The spinner dolphin is generally seen in large pods, up to one
hundred of them on the same spot; they like playing and are very
active underwater, giving you clients a good hour of sport. Spinner
dolphins will not exceed 80 kg and 8 feet in length, and it is
common to see babies just other a feet long and probably weighing
not more than 3 kg.
The bottlenose dolphin is the most common of the dolphin species
worldwide. In Mauritius they live in smaller groups, between 2 to
15 individuals. Much larger than the spinners, they will weigh
between 150 kg to 650 kg and will reach up to 12 feet long. Their
patterns behaviour patterns are slightly different, as they tend to
spend more time in the bays, sometimes until around 11:30, but it
may also happen that we see them in the afternoon in the middle of
the lagoon, in 1 .5 meter of crystal clear water. They are very
quiet and much easier to swim with, it is common to have them
swimming around you in the water.
The two species will never be found in the same spot, once the
bottlenoses arrive the whole group of spinners will leave the bay
to the open sea, they will not share the same spot.
Our partner, JP Charters, will only take you swimming with them
until 8:30, both to respect their natural behavioural patterns and
make sure they return for futures generations to see, but also for
concern in your safety: many other boats will appear for dolphin
watching cruises, so it would be unsafe for you to be in the water
amongst boat traffic. The more boats join in to the fun, the more
reluctant the dolphins will be to get close to you (and the boats)
in the water, so your experience would not be the same.
We encourage you to plan this experience at the beginning of
your stay, as in the event dolphins are not the spot our partner
will either reschedule you for another day or refund the amount you
paid for the trip.
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Swimming with the Dolphins Trip*
*only available between 7 am and 8:30 am
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1,500 Rs/person
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Private Trip
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6300 Rs/boat
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For more information on transfers and bookings, please
contact us: JP Henry Charters
www.blackriver-mauritius.com
