Question 1

Place WITH whale watching facilities: Right for you or not right for you?

Accepted Answer

Before booking a whale watching excursion:This outing is for you if you meet all these conditions : You know how to swim. You are truly comfortable in the water with fins, mask, and snorkel. You are in good physical health and able to swim at least 100 meters in the open ocean with waves and currents without being able to touch the bottom or see the bottom with your mask. You are able to climb back onto the boat independently, either along the inflatable tubes or using a step. You understand that searching for and observing wild animals depends on their willingness, their behavior, and the environmental conditions, which can sometimes be challenging in the Indian Ocean. You are proactive and able to follow precise instructions. You are over 12 years old ( contact us if you are between 8 and 12 years old). This outing is not for you if any of the following statements apply : You cannot swim. You are not very comfortable with fins, mask, and snorkel, or you only use a full-face mask. You do not have the physical ability to swim 100 meters underwater in open water and to climb back to the stern of a boat independently and frequently using inflatable tubes or a rope ladder. You have known health problems or are pregnant ( see Terms and Conditions ). You are under 8 years old. You have a physical, psychological, or mental disability; please contact us before making any reservation. The instructors reserve the right to refuse boarding or launching to any person who does not comply with these conditions and instructions. No refund will be given in such cases.​

Question 2

What if I've never gone snorkeling?

Accepted Answer

Snorkeling initiation courses might be the solution for you. See the description in the dedicated FAQ section.The spots WITH whale watching excursions are not suitable for you . For all these spots, you must be comfortable using a mask and snorkel and be proficient in finning without hitting the surface of the water with your fins. You also need to be fit enough to swim back to the boat independently.Full face masks are not suitable for the Indian Ocean. The initial water entry or the first few minutes of snorkeling around the boat will allow you to assess your abilities. If it proves too difficult for you, you will be encouraged to return to the boat and enjoy the excursion (no refund will be given).You will always have the choice of going into the water or staying on board, depending on your abilities and desires.

Question 3

What is a snorkeling initiation spot?

Accepted Answer

This is a place on the red Zodiac boat that will allow you to take advantage of the training launch of participants on the whale watching excursion to introduce you to snorkeling in the open sea. A state-certified diving instructor, passionate about fish, dolphins, whales, turtles, etc., will share his knowledge of Réunion's marine life with you.A snorkeling excursion to discover the coral reef may be offered depending on the timing of the outing and ONLY IF the environmental conditions on the reef are favorable.You will always have the choice of going in the water or staying on the boat, depending on your abilities and preferences. No discount will be given in this case.Suitable for ages 8 and up.Recommended spots for children aged 8 to 12 and for people who are unsure of their snorkeling abilities.These 4 available places complete the zodiac on the cetacean excursions at 7:45 and 10:45.The 7:45 and 10:45 departures are equivalent.WARNING: These spots do NOT include whale and dolphin watching.

Question 4

The children

Accepted Answer

This sporting activity is best suited to active adults. However, current regulations allow snorkeling for children aged 8 and up*. Please contact us before booking if your children are between 8 and 12 years old.  Beyond the age of 12, even if your child knows how to "swim", it is therefore essential to ensure your child's actual snorkeling abilities in order to guarantee everyone a great outing:Is my child capable of swimming 100m underwater without being able to touch the bottom in open sea?Is it able to look into the water even if there are waves offshore?Can he manage his mask and snorkel in the open sea without swallowing water? (no full-face mask)Is he able to act quickly like an adult to get equipped, enter the water in sync with all the other participants, and swim without slowing the group down?Is he able to remain calm in the water and not become agitated? Please present the ID of each minor registered for the outing . The instructor and captain may refuse boarding to any child whose age cannot be verified. In this case, no discount will be given and the full cost of the outing will be charged.​Children over 8 years old will always have the choice of going in the water or staying on the boat, depending on their abilities and preferences. To be able to stay on board alone, your child must be independent. The captain, busy navigating and guiding people on the water, cannot supervise them under any circumstances. If your child becomes ill or unable to do so independently during the outing, an adult must remain on board with them. No discount will be given.​We do not offer child fares because there are no "half-seats" on a boat.The outings are not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Question 5

How do I book an outing?

Accepted Answer

Plan ahead a few days and suggest a date to your friends and family. If you're in a group, opt for individual payment. During peak season, which coincides with whale watching, it's recommended to book at least three to four weeks in advance. Places can only be booked online with payment by credit card.​Important: If no dropdown menu appears on the page where you enter your name/email to select the number of participants, it means there is only one place left. Your reservation will be confirmed by an automated email once payment is processed. You will receive a reminder email the day before your outing. If you do not hear from us before the outing, it will be considered confirmed.​We do not maintain a waiting list. Any cancellations are announced on the Duocean Facebook page.​Please be careful with your selection; there will be no changes or refunds if you make a mistake . If you have any questions, we are available BEFORE you book .​Please provide the phone number and email address where you can actually be reached before the outing when making your reservation.

