Swim with Turtles at Balaclava Marine Park or Le Morne

Swim with Turtles at Balaclava Marine Park - Inclusions

• Swimming with turtles at Balaclava or Le Morne (tbc 48h prior)
• Boat ride to swimming/snorkelling site
• Snorkelling equipment
• Safety equipment included
• Professional guide to accompany you at all times

Transport is available for an additional supplement and will include pick up and drop off from any hotel / place of accommodation in Mauritius.

Swim with Turtles at Balaclava Marine Park or Le Morne

The Mauritian sea never fails to surprise! Whether you're in the north at Balaclava Marine Park or the southwest at Le Morne Lagoon, you'll have the chance to swim alongside turtles in crystal-clear waters

Starting with a boat ride from either Pointe Aux Piments (for Balaclava) or Le Morne (for the southwest), you’ll cruise through the water, leaving the shore behind. As you reach the marine park or lagoon, prepare to be amazed by the warm waters, perfect for spotting turtles and other marine creatures. Both locations offer incredible underwater experiences with colourful coral beds and diverse marine life.

You may spot Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Butterflyfish, and even the elusive Trumpetfish. But it’s the turtles that steal the show! These graceful creatures will glide past you, but remember – while it’s tempting to get closer, it’s best to admire them from a distance to avoid startling them.

About the Turtles in Mauritius

• Green Sea Turtles: Green Sea Turtles are widely known because their smooth teardrop-shaped shells make them the largest shelled sea turtle in the world. These remarkable gentle giants can reach up to 1.2 metres in length and can weigh as much as 200 kg. Although large in size, Green Sea Turtles are generally quite shy herbivores. Surprisingly, green turtles got their name because of the green colour of their fat and cartilage – not the colour of their shells.
• Hawksbill Turtles: The Hawksbill is identified by its curved beak and is slightly smaller than Green Sea Turtles. A Hawksbill shell is also known to change colour slightly depending on the temperature of the water. The hawksbill is one of the smallest species of marine turtles, with adults measuring about 75-90 cm in length and weighing around 70 kg. Indian Ocean turtles tend to be smaller than their Pacific and Atlantic counterparts.
• Olive Ridley Turtles: The name for this sea turtle is tied to the colour of its shell—an olive-green hue. They are the smallest of the sea turtles, weighing up to 45 kg and reaching only about 0.6 metres in shell length. These turtles are solitary, preferring the open ocean. They migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles every year, and come together as a group only once a year.

• Participants must be physically fit with knowledge of swimming.
• A waiver form must be signed before the activity.
• Snorkelling equipment is provided and is cleaned & sanitised after each use.
• This is a weather-dependent activity.

Important Note:

• There is a high probability of seeing turtles. However, there will be no refund or rescheduling if they are not spotted.
• We'll confirm the exact departure point 48 hours prior to the activity based on optimal visibility.