 1 verified review so far.

The €452 price (versus €66 for the standard Dolswim trip) reflects its high-end approach: a smaller group, more time at sea and scientific equipment for listening to whale song. At this price, it's for real whale enthusiasts who want the fullest experience, rather than visitors who just want to tick whales off the list.

Who it's for: whale enthusiasts after the fullest experience, professional photographers who want as much time with the whales as possible, and travellers who've already done the standard trip and want to go further. Who it's not for: normal budgets (Dolswim at €66, 5/5 from 38 reviews, is better) and anyone who wants a short trip.

Manawa price €451.73 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. Humpback whales mainly July-October, sperm whales all year. Check the details (exact length, group size) with the operator.

A high-end version of the spinner dolphin swim from Black River: longer, in a smaller group, with an in-depth briefing on dolphin biology. It's a recent listing with no Manawa reviews yet.

The €271 price (versus €53 for the standard Dolswim trip) reflects the premium service. Unless you specifically want the most in-depth experience, I'd still recommend the standard Dolswim trip (5/5 from 11 verified reviews).

Who it's for: travellers who value a small group over a long track record of reviews, keen photographers who want more time in the water, and anyone who's done the standard trip and wants more. Who it's not for: normal budgets (Dolswim at €53 is better) and short stays.

Manawa price €271.04 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. It's an early start (before sunrise). Check the details with the operator.

This trip combines two experiences in one half-day: humpback whale watching offshore (mainly July-October, sperm whales all year) and spinner dolphin snorkelling in Tamarin Bay. There are no Manawa reviews for this premium listing yet.

At €639, it's the most expensive whale and dolphin trip in Mauritius. You're paying for both trips (normally €66 and €53 separately with Dolswim) rolled into one half-day, probably in a smaller group with closer supervision. On a normal budget, I'd recommend doing the two trips separately (€66 + €53 = €119 over 2 days), which also have far more verified reviews.

Who it's for: whale and dolphin enthusiasts who want everything in one trip, travellers on a short stay who want both in a single morning, and anyone who puts convenience before cost. Who it's not for: normal budgets (the two separate trips at €66 and €53 are better) and anyone who wants to read reviews first (there are none yet).

Manawa price €638.60 per person. Flexible cancellation for bad weather. It's an early start. Check the programme with Dolswim when you book.