Two standout dolphin watching tours await in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. Back-to-basics travelers will appreciate the full-day Volcanic Wonders Tour, combining wild dolphin encounters with snorkeling and a visit to stunning Chamarel. For a more refined experience, the Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers delivers with its well-executed combination of dolphin spotting, Crystal Rock snorkeling, and an excellent 3-course lunch. While both tours boast friendly crews and good food, be prepared for peak-season crowds and bring your own snorkeling equipment if possible. Let’s check out these top-rated options in detail.
Key Points
- The Catamaran Cruise departing from Trou d’Eau Douce offers a 3.5-star rated dolphin watching experience, along with snorkeling and a 3-course lunch.
- The Full-Day Mauritius Volcanic Wonders Tour includes a 2.5-hour dolphin encounter activity, as well as a visit to Chamarel, but concerns have been raised about overcrowding and chasing.
- Snorkeling gear is provided for the dolphin encounter and Chamarel visit on the Volcanic Wonders Tour, but lunch is not included.
- Safety considerations for the tours include not being wheelchair accessible, not recommended for pregnant women, and weather conditions potentially impacting the experience.
- Reviews suggest the crew is generally friendly and the food is delicious, but issues have been reported with overcrowding, misleading descriptions, and inadequate snorkeling gear.
Full-Day Mauritius Volcanic Wonders Tour Including Swimming With Wild Dolphins
The Full-Day Mauritius Volcanic Wonders Tour provides travelers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural wonders. The tour includes swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling near coral reefs, and visiting attractions like Chamarel.
Lasting up to 8 hours, the tour starts at 7:30 AM with pickup from hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers and is priced at $112.48 per person, discounted from $124.98.
It includes a 2.5-hour encounter with wild dolphins and provides snorkeling gear. The tour also covers the entrance fee to Chamarel, though lunch isn’t included.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant women or children under 12 without an adult, it offers a chance to experience Mauritius’ volcanic landscapes and marine life.
However, some travelers have raised concerns about the dolphin interaction, mentioning issues like overcrowding and chasing dolphins. Plus, weather conditions can affect the visibility and experience.
Read our full review: Full-Day Mauritius Volcanic Wonders Tour Including Swimming With Wild Dolphins Review
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Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers: Dolphin Watch, Crystal Rock & Transfer
Departing from the scenic town of Trou d’Eau Douce, this catamaran cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the wonders of Mauritius’ marine life.
The 3.5-star rated tour takes guests on a dolphin-watching adventure, with opportunities to snorkel at the Crystal Rock and explore the Ile aux Bénitiers islet.
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off, private transportation, a 3-course lunch, and unlimited locally sourced drinks. Guests can enjoy the mix of local folklore and music throughout the day.
While the crew is generally praised as friendly and the food as delicious, some past travelers have reported issues like overcrowding, misleading descriptions, and inadequate snorkeling equipment.
The tour operator encourages guests to choose a different operator if they’re dissatisfied with their specific experiences or the tour’s descriptions.
Read our full review: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers: Dolphin Watch, Crystal Rock & Transfer Review
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The Sum Up
Trou d’Eau Douce offers excellent dolphin watching tours. The full-day Volcanic Wonders Tour and Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers provide opportunities to swim with wild dolphins and explore other natural wonders. Both tours are convenient options for visitors seeking an immersive dolphin encounter in Mauritius. They offer a practical and concise way to experience the island’s marine life.