Each year, as winter takes its icy grip on Antarctica, a magnificent journey begins deep beneath the frigid waves.
In a spectacle of epic proportions, thousands of humpback whales, Earth's gentle giants, heed the call of nature. They embark on one of the world's most awe-inspiring migrations, making their way from the icy southern realms to the balmy embrace of southeast Africa's coastal waters.
For these majestic creatures, it's a pilgrimage of love and life, as they seek the safety of these tropical waters to give birth and nurture their precious calves. The warm, sheltered haven ensures their young ones are shielded from the watchful eyes of their natural predators, the cunning killer whales. It's a journey that spans thousands of miles, driven by an innate instinct as ancient as time itself.
Mid-July to mid-September is an enchanting window of opportunity when the waters come alive. This is the season we cherish, as our azure playground becomes a stage for the grand performances of humpback whales. Here, sightings are more than common; they are guaranteed.
As the humpbacks make their triumphant return, they bring with them a captivating show. With astonishing grace, they break free from the ocean's depths, breaching the surface in spectacular displays of sheer power and agility. You'll find yourself momentarily frozen in time as a humpback leaps from the water, exposing its colossal body in a gravity-defying ballet.
Over the last decade, we've observed a fascinating shift in the behavior of these majestic beings. While they maintain a safe and cautious distance, encounters have become more frequent, and their curiosity has led them to occasionally approach us for inspection. Picture them swimming calmly alongside our boats, arching over the waves, and blowing air out of their nostrils.
9 days/ 8 nights
breakfasts
accommodations
pick up & transfers
whale specialized guide
5 ocean days
your language
snacks & drinks on boat
hydrophone
2.020€
They approach our vessels, curious about the world beyond their watery domain. At times, they gracefully glide alongside us, their massive forms arching over the waves as they release gentle puffs of air from their nostrils.
This is an experience we implore every nature enthusiast, whether you're a seasoned diver or simply a lover of the world's wonders, to be part of. It's a moment that leaves us all utterly spellbound.
Why do these whales journey to Mozambique? It's a testament to the rich marine ecosystem that our waters offer. In our commitment to the wellbeing of these gentle giants, we are proud to be the pioneers, the first to venture into the waters with caution and care.
As the pioneers of starting to enter the waters with caution with our gentle giants, we take responsibility for not only your safety, but also of the Whales themselves. We do this with certified guides, always present to ensure your safety and the safety of these magnificent creatures. We enter the water with a maximum of four people and one of our dedicated guides. Our guidelines on how to behave around these gentle giants are meticulously crafted, a testament to our dedication to responsible tourism.
To make the most of this extraordinary encounter, we've crafted a program that recommends a minimum of 5 days at sea, though we can certainly tailor it to your desires and needs. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where nature reveals its most majestic secrets in the company of giants. Join us on this transformative adventure with tales of tails; a Whales' symphony, where the magic of the humpback whale migration awaits, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.
Our 2024 Dates
29.07 - 02.08.2024
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22.07 - 26.07.2024
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29.07 - 02.08.2024
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05.08 - 09.08.2024
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26.08 - 30.08.2024
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19.08 - 23.08.2024
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09.09 - 23.09.2024
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02.09 - 06.09.2024
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DAY OUT
On this programme, the daily departures are snorkelling excursions, so the Whale Swimming Experience is suitable for everyone. Entering the water to swim with the whales is not compulsory, so those less daring can also enjoy the show from the safety of the zodiac.
Entering with scuba diving equipment with the whales is almost impossible as they move quite fast, and keeping up with them is very difficult.
Even so, on our dive trips, we see them quite often while we are at depth.
For those willing to go in and swim with them, you should have a minimum of snorkelling experience, and have a minimum level of fitness as there is sometimes a lot of swimming involved in these excursions.
We usually get in the water with whales almost every day, but the idea is to have safe and unforgettable encounters first and foremost. Our aim is to have a couple of quality experiences on each of the trips, where quality means encounters of more than 10 minutes and close to the whales.
