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If you've ever fantasised about swimming with dolphins, Mauritius invites you to live out your dream. Thanks to the island's crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, the pearl of the Indian Ocean is a paradise for spotting spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Book a boat tour with your expert Villanovo concierge to experience the playful mammals up close. What's more, these excursions can also include snorkelling at colourful coral reefs, sailing to idyllic islands, and whale watching. Ensuring that swimming with dolphins in Mauritius is one of the most memorable things to do with your family and friends.
Mauritius is home to two species of dolphins. Spinner dolphins, known as "long bec" in French for their elongated nose, live in groups of 10-100. They can only be spotted in the morning when they are playing or sleeping, for they spend their afternoons hunting the deep sea. Bottlenose dolphins, the most popular of the two, are known to be more playful because they are less afraid of humans. Consequently, they will often let you approach them. A naturally social species, the dolphins in Mauritius are used to having divers around. They might even play with you by showing off their somersaults and tricks. However, you'll never spot the two species together.
If you can break free from your comfy bed, morning is the best time to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat since the water is calmer and there will be less boats. After you embark across the turquoise sea, your experienced guide will teach you all about the magnificent creatures and the best practices for swimming with them. Usually it takes less than half an hour to reach the dolphins. Once you arrive, you'll be given all the gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) to dive into this unforgettable experience. When you swim with dolphins in Mauritius, the spirited animals are just 1 - 2 metres away, giving you a unique opportunity to see them up close. To preserve this special experience, know that it is forbidden to touch the dolphins because you can put them in danger or get them sick.
The best place to spot spinner and bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat is on the west coast of Mauritius in the Black River district. From an adventure in Tamarin Bay to an outing with views of La Morne Brabant, your Villanovo concierge knows all the best skippers on Mauritius who organise dolphin tours. They can book you a luxurious private catamaran or a trip with others on a speedy motor boat. Choose from a short 2-hour jaunt or a half- or full-day trip that can include a lovely lunch on board. One of Villanovo's favourite excursions leaves from La Gaulette. Once aboard the Amistad boat, participants will enjoy breakfast at sea en route to the playful creatures. After swimming with the dolphins up close, you'll savour a fresh-grilled lunch at Île aux Benitiers and snorkel around the surrounding coral reefs and spectacular Crystal Rock.
For the cherry on top, Villanovo has a bevy of waterfront villas in Mauritius to truly connect with the sea.
Choose a Villanovo villa in sought-after locations. Enjoy easy beach access in Grand Baie, a gorgeous golf course in Bel Ombre, and waterfront views in Tamarin.
Our attentive, hands-on concierges handle every detail so you can focus on enjoying your holidays. This personalised service tailors each trip to perfectly suit your needs including excursion reservations like boat trips in Mauritius, water sports, private chef and more. The pièce de résistance? Every Villanovo stay comes with a travel booklet packed with our insider picks, including where to eat, drink, and shop and what to do in Mauritius.
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