Mauritius Pt.8 - Swimming With DOLPHINS in Tamarin Bay
- Andre
- Aug 14, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 8
After a 5 am wake-up call, we eagerly embarked on our adventure to Tamarin Bay, a renowned spot famous for its playful dolphins. The excitement in the air was palpable as we anticipated spending quality time swimming alongside these magnificent creatures. As the day progressed, the weather began to clear up somewhat during the afternoon, allowing us to seize the moment and fit in a quick kite surf session before heading to the local eatery, Enso's, for a well-deserved supper. The prospect of indulging in delicious local cuisine was the perfect way to end an exhilarating day.
Our Airbnb host, Trish, had gone above and beyond by arranging for a local boat skipper to take us out in Tamarin Bay, where we hoped to swim with the pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins that are known to frequent the area in the mornings. Her knowledge of the local scene made our experience all the more enjoyable and seamless.
Driving through the dark, pouring rain to meet our skipper was not exactly confidence-inspiring. The gloomy, wet conditions made us question whether we were making the right choice, but we quickly decided to embrace the uncertainty and go with the flow, hoping for the best. To our surprise, the inclement weather meant that there were only a couple of other boats in the vicinity, which created a serene atmosphere on the water. We had heard from others that Tamarin Bay could sometimes resemble a circus, with numerous boats racing around and people leaping off into the water at random, creating a chaotic scene. Fortunately, our experience was far more tranquil, allowing us to connect with nature and the dolphins without the distractions of a crowded bay.
Should You Swim with the Dolphins at Tamarin Bay, Mauritius?
The safety of swimming with dolphins is a topic that often sparks debate among both locals and tourists. We had heard some concerns from various sources regarding the potential harm this activity could inflict on the dolphins and their habitat. However, during our encounter, the dolphins appeared to be incredibly playful and seemed just as curious about us as we were about them. They effortlessly glided through the water, and it was clear that if they wanted to, they could vanish in the blink of an eye. Their speed underwater was truly astonishing! Based on our personal experience, we found it to be quite safe, provided you are comfortable in deep water. We came well-prepared, donning wetsuits that not only kept us warm but also added an extra layer of buoyancy. Additionally, wearing fins was essential; they allowed us to be quick off the boat and swim swiftly to keep up with the dolphins.
As we made our way back across the bay, the rain began to fall again, but the clouds intermittently parted to reveal breathtaking rainbows arching gracefully over the water. The sight was nothing short of magical, enhancing what was already a memorable experience. It felt like nature was putting on a show just for us, and we couldn't have asked for a more picturesque backdrop.
Luckily the weather improved somewhat, and we headed to Le Morne Kitebeach for a kite session. Our time in Mauritius was drawing to an end and we had to make use of every opportunity to hit the water!
