When whales devote themselves to their romantic activities, it’s a great time for tourists to see these majestic creatures up close among the beautiful landscapes of Mauritius.
Choose a day when waters are the calmest, rent a tour, and head to the deep seas to witness this unforgettable sight. There are quite a few different types of whales you can find around Mauritius— migrating humpbacks, dense-beaked whales, southern beaked whales, dwarf sperm whales, and the most famous, the sperm whale.
Humpback whales migrate to Mauritius to give birth to their calves from July to November. Sperm whales are permanent residents in Mauritius waters and they can be observed there all year round. These giants grow up to 18 m (60 feet) long and can weigh up to 50 tons. They also tend to swim in groups of 10 or more.
You have a solid chance to meet humpback and sperm whales in Mauritius. However, it still takes some luck, as there’s actually about a 60% chance that you’ll encounter them, and if you don’t, there’s usually no cash refund.
The best place to see whales near Mauritius is off the south-western coast of the island. Whale watching tours depart from Grande Riviere Noire. Small boats with capacity of up to 10 people usually depart from Tamarin village.
Practical info
When is the best time to go whale watching in Mauritius?
The migration of humpback whales to the Mauritius waters occurs from July to November. The sperm whales living in the local water can be observed at any time. So, whale watching in Mauritius can be done all year round. Show more
Where can I go for whale watching in Mauritius?
For whale watching in Mauritius, Grande Riviere Noire is the best site. The starting point for tours can be found in Tamarin village, and guests can expect small boats to transport up to ten people. Show more
What types of whales can be observed in Mauritius waters?
The whales that can be spotted in Mauritius waters include dwarf sperm whales, southern beaked whales, dense-beaked whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales. While humpback whales migrate to the island to give birth to their young from July to November, sperm whales reside in the waters permanently throughout the year. Show more
What is the chance of observing whales in Mauritius?
Observing whales in Mauritius is possible with probability reaching 60%. The observation of both humpback and sperm whales is not guaranted, and refunds will not be given should they become unobservable. We recommend that you be flexible with your dates and book with a trusted tour company to increase your chances of enjoying this experience. Show more
How many people are usually on a whale watching boat tour in Mauritius?
Typically, whale watching tours in Mauritius can accommodate up to 10 individuals per small boat. We encourage you to plan ahead and book your spot in a timely manner as the number of permits allocated for boats are limited to ensure the preservation of the environment and the safety of the whales. Show more
