Swim with dolphins in Reunion

You are preparing your trip to Reunion Island and you want to take the opportunity to swim with dolphins in Reunion ? Suddenly, you are wondering:

  • Where to see dolphins in Reunion?
  • How to swim with dolphins?
  • When to see dolphins in Reunion?

Here are my tips and good addresses to take advantage of your circuit in Reunion to have the unique experience of swimming with dolphins.

See the dolphins in Reunion

The magnificent coasts of Reunion are also renowned for the richness and diversity of their marine fauna. Indeed, not only will you be able to see whales in Reunion but you can also meet dolphins!

Indeed, several species of dolphins are present off the coast of Reunion Island. Here are the 3 species of dolphins most present in Reunion:

Bottlenose dolphins

This species of dolphin is characterized by the length of these cetaceans. Indeed, they are the largest dolphins that can measure up to 3,80 meters and weigh up to 500 kilos.

They are also recognized by their protuberance from their forehead to their rostrum. This species of dolphin usually moves in small groups of 2 to 15 individuals.

Long-beaked dolphins

These are smaller. They measure between 1,30 and 2 meters and are characterized by their dark gray color with a lighter shade on the sides. They move in large groups that can reach up to 300 dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins of the Indo-Pacific

This species lives near the coasts in shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. They measure up to 2,60 meters and are lighter in color than the long beaks. Their rostrum (nose) is also shorter and a white tip. These dolphins are seen alone, in pairs or in small groups (no more than 2 dolphins).


When to see dolphins in Reunion?

Whatever season you go on vacation or in road trip on Reunion Island, you will see dolphins.

Indeed, there is no good or bad time for go see the dolphins in Reunion because they are there all year round. The hardest part is having the chance to meet them in their natural environment and for that you have to know the right places!


Where to swim with dolphins in Reunion?

You will be able to see dolphins very easily on all the coasts of Reunion especially all along the West coast. But the majority of sea trips to swim with dolphins are done from the port of Saint-Gilles-Bains or Saint-Leu.


How to go swimming with dolphins in Reunion?

To swim with dolphins in Reunion, you have 3 possibilities:

Go on a sea trip organized by an agency

You will find on the marina of Saint Gilles many agencies which offer several packages of excursions at sea to observe dolphins and whales. In general, it is necessary to embark port of Saint-Gilles les Bains.

Equipped simply with a wetsuit (depending on the season), fins, a mask and a snorkel, some will offer you to swim with the dolphins.

Price excursion to see with dolphins in Reunion

Prices start from 30 € the excursion of 2 hours but may increase depending on the duration of the trip at sea and the services on board.

The 2 best rated agencies for this type of excursion are: https://www.grandbleu.re/ et https://www.cocoboat.re/

See the dolphins on Reunion Island

Rent a boat to organize the trip yourself

Renting a small boat is a great plan and the perfect way to enjoy swimming with dolphins for as long as you want. All day long you will be free to swim with them without having dozens of tourists around you.

En renting a boat in Saint-Gilles, if you are lucky (by heading to the same places as the agency boats), you will be able to see the dolphinsWhales (depending on the season) and even turtles !

Boat rental price in Reunion

It takes around 200 € for half a day and 350 € for the day (or more depending on the type of boat).

Choose a dive center to swim with dolphins

For swim with dolphins but also with whales in Réunion, you can choose from the many diving clubs in the port of Saint-Gilles-Bains or in Saint-Leu. The best will be to take a diving club with the label O²CR (Certified Observation Responsible for Cetaceans in Reunion Island). Thus, you will have the guarantee of a professional who respects and protects marine animals but also their natural environment.

If you want to book online, here are 3 clubs that you can contact for a departure from Saint-Gilles:

Swim with dolphins at the meeting

How to swim with dolphins?

To swim with dolphins and have an exceptional time, you must avoid following certain rules. Indeed, you must avoid disturbing the dolphins and swim without endangering yourself. To do this, here are some tips:

  • Do not dive abruptly;
  • Do not throw any object or food into the water;
  • Respect a distance of at least 2 meters;
  • Wait for the dolphins to approach you;
  • Do not touch the dolphins;
  • Keep your arms at your side and avoid sudden movements;
  • Be calm and patient.

Be aware that there are international regulations that prohibit feeding dolphins and approaching them without their consent.

It is a regulation that aims to protect dolphins but also the safety of swimmers. Indeed, although dolphins are kind and benevolent animals, their reaction is unpredictable if they feel threatened or in danger.

2 thoughts on “Swim with dolphins in Réunion”

  1. Ping: Visit Reunion Island by car in 1 week - My itinerary + circuit map

  2. Ping: When to see whales in Réunion and where to go?

Leave comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Back to top