Whale watching - Exclusivity
4
Whale watching - Exclusivity
By Dolswim
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
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
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Gills10 contributionsUnfortunately not my dayI 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_MrsDonlon0 contributionsGreat experienceFrom 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
- triff970 contributionsEthical Whale Watching & experiences for a lifetimeWe 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 goodWritten 25 November 2024
- Sarbarwell0 contributionsFirst rate ethical whale watchingFirst 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 S0 contributionsWhales Watching in MauritiusGreat 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_FD0 contributionsResponsible whale watching and dolphin experience + snorkelingWent 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
- P7973FJmichaell0 contributionsAmazing 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 D0 contributionsGreat trip, worth every pennyWe 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
- FFHev0 contributionsMindful Observation Of Sperm WhalesThis 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
- Richard9210 contributionsFantastic experience with great crewWe 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
- 626ulrikes0 contributionsNice 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
- Sarahbethsheff0 contributionsTHIS 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
- Cathysfriends0 contributionsThai 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
- 995peiyiw0 contributionsGood 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
- brigitteandfrank0 contributionsGreat 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
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.
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silvia79luca
30 contributions
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.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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