La Preneuse: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Speedboat Tour

Dolphins do not follow a timetable. That is part of the thrill. From La Preneuse Beach, this two-hour speedboat trip takes you along the Mauritian coast in search of wild dolphins, then adds a lagoon snorkel stop with equipment provided. I like the small time commitment and the chance to see dolphins in their natural setting rather than in a marine park. I also like the friendly, hands-on crew, with guides such as Feliciano, Andy, and Miguel praised for helping people get the most from the outing.

The main catch is simple: this is not a gentle boat ride where dolphins pose beside you. You may need to swim quickly for a few minutes to keep up, and the animals can remain about three metres below the surface. On busy days, many other speedboats may gather in the same area, which can make the encounter feel less peaceful than you hoped.

At $58 per person, the tour offers a lively half-day-sized activity without taking up half your day. You get the boat, skipper, and mask and fins, but not transport, food, or drinks. If you are a confident swimmer who accepts the uncertainty of wild animals, this is a strong way to add sea time to a Mauritius visit.

Key points at a glance

• Meet beside La Tour Martello: The starting point is La Preneuse Public Beach, by the historic-looking tower known as La Tour Martello.
• Expect active dolphin watching: You may watch from the boat, then enter the water and swim toward dolphins moving below the surface.
• Allow for changing conditions: Water clarity depends on the season and weather, so the underwater view is not guaranteed to look the same every day.
• The 85-minute main stop matters: Most of the outing is spent at the dolphin-watching and swimming area, not racing from one sight to another.
• Snorkeling adds variety: A 15-minute lagoon stop gives you a chance to see reef fish and possibly an octopus after the dolphin search.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and biodegradable sunscreen. There is no food or drink included.

Leaving La Preneuse Beach by speedboat

Your meeting point is easy to identify: La Tour Martello at La Preneuse Public Beach. You meet the skipper there, then board the speedboat for a quick run along the coast.

The first boat ride lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough time to feel the speed, watch the shoreline open up, and see Mauritius from offshore. From the water, golden beaches and green coastal hills take on a different shape than they do from the road. You may also get striking views toward Le Morne, especially during the dolphin search.

This is a speedboat trip, not a slow cruise. The ride brings wind, spray, and movement, so secure your hat and sunglasses. If you are prone to seasickness, the short duration is helpful, but the boat’s speed and the open water can still feel lively.

The boat size is not formally specified, but one account describes 12 people aboard. That gives you a useful idea of the possible group size. You should not expect a private charter or a silent, empty stretch of sea. The crew works to accommodate people who want to swim and those who prefer to remain on board, which is useful if not everyone in your party has the same comfort level.

The 85-minute search for wild dolphins

The central part of the trip lasts roughly 85 minutes at a secret stop. This is where the outing earns its price, but also where you need realistic expectations.

The skipper searches for dolphins that gather offshore. You might first see them from the boat, with fins breaking the surface or a body moving beneath the water. If conditions and the animals’ movements allow, you can put on your mask and fins and swim toward them.

That wording matters. The dolphins do not necessarily swim up to a stationary boat. One useful tip is to be prepared to swim for a couple of minutes to keep pace. Dolphins have their own plans, and they can move faster than a relaxed swimmer expects. They are also often around three metres below the surface, so do not expect every sighting to happen at eye level.

I would treat the swimming portion as an opportunity, not a promise. You may get close views, but you may also spend time watching from the boat. Strong swimming ability helps, and familiarity with a snorkel makes the whole effort easier. If you are still learning how to breathe through a tube, swallowing seawater while trying to keep up is a real possibility.

The guides are a major part of the outing. Feliciano is praised for friendly communication and careful attention, while Andy and Miguel are noted for explaining what was happening and helping swimmers get better encounters. The crew may also share practical advice on how to enter the water, where to look, and how to use your time well.

Some guides have taken a guest’s GoPro or phone into the water to capture footage. That can be a lovely extra, but you should not book this as a guaranteed photography service. Wild dolphins move quickly, and your best memory may be the moment itself rather than a perfect image.

A real ethical question about dolphin encounters

The chance to swim near free dolphins is powerful, but it also needs care. The dolphins are not trained animals, and they are not there for a photo session. You should follow the crew’s instructions, avoid chasing them beyond what the guides permit, and keep your movements calm.

The wider area can become busy. One outing had about 20 boats near the dolphins, creating a crowded scene. That can mean more chances to spot the animals, but it can also bring engine noise, splashing, and pressure on the group to get close.

This is the chief concern for anyone choosing a dolphin tour on ethical grounds. One participant felt uncomfortable with the amount of boat activity and asked to return to shore, while still praising this crew for communicating clearly and showing respect. That is an important distinction. The crew may act responsibly, but it cannot control every other boat in the area.

I would choose this trip only if you are comfortable with an encounter that may feel busy and active. If your ideal is a quiet, low-impact wildlife sighting with plenty of distance, this may not match your hopes. If you can respect the animals’ space and accept that the dolphins decide the terms, the outing has more integrity.

