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Mauritius Tours
Whale watching - Exclusivity
4

Whale watching - Exclusivity

By Dolswim
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Ages 0-99
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English, French
More


  • Beverages
  • Live commentary on board
  • Professional guide
  • Bottled water
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: 54582P6

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair: the wheelchair cannot be taken on board, but we can carry the guest onto the boat. Please advise weight
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Dress code is smart casual
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • 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: 54582P6

    From
    £341.79
    per group (up to 6)
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Dolswim
      758
      Mauritius
    • 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
    • Richard921
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic experience with great crew
      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
    • 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 758 reviews
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    4.0
    4.0 of 5 bubbles1 review
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    silvia79luca
    30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2018 • Family
    Abbiamo fatto il tour nella settimana di ferragosto. molto ben organizzato, personale cortese e piacevole. abbiamo avuto la fortuna di vedere le balene, una esperienza emozionante che vale la pena di fare. consigliatissimo
    Written 31 August 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 on Tripadvisor. Really glad to read you enjoyed it Hope to may welcome you 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.
    *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.

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