The Mauritius Tourism Authority (MTA) announced on September 7, 2026, that it had conducted 181 inspections of boats, issued 58 fines, and served 9 Enforcement Notices to operators violating the Dolphin and Whale Watching Regulations 2012. The regulations explicitly prohibit swimming with whales. The MTA's director, Niven Muneesamy, stated that the authority would impose "zero concession, full sanction" on violators.
However, despite the MTA's efforts, tour operators continued to advertise swimming with sperm whales as a package tour. One such operator, La Plataforma Del Buceo, offered a 7-night package at the La Mariposa hotel, including 5 days of private swimming and freediving with sperm whales, for €2,090 per person in double occupancy. The package was advertised as "sold out" on the operator's website until September 20.
The announcement sparked outrage among conservationists and locals, who argue that the practice is harming the protected whale population. The author of an opinion piece on Scoop.mu questioned the effectiveness of the MTA's inspections and enforcement, given that tour operators continued to advertise and sell the prohibited activity.
The author claimed that the tour operators' actions were "insulting" and that the MTA's efforts were being undermined by the continued advertising of swimming with whales. The author also alleged that they had taken screenshots of the advertisement on September 20, which showed that the activity was still being promoted.
The La Mariposa hotel and the tour operator, La Plataforma Del Buceo, are now under scrutiny. The author has called for a parliamentary question to be raised to uncover the truth about the situation and to ensure that the regulations are enforced.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing tourism development with conservation efforts in Mauritius. The country's whale watching regulations have been in place since 2012, but enforcement remains a concern. The MTA's efforts to crack down on violators have been welcomed, but more needs to be done to prevent the exploitation of protected marine species.
The incident has sparked a renewed debate about the need for stronger enforcement and regulation of the tourism industry in Mauritius. The outcome of the parliamentary question and the actions taken by the authorities will be closely watched by conservationists and locals who are concerned about the welfare of the country's marine life.
Key points
- The MTA's efforts to enforce regulations are being undermined by tour operators continuing to advertise swimming with whales.
- The controversy highlights the challenges in balancing tourism development with conservation efforts in Mauritius.
- A parliamentary question has been called to uncover the truth about the situation and ensure that regulations are enforced.