The 15-minute lagoon snorkeling stop

After the main dolphin stop, the boat heads to a viewpoint for about 15 minutes of snorkeling. This is a shorter section, but it gives the trip a useful second act.

The lagoon may offer clearer, calmer water than the open-water dolphin area, though visibility changes with season and weather. With the supplied mask, tube, and fins, you can look for colorful reef fish and other marine life. Possible sightings include scorpionfish, stonefish, lionfish, reef fish, and perhaps an octopus.

That list includes both beauty and caution. Scorpionfish, stonefish, and lionfish should not be touched. The guide’s advice matters here, especially if you are tempted to reach toward an unusual fish or rest your hand on the bottom. Snorkeling is best done with your eyes open and your hands to yourself.

The short stop will suit you if dolphin watching is your main goal and you simply want a taste of the lagoon. It may feel too brief if snorkeling is your priority. This is not a long reef session with time to drift around at leisure. It is a compact add-on that rounds out the morning or afternoon.

What the $58 price really covers

At $58 per person, the cost is reasonable for a two-hour motorboat outing that combines coastal views, dolphin watching, swimming, and snorkeling. You are paying for the boat time, skipper, equipment, and local guidance rather than for a guaranteed animal encounter.

That last point is important. Wild dolphins can change direction, stay underwater, or move away from the boats. The trip’s value depends partly on your attitude. If you need a guaranteed close-up photograph, no wildlife tour can honestly promise that. If you value the chance to see free animals and understand that the sea sets the schedule, the price makes more sense.

The included mask and fins save you from renting basic gear separately. The equipment is described as well maintained, which is useful when you need to swim quickly and keep your attention on the water. You still need to pay for your own route to La Preneuse Beach, and there is no food or drink onboard, so plan those costs separately.

The two-hour length is one of the best features. A full-day boat trip can sound exciting but may become tiring, especially for a family or anyone with limited time. Here, you get a focused marine activity and can still spend the rest of the day exploring Mauritius.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this tour to confident swimmers, couples, active families with suitable older children, and anyone who wants a short burst of sea adventure. You should be comfortable climbing onto a boat, wearing a mask and fins, and swimming in open water when instructed.

It is also a good fit if you want a guide who does more than steer. The crew’s role includes finding the dolphins, explaining how to approach the water, and helping people make the most of limited time. A relaxed attitude helps. Some people may swim while others watch from the boat, and that is perfectly workable for a mixed group.

This is not suitable for non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with epilepsy. Those restrictions are worth taking seriously because the boat and water portions are central to the outing, not minor extras.

If you only want to snorkel, I would look for a longer reef trip. If you dislike speedboats, crowds, or unpredictable wildlife, you may prefer a beach day. If you want dolphins plus a short snorkeling stop without committing to a full day, this format is hard to beat.

What to bring for a smoother outing

Pack swimwear and a towel, since getting into the water is a real possibility. Sunglasses and a sun hat help during the boat ride, while biodegradable sunscreen is the responsible choice for a lagoon and coastal wildlife setting.

Bring water for yourself because drinks are not included. Keep personal electronics secure, especially if you carry a phone or camera onto the boat. The crew may be willing to help with footage, but you should not assume every device can be protected from spray.

Check the weather and water conditions before setting out. Water clarity changes with the season and weather, so a cloudy or rough day may reduce what you see beneath the surface. The dolphins may still appear, but the snorkeling portion could be less impressive.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when you book. French and English guiding are available.

My call: book it if you accept the wild side

I would book this La Preneuse tour if I wanted a compact, active dolphin outing with a helpful crew and a second snorkeling stop. The 4.7 rating from 92 reviews fits the strongest parts of the trip: friendly guides, frequent dolphin sightings, clear communication, and memorable encounters.

I would not book it expecting dolphins to pose beside the boat. You may need to swim hard, the animals may stay below you, and other boats can gather nearby. Those facts do not ruin the tour, but they should shape your expectations.

For $58, the combination of speedboat views, an 85-minute search, wild dolphin encounters, and included snorkeling gear is good value for a confident swimmer. Go ready to watch as much as swim, respect the animals, and accept that nature gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the dolphin tour start?

It starts at La Preneuse Public Beach, beside the tower called La Tour Martello.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts two hours. The planned timing includes about 20 minutes by speedboat, 85 minutes for dolphin watching and swimming, and 15 minutes for snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks and fins are included. Food and drinks are not included.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You should be a confident swimmer if you want to enter the water with the dolphins. The animals may move quickly, and you may need to swim for a few minutes to keep up. Non-swimmers are not suitable for this activity.

Will the dolphins swim right beside the boat?

There is no guarantee. You may see them from the boat and may have the chance to swim toward them. Dolphins can remain about three metres below the surface and may move away quickly.

Can I see dolphins and snorkel in any weather?

Water clarity changes with the season and weather. The quality of the underwater view can therefore vary.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in French and English.