Moris⛵ Boat trips & islands · Black River / Tamarin
Swimming with dolphins off Tamarin
At dawn, spinner and bottlenose dolphins rest in Tamarin Bay: a boat trip to see them (and, following the rules, swim nearby) leaves from the villa's bay.
Every morning, pods of spinner dolphins (and sometimes bottlenose dolphins) come into Tamarin Bay to rest after feeding at night. Licensed skippers from La Preneuse and Black River take small groups out at 7:00; you watch them leap and, if conditions allow, slip into the water quietly nearby.
The experience can be magical, but it has become very busy: dozens of boats sometimes chase the same pod. Choose a licensed, small operator who respects the rules (no chasing, approach from the side, limited time in the water, swimming only 7:00–10:00), or just watch from the boat. Many trips continue to Île aux Bénitiers or Crystal Rock.
- Spinner dolphins resting in the bay
- Leaves from next to the villa
- Often combined with Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers
🤿 In the water
- Entry
- By boat
- Depth
- Open sea, 10–30 m
- Visibility
- ★★★★★★★★★★
- Currents
- Open water: good swimmers only; life jackets available.
- You may see
- Spinner dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Flying fish
Getting there
🚗 By car: 5 min (0.8 km) off-peak. Directions in Google Maps ↗
- 🚕 Taxi from the villa: about Rs 350–500 one way per car (agree the price first; a return trip with waiting time is often negotiable).
- 🚲 Bike: close enough to cycle along the coast road (take care with traffic).
📅 Booking: Book the day before with a licensed skipper (ask us for our contact in the notes below).
Tips
- 💡 Leave at 6:30–7:00: the dolphins are calmer and there are fewer boats.
- 💡 Don't touch or chase the dolphins; keep your fins quiet on the surface.
- 💡 Seasickness tablets if you're sensitive: small boats roll while waiting.