MEETING THE TAMARIND DOLPHINS

For many years, Tamarin Bay has been known for its resident dolphin groups, some 500 in all, divided into two main species: the long-beaked dolphin or Stennella longirostris, a small cetacean of a little more than 2 m in length on average evolving in groups of fifteen to several hundred individuals; the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin or Tursiopsadunctus, a mammal of about 2.50 m living in small bands near the shores and in large groups out to sea ("Oum the dolphin" for the "old-timers" who remember the series).

Of course, nature being the law, the encounter with cetaceans is never guaranteed. When the boats are too numerous, the dolphins will even sulk in the open sea for a day or two. But all the same, it is a spot and yes, one is rarely disappointed. The local receptive companies, who have sensed the good business, multiply the proposals of excursions, to the point that the "meeting with the dolphins" has become one of the main Mauritian attractions. The curious come from all over the island to admire the acrobatic flights of the compassionate beasts, hardly stingy in their twirls, we must admit. The children love it!

However, the happiness of the show must not alter the respect due to the animal. For the sake of profit, the service providers are multiplying and there are sometimes more than fifty boats in the bay, which is far from ideal for the tranquility of the mammals. In addition, some unscrupulous locals try to pursue cetaceans instead of waiting for them to move naturally in their direction. In the long run, scientists fear that this influx will disrupt the biological cycles of the dolphins, especially their reproduction rhythms.

In short, in the face of abuses, a government regulation has been put in place that forbids boats to approach within 50 meters. Speed must be reduced, noise minimized and service providers must have a specialized permit. At the same time, a sustainable dolphin-watching program has been set up, under the leadership of the Mauritius Marine Conservation Society (MMCS). If this awareness is commendable, it is unfortunately neither sufficient nor general. It is up to each and every one of us to be vigilant and to demand from the skipper an absolute respect of the regulations put in place. The well-being of Tamarin's dolphins is at stake, as well as their protection.

Faced with the large number of service providers, the question arises: which company to choose? Local fishermen from the villages of Tamarin and the surrounding area offer their services for half a day or a full day. But it is a bit haphazard and few skippers are motivated by marine zoology more than by the lure of an easy win. For a professional and serious service, turn to Adrien's Dream, JP Henri Charters Ltd, Kissen, Karlos Excursions - all companies established in the west, not far from the bay; or opt for a catamaran cruise with one of the Black River providers. For an encounter with the dolphin group of Le Morne (as not all mammals are in Tamarin), turn to Vitamin Sea (in Black River). For a gentle (but less "guaranteed") sea kayaking approach, go to Lokal Adventure (departure directly from Tamarin beach).