Where can you swim with dolphins on the French islands?
A marine mammal renowned for its intelligence, curiosity and playfulness, the dolphin is one of the most popular marine animals, with children and adults alike. Meeting one is a dream for many people, with the chance to swim alongside one if possible, which you can do on the French islands!
There are many species of dolphin, and several of them enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean, the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. As a result, dolphins can sometimes be spotted along the coasts of the French islands in these areas, and in some cases you'll have the incredible opportunity to swim with them! Whether it's during a scuba dive or a snorkelling trip using fins, mask and snorkel, swimming with dolphins in the French islands is an experience that leaves unforgettable memories for those who have the good fortune to experience it. But on which overseas islands is it possible to take to the water with these magnificent cetaceans?
In French Polynesia
In the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a dream destination where, as well as enjoying white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, encountering numerous underwater species is a must. Whether you're in the Society archipelago, home to Tahiti, the Tuamotu archipelago of atolls, the Marquesas, the Australs or the Gambiers, there's no shortage of opportunities for scuba diving or snorkelling excursions!
However, if you want to swim with dolphins in French Polynesia, there are certain islands that offer a better chance of encountering these majestic animals. In the Society archipelago, where spinner and bottlenose dolphins are often seen, there are excursions that offerdolphin watching in Tahiti, without actually getting in the water with them. On the other hand, there is another trip where you can snorkel with dolphins in Moorea, and even whales in season! This is, of course, subject to sea conditions and the behaviour of the cetaceans, so as not to disturb them and to ensure maximum safety.
But if you're looking for the spot in French Polynesia where you can enjoy this incredible experience, Rangiroa is without doubt the Tuamotu atoll where the bottlenose dolphin is also found. Whether you're scuba diving or on a snorkelling trip to swim with the dolphins in Rangiroa, there are more opportunities to come across them than in other islands and atolls, particularly in the Tiputa pass, a must-see diving site in French Polynesia.
In New Caledonia
Still in the South Pacific, New Caledonia is also ideal for swimming with dolphins in the French islands. Bordered on one side by the Coral Sea and surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage lagoons, this island is a stopover for species such as the bottlenose dolphin, spinner dolphin and pantropical spotted dolphin.
These cetaceans can be seen all around the island and in its lagoons, with of course certain sites that they frequent more than others, such as Prony Bay, Niri Bay in Maré and the Île des Pins. You can try to find a local organisation offering excursions to see and swim with the dolphins from Nouméa and other towns on the island, or, if you're a certified diver, you can go on an exploration dive to sites where the dolphins are likely to meet you.
On Reunion Island
In the Indian Ocean, Réunion Island is a land of adventure, not just on land, but also in the water, with numerous dolphin-watching excursions on the seaside and, if all the conditions are right, swimming with dolphins using flippers, mask and snorkel. This is one of the island's most popular outings, along with whale watching in season!
Several excursions are available from the port of Saint-Gilles to swim with dolphins on Réunion Island. You can meet species such as the bottlenose dolphin (common or Indo-Pacific), the spinner dolphin and the pantropical spotted dolphin, which are the most commonly seen around the island. But it's also possible to take part in an outing to swim with the dolphins from Le Port, north of Saint-Paul. In any case, this type of excursion is only possible from the north-west coast of the island, where sea conditions are best.
In addition to Réunion Island, you can also swim with dolphins in Mauritius from Grande Rivière Noire, on the west coast, or go on a dolphin snorkelling trip from Bel Ombre, in the south of the island.
In Mayotte
On the other side of Madagascar, Mayotte has a large lagoon where dolphins are regularly seen. These are the same species as those around Réunion and Mauritius (the bottlenose dolphin, the spinner dolphin and the pantropical spotted dolphin), present all year round in the lagoon whose waters fluctuate between 25 and 28°C.
It is possible to take part in a snorkelling safari with dolphins from Mamoudzou, a one-day adventure that may allow you to meet not only these cetaceans, but also manta rays in season, between March and July! Of course, we respect the animals when we take to the water, but only if their behaviour and the conditions at sea allow us to do so in complete safety.
In the French West Indies
Whether in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin or Saint-Barthélemy, swimming with dolphins in the French West Indies is not permitted. So you won't find any snorkelling outings dedicated to meeting them, but it is still possible to observe them on boat trips, and for the luckiest among you, to come across them by chance during an exploration dive!
It's apparently more common to see dolphins in Martinique than on the other islands of the French West Indies, with the possibility of encountering the pantropical spotted dolphin, Fraser's dolphin or bottlenose dolphin. But if you're in Guadeloupe, the Réserve Cousteau and the lagoon at Saint-François are sites where you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse!
To recap, it is possible to swim with dolphins in the French islands outside the West Indies, whose waters are part of the AGOA sanctuary designed to protect marine mammals and their environment in the Caribbean Sea. Respect for the animals is paramount, so make sure you choose your dolphin-swimming excursion carefully, with professionals who emphasise the educational aspect of the outing, such as those mentioned via the links in this article. You'll have an enriching experience that will raise your awareness of the need to protect dolphins and the underwater world!