Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located in the southeast of Mauritius. From there, a private transfer will take you directly to our base in Le Morne on the island’s southwest coast, about 1 hour 20 minutes by road.

• 6 nights accommodation in Le Morne (double/twin share)
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Daily transfers to and from the harbour on sea days
• Breakfast each morning
• Light lunch served onboard during sea excursions
• 4 days at sea in search of whales and dolphins, guided by experienced local crew
• Full-day guided land tour, including trekking to Les 7 Cascades waterfalls and visits to other natural highlights

• International flights to/from Mauritius
• Lunch and dinner (except where specified)
• Beverages and alcohol
• Personal expenses
• Tips/gratuities for crew and guides
• Travel insurance (mandatory for participation)
• Anything not expressly listed in What’s Included

Easy

You must be a confident swimmer in open ocean conditions. No scuba / freediving experience needed, but you’ll be entering and exiting the boat multiple times and may need to react quickly to whale sightings.

From April to November, Mauritius enjoys dry, sunny conditions with average daytime highs of 24–27 °C (75−81 °F), and seas are generally calm.

In-Water Gear

• 3 mm full wetsuit recommended (long hours in the water — a shorty wetsuit or rashguard + boardshortsmay suffice, but 3 mm full suit is the safe default)
• Mask, snorkel, fins
• Boat jacket or windbreaker (for wind chill between swims)
• Waterproof drybag for valuables (phone, documents, electronics)

Sun & Weather Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat & sunglasses
• Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the boat

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance covering: Swimming in open water, Snorkeling, Boat excursions. Highly recommended: medical evacuation/repatriation
• Power plug/adapter for Type G sockets (same as UK)
• Reusable water bottle

Land Excursions Gear

• Sturdy sneakers or light hiking shoes with good grip (needed for Les 7 Cascades trek and other trails; sandals are not suitable)
• Small daypack for water, snacks, and camera
• Lightweight rain jacket (showers are possible even in the dry season)

Optional but Useful

• Underwater camera or GoPro
• Power bank/spare battery
• Seasickness tablets or wristbands (just in case of rough seas)
• Lightweight towel or poncho towel
• Personal snacks for boat days (energy bars, nuts)

Whale Encounters

Q: Will I definitely see whales?
A: While sightings are frequent, encounters always depend on the animals. We never chase or force interactions. If a whale chooses to move away, we respectfully let it be and look for another. Many of the best moments happen when a curious whale approaches on its own terms.

Q: What kind of whales will I see?
A: Sperm whales live in Mauritian waters year-round. Humpback whales migrate here from July to September. Dolphins are also common, including spinner, bottlenose, and sometimes pilot whales.

Q: How do you spot the whales?
A: Humpbacks are easy to see because they spend time near the surface, where their blow, dorsal fin, or tail flukes are visible. They must breathe every ~20 minutes (calves every ~5 minutes). Sperm whales dive deep to hunt and can stay submerged for 30–60 minutes, sometimes longer. We use a hydrophone to listen for their clicks, locate them underwater, and position ourselves to see them when they surface.

Logistics

Q: How do I get to Mauritius?
A: Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). From there, transfers to your accommodation and the harbor are arranged.

Q: Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
A: Many travelers can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Please check the latest entry requirements for your nationality.

Q: How big are the groups?
A: Our boat takes a maximum of 8 guests, with no more than 4 people in the water at once. We rotate to ensure everyone has relaxed, quality time with the whales.

Gear & Preparation

Q: Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
A: Yes: please bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel.

Q: Do I need a wetsuit?
A: We strongly recommend a 3 mm full wetsuit to stay comfortable during long hours in the water. A shorty wetsuit, rashguard, and swimwear might be enough on warmer days, but the full suit is the safest option for this activity profile.

Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
A: You should be comfortable swimming in open water without support and able to snorkel confidently.

Practicalities

Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Yes, and it must cover swimming in open water, snorkeling, and boat trips. We also recommend medical evacuation coverage.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast is provided daily, lunch is served onboard, and dinner is available at the accommodation or nearby restaurants. Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: Is there internet?
A: Yes. Mobile coverage is good, and Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Other Experiences

Q: What else can I do on this trip?
A: Mauritius offers waterfall hikes (including Les 7 Cascades), snorkeling on coral reefs, dolphin encounters, botanical gardens, and cultural visits to markets and historic sites.

Q: Can I extend my trip?
A: Yes, we can arrange extra nights for more marine excursions, inland adventures, or even a stopover in nearby Réunion Island for volcano trekking.