Two standout dolphin watching tours operate from Kuching, and both are winners. The Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise combines wildlife viewing with cultural insights – exactly what smart travelers look for in Borneo. I’m especially fond of its small group approach and comprehensive package that includes hotel pickup.
The second option, the Dolphin Mangrove Cruise, gets my thumbs-up for its well-organized schedule and thoughtful inclusion of packed meals. Both tours showcase the rare Irrawaddy dolphins while threading through atmospheric mangrove forests.
Let’s check out these tours in detail.
Good To Know
- The Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a unique opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including Irrawaddy dolphins, along the Santubong River.
- The Dolphin Mangrove Cruise provides an immersive experience to explore the lush mangroves and spot Irrawaddy dolphins, with transportation, meals, and an expert guide included.
- Both tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking guides, and a focus on observing the local wildlife and environment.
- The Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise has a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation, while the Dolphin Mangrove Cruise has a limited group size for a personalized experience.
- Booking confirmations are provided within 48 hours for the Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise, and at the time of booking for the Dolphin Mangrove Cruise.
With its lush mangroves and elusive Irrawaddy dolphins, the Santubong River offers a unique wildlife-watching experience. The Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise takes visitors on a small-group cruise to observe this captivating ecosystem. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and a boat ride to explore the mangroves and spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.
During the cruise, the guide helps identify the diverse wildlife, including jumping fish, monitor lizards, and monkeys. The focus is on the mangrove species, their uses, and their importance in the ecosystem. The highlight, of course, is the chance to see the Irrawaddy dolphins, known for their distinctive rounded heads.
This experience isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, and a minimum of two adults is required per booking. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, the Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a hassle-free way to discover Borneo’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Dolphin Mangrove Cruise
The Dolphin Mangrove Cruise offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the lush mangroves and spot the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins along the Santubong River. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off, packed meals, soft drinks, and bottled water. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing expert commentary on the wildlife and environment.
The cruise departs from designated pickup points, with confirmation provided at the time of booking. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Reviews of the Dolphin Mangrove Cruise have been overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 5.0 on platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor. Travelers praise the tour’s ability to provide a wildlife-watching experience guided by experts, allowing them to enjoy the natural beauty of the Santubong River.
Read our full review: Dolphin Mangrove Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
The Shared Mangrove & Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching Cruise and the Dolphin Mangrove Cruise offer excellent opportunities to spot dolphins in Kuching. Both tours provide the chance to see the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat, surrounded by the serene mangrove forests. Booking these tours is a must-do activity for any visitor looking to maximize their chances of witnessing the captivating marine mammals.