HUMPBACK WHALES of REUNION
MoreRéunion is a small volcanic island and a French region located in the Indian Ocean.
Every year, during the austral winter, humpback whales migrate through the Indian Ocean, towards the eastern coast of Africa. After having lingered around Antarctic cold water for feeding and fatten, they move to warmer and calmer water to breed and give birth to their calves. Therefore, it is possible to spot many of them from July until October. Most of them are only on transfer, heading to the eastern coast of Madagascar but about one hundred whales have chosen to roam around the western coast of Réunion and Mauritius islands.
Megaptera novaeangliae is among the most social of the great whales – and certainly the most musical. Humpbacks are the least shy (or least afraid) of humans. Careful and respectful approach can lead to memorable time of interaction : coming across these majestic mammals in their natural environment is always a unique and privileged moment and a must-see.
Right now, Reunion island is probably one of the best places in the world to observe and to swim with Humpback whales. Conservationists and professionals are taking a long-term approach to whales to ensure that these unique spectacles can be preserved in the future. The authorities have set up regulations, as to how to approach the whales, and launched the O²CR label (Observation Certified Manager of Cetaceans in Reunion).
It is possible to snorkel and to take underwater pictures, but it is forbidden to free-dive, to scuba-dive and to enter the water when there are whales’ watchers around.
Every day is different. One day, the whales could be flirty and interested in interacting with us. Other days they may be mating or courting and have no interest in us. This is why we have organized this tour over several days.
Climate conditions are usually excellent, with the temperature of the ocean going from 23 to 25°C during that season, and visibility from 10 to 40 metres.
In addition to the water’s activities, we have organized easy trekking to the iconic volcanic area of Piton de la Fournaise, the large basaltic shield volcano, and a visit to a distillery of rum.
Classic tour 2024
31 August – 07 Sept
four spaces
Tour 2025
on request
ins and outs
Your journey
Expect snorkelling in oceanic relatively calm waters, allowing to live unbelievable encounters and to take images of mother and nearly new-born calves. They are curious like all puppies and mothers will work hard to teach the fundamentals of living. Nothing more touching than to observe mother humpback holds up its baby (which weighs already one ton!) to the surface for breathing.
We operate with one of the more experienced captains, scrupulous in approaching the whales.
The islands’ traditional food is delicious and the local people friendly and helpful.
In details
Classic tour. 8 days, 7 nights :
5 days of sea activities
7 nights’ accommodation in hotel, sharing double room,
board basis : group meals half board (except drinks),
one day excursion to volcanic area of Piton de la Fournaise,
visit rum factory and distillery,
half-day excursion to waterfalls and canyons,
return airport group transfers,
private use of the boat,
skilled skipper.
The group size is limited to max 5 participants plus tourleader.
Is this trip right for you ?
This tour is perfect for whales and nature’s enthusiasts, for patient people, for beginners and advanced photographers.
If you are comfortable in waking up early and then enjoy good apero in the late afternoon, relax and have nice time before tasty tempting dinners.
The group may consist of international travellers. The small group size means that Franco can attend to the various needs of every-body.
It is possible to personalize this trip, adding extra activities in addition to our proposal.