Can you swim with dolphins in Guadeloupe? What you really need to know.

Superb dolphin watching in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions

Every year, many visitors arrive on our island with one idea in mind: to swim with dolphins in Guadeloupe. Images posted on social networks, videos and memories of experiences in water parks all contribute to this dream.

However, in the crystal-clear waters of the Guadeloupe archipelago, swimming with dolphins is neither permitted nor encouraged. And for good reason.

Sublime dolphin watching with Soleil Excursions

Dive into the world of dolphins in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions

Can you swim with dolphins in Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe is a sanctuary for cetaceans, not a water park!

Guadeloupe lies at the heart of the AGOA Sanctuary, a vast marine protected area dedicated to the preservation of marine mammals in the French West Indies. The mission of this sanctuary is to guarantee peaceful and respectful living conditions for over twenty species of cetaceans, including spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales and humpback whales (during migration).

In this context, it is strictly forbidden to enter the water to voluntarily swim with dolphins and cetaceans in Guadeloupe. This ban aims to limit disturbance and intrusive behavior that could affect the health and balance of cetacean groups.

All year round, we meet the dolphins of Guadeloupe .

In the seasoned eye of our photographer Valérie Gueit

Why swimming with dolphins in Guadeloupe is a bad idea

We are sailing in a natural area, in their natural area, where the dolphins are wild and free. Approaching them in their natural environment must be done with discretion and respect.

Bathing with cetaceans can be very stressful for these animals: it can cause them to alter their trajectory, abandon their group, or even flee an area they've been frequenting for years

Dolphins are highly social, intelligent and sensitive mammals. Simply observing them, or trying to interact with them too closely, can upset their habits, particularly when it comes to feeding their young, resting or communicating with each other.

Observation of a beautiful group of fraser dolphins with Soleil Excursions

Another way to approach dolphins... with respect

At Soleil Excursions, we believe it's possible to experience an extraordinary encounter with dolphins without entering the water, simply by observing them from the boat, with a responsible approach.

Peut-on nager avec les dauphins en Guadeloupe ? C’est une question fréquente ! En Guadeloupe, la réglementation et l’éthique de l’observation protègent les dauphins dans leur environnement naturel. Plutôt que de nager avec eux, on les observe depuis le bateau, dans des conditions respectueuses de leur bien-être. Soleil Excursions vous propose des sorties responsables pour admirer ces mammifères marins en liberté, toute l’année.

We have chosen a human-sized boat, sheltered by a bimini, limiting the number of passengers for an intimate and respectful experience. Thanks to the on-board hydrophone, you can even listen to the dolphins communicate underwater, making the experience even more magical.

Our captains, trained by the AGOA Sanctuary, share their knowledge on board about the different species, their behavior, their migrations, and ways to protect them.

A powerful, authentic experience

In Guadeloupe, we don't swim with dolphins - and that's just as well. What we offer is much more than just a photo: a real connection, a rare moment, a deep respect for marine life.

Watching a pod of dolphins play in the waves, catching a glimpse of a sperm whale on the surface or hearing the song of a whale, it's a moment that leaves a lasting impression. And above all, to participate in a form of ethical and sustainable tourism that respects the sea and those who live in it.

See dolphins in Guadeloupe with Soleil Excursions all year round

Meetings available all year round

In Guadeloupe, we are fortunate to be able to observe cetaceans all year round. Several species of dolphin, such as bottlenose dolphins and spotted dolphins, are resident in our waters. Sperm whales are also present in all seasons.

From December to May, the majestic humpback whales come to our shores to give birth and raise their young in the warm waters of the West Indies. This exceptional richness allows sea lovers to enjoy unforgettable encounters in all seasons, while respecting all living creatures.

Sublime photo taken by our photographer during a cetacean outing with Soleil Excursions

Book your whale watching trip in Guadeloupe with us , here

Photo credits by Valérie Gueit : Zoom photos taken in compliance with Agoa Sanctuary protocols and approach distances.

- Source : Soleil Excursions