Tamarin Bay Dolphin Watching

"If you only do one tour in Mauritius, it should be this one!

We had the BEST day swimming with the dolphins and snorkelling at a beautiful reef.

Before coming to Mauritius, I researched a lot on which tour to take. Swimming withe dolphins was a bucket list item for me so I wanted to make sure I selected the right one.

I am so glad we went with Xiao. They provide you with fins which is essential for you to keep up with the dolphins (I saw some people from other boats didn’t have fins) and the crew and jumps into the water to find the dolphins and capture videos of the dolphins.

Everyone is kind and the booking process was very organised and smooth. It’s also the cheapest option I found.

Thank you so much for an unforgettable day I will cherish forever!"

Juliana V

"🐬 Whales Watching & Swim with Dolphins & Fishing in Mauritius – Tamarin Bay

If there’s one experience that captures the spirit of Mauritius — freedom, nature, and connection — this was it. Mona and I booked a private trip with Whales Watching & Swim with Dolphins & Fishing in Mauritius out of Tamarin Bay, and from start to finish it was nothing short of unforgettable.

🌊 The Team & Experience

From the moment we met the crew, we knew we’d made the right choice. They were friendly, professional, and deeply respectful of the ocean and its wildlife — something that really stood out to me. Too often I’ve seen boats in Mauritius charge recklessly toward the dolphins at the surface, cutting too close just for a quick photo. These guys were the exact opposite. They kept a careful distance, always letting the dolphins move naturally, and made sure we entered the water calmly and responsibly.

It was just Mona and me on board, which made it even more special. A private trip, no crowds, no rush — just us, the ocean, and a pod of wild dolphins gliding through the turquoise water.

🤿 In the Water

The equipment provided was top-notch — everything clean, well-maintained, and ready to go. We had our own freediving gear with us, though, so we used that to slip below the surface and meet the dolphins on their level.

We managed around five dives with the pod, and each time was pure magic. The dolphins didn’t scatter or flee — they actually swam right up to us, curious and calm. There was no chasing, no stress, just that beautiful, weightless feeling of sharing space with wild creatures who chose to be near you.

💙 Why It Stood Out

What I loved most was how ethical and unhurried the whole experience felt. The crew truly respected the animals, giving them space to breathe at the surface before anyone entered the water. That level of care is rare, and it made the connection even more meaningful.

For anyone heading to Mauritius, especially those who love the ocean, I can’t recommend this team enough.

Whether you’re an experienced freediver or just someone who dreams of swimming alongside dolphins in the wild — this is the way to do it: authentically, respectfully, and with heart."

Fraser McDonald

"Absolutely unforgettable experience with Xiao Ignace Mauritius and the team!

I’ve just finished my third day of snorkeling and freediving with sperm whales — and I’m going again tomorrow because I simply can’t get enough! Today, I saw 7 sperm whales sleeping vertically, hanging peacefully in the deep blue… and my heart is still beating way too fast from the excitement.❤️❤️❤️

Although encounters with whales are based on nature (and a bit of luck), the crew is incredibly experienced and prepared. The boat is equipped with hydrophones, so they can actually listen for the whales and determine their rough location — even estimate how big the pod is from the sounds. Super impressive.😎😎😎

The guide and the captain are incredibly kind and generous. They shared amazing footage with us, and even helped me to take videos underwater with the whales. The atmosphere on the boat is so fun — they play music, provide lunch, everyone’s smiling, and there’s this beautiful mix of excitement and serenity. Me and the other guests were genuinely glowing all day.🤪🤪🤪

we ended the tour swimming with spinner dolphins, which is basically guaranteed — and just pure magic. 🌊🐬 Visibility was amazing, and every moment felt surreal. The dolphins here are very calm and like to swim with human.

This is hands down one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow. Highly recommend!!"

Daisy Dai