Question 6

7:45 or 10:45?

Accepted Answer

The 7:45 and 10:45 departures are identical. The only difference is that the ocean is often calmer in the morning.There is no significant difference in success rate between the two exit times.

Question 7

When and which cetaceans?

Accepted Answer

Whales are generally present from June to October , but everything depends on the number and the migration which can change greatly from year to year.Legislation may also influence the permitted launching periods. You can find out more about the current prefectural decree:In 2018, the first whales arrived in June and left at the end of October! In 2019 and 2020, they were present from July to the end of August. In 2022 and 2023, some stayed from June until the beginning of November. In 2023, more than 1,200 individuals were recorded. In 2024, approximately 400 whales were in Réunion's waters from June to September. In 2025, only 80 individuals passed through Réunion's waters.​All 3 species of dolphins are present ALL YEAR ROUND, without any particular season.

Question 8

Will I see any cetaceans?

Accepted Answer

That's the nature of whale watching excursions... sightings are never guaranteed in the wild, just like on a land safari. We know the areas frequented and the times the animals pass through, but it's not an exact science. The ocean isn't a zoo; these are wild animals that choose whether or not to show themselves. Despite our experience, water entries can sometimes fail : the animals may not be ready to receive us and may avoid us in the water. In that case, we don't insist. The animals' comfort is our priority and always takes precedence. No refund is given if the animals don't show up. During the excursion, the Duocean guide will provide you with information about the marine environment, cetaceans, the marine reserve, birds, and more.

Question 9

The legislation

Accepted Answer

In order to preserve the tranquility of cetaceans, Reunion Island has implemented a prefectural decree that regulates their approaches: when, how, duration, with whom, what diploma is required to supervise cetacean excursions (appendix 1)...Approaching and entering the water with dolphins is possible year-round, subject to the conditions defined by prefectural decree. Since 2025, approaching within 300 meters and entering the water with whales has been permitted from July 1st to September 30th. Duocean is committed to working with the authorities to ensure the implementation of these regulations, with the public to raise awareness, and with nature to respect the animals. Passive observation allows the animals to choose whether or not to approach humans. No interaction is initiated by humans; the animals use their time for their own needs.

Question 10

Health and pregnant women

Accepted Answer

The outings include periods of physical activity : snorkeling, getting back on the boat,...Therefore, you need to be in good shape, and in particular not have cardiovascular problems, back pain, or severe asthma.The activity is not suitable for pregnant women because the boat hits the swell of the Indian Ocean throughout the trip, causing shocks to the participants.If you have a physical, psychological, or mental disability, you must contact us before making any reservation . A medical certificate may be required depending on the situation.There is no "upper" age limit. It all depends on the participant's physical condition. If a participant has a health problem, it is imperative to inform them before booking and to notify the instructors before the outing. The instructors reserve the right to refuse boarding or entry into the water to any person who does not comply with these conditions and instructions. No refunds will be given.

Question 11

Sharks

Accepted Answer

We'll discuss this at the briefing, but only three sharks have been observed on our whale watching trips since we started. They showed absolutely no interest in us... probably because a shark won't approach a group of swimmers as large as itself! These animals are wary and observe for a long time before approaching humans. Accidents usually involve people who go off on their own in poor visibility. Our procedures put in place to address this risk:- Moving in a tight group, the main factor in your safety- The instructor always goes into the water first and then authorizes the group to enter the water- He watches over the group throughout their time in the water- he is the last one to get back on the boat- The captain, also very experienced, keeps watch over the body of water from the boat.- short dives, which don't give sharks time to take an interest in the group- calm participants who do not attract sharks from afar by slapping the surface of the water With each outing, our participants tell us that they feel safe in this new environment.Water sports outings are possible at any time during a woman's cycle ;-)

Question 12

Payment methods

Accepted Answer

The red zodiac belongs to DUOCEAN, tickets must be paid for in full online by credit card. DUOCEAN reserves the right to modify prices at any time and without notice in order to adapt them to changes in its operations.We do not accept holiday vouchers.

Question 13

Photo/video equipment

Accepted Answer

During whale season, you cannot bring your own photo/video equipment into the water for safety reasons. Filming can distract participants from the approach instructions and sometimes even turn them into "image hunters" rather than passive and respectful observers.We invite you to seize the moment and fully experience these unique encounters with cetaceans. What's more, the guide will film any animals you spot in the water and post the footage for free on Duocean's social media channels after the trip. For the rest of the year with the dolphins, the dive director remains free to accept or refuse to allow you to bring your camera on board.

Before going out - FAQ