Each trip is composed of a maximum of 8 people, and only 4, together with the guide, will go into the water at a time. With this we want to invade the whales' space as little as possible and optimise the encounter with them.
© Tomas Kotouc
Swimming with the whales is not easy, 'it's an art', some experts say, and at Mozambique Experience we have some of the best guides with years of experience between Mozambique and South Africa, and even in French Polynesia. And believe it or not, the difference between an experience and an unforgettable experience is often there.
The encounters require a lot of concentration, a lot of attention, and to strictly follow the instructions of our guides. At Mozambique Experience we have been working all these years on various strategies to achieve the desired results, and we are succeeding, and all our clients take with them magical and unforgettable moments.
BEST SEASON
The best time to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of humpback whales in Mozambique is during their annual migration, which typically occurs from June to November. This period aligns with the southern hemisphere's winter, making it a prime season for these gentle giants to travel from their Antarctic feeding grounds to the warmer waters along Mozambique's coastline.
However, for those seeking the most prolific whale-watching experiences, mid-July to mid-September stands out as the sweet spot. During this time, Mozambique's azure waters are teeming with humpback whales, and sightings are virtually guaranteed. It's when these majestic creatures stage their most acrobatic performances, breaching the surface and captivating onlookers with their awe-inspiring displays of power and agility.
So, if you're planning a rendezvous with humpback whales in Mozambique, mark your calendar for this enchanting window of opportunity.
MIGRATION
Humpback whales are true globe-trotters, undertaking one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. They travel from cold, nutrient-rich feeding grounds in polar regions to warmer breeding and calving areas closer to the equator. The exact routes vary between populations, but they often traverse vast ocean expanses.
Migration serves multiple purposes for humpbacks. They feed in cold waters during the polar summer, accumulating the necessary fat reserves. As winter approaches, they migrate to warmer waters for breeding and calving, where the calves have a higher chance of survival in the milder conditions.
Humpbacks exhibit remarkable fidelity to their breeding and calving grounds. Each population has specific areas where they return year after year, forming distinct communities. For instance, whales from the Antarctic might travel to warmer regions like Mozambique or Hawaii for their reproductive activities.
Despite the grandeur of their migrations, humpback whales face various challenges. Human activities, such as ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear, pose threats to their journey. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring safe passage for these majestic travelers.
SURFACE BEHAVIOUR
Head Slapping: Head slapping is when a humpback whale lifts its head out of the water and forcefully slaps it back down. The reasons behind this behavior are not entirely clear but may include communication, playfulness, or a way to remove parasites.
Fluking: Fluking involves a humpback whale lifting its massive tail out of the water before diving. The distinctive shape of the tail, or fluke, is often used for individual identification. This behavior could assist in diving efficiently or communicate with other whales.
Blowing: Blowing, or spouting, is a common behavior where the whale exhales forcefully through its blowhole, creating a spout of water vapor. Each whale's blow is unique, and the frequency and shape can help identify individual whales. It serves the essential function of expelling used air and taking in a fresh breath.
Lobtailing: Lobtailing involves slapping the water's surface with the tail, creating a resonating sound. This behavior is another way humpbacks communicate, possibly signaling to others in the vicinity. It's like the whales are putting on a percussion show right there in the ocean.
Pec Slapping: Pectoral fin slapping is a rhythmic slapping of the large pectoral fins against the water. This behavior could be a form of communication or a way to stun fish, making them easier to catch. Imagine witnessing this rhythmic dance as the whales glide gracefully through the water.
Spyhopping: Spyhopping is a peculiar behavior where a whale pokes its head vertically out of the water, giving it a glimpse of what's happening above the surface. It's like the whale is curiously peeking at the world above the waves. This behavior is often seen in younger whales.
Peduncle Slap: Peduncle slapping is a behavior where the whale slaps the muscular part of its tail stock on the water's surface. This creates a powerful sound and may serve various purposes, including communication or possibly stunning prey.
Breaching: Humpback whales are the acrobats of the ocean, treating onlookers to breathtaking displays of breaching. Picture a massive whale propelling itself out of the water and then crashing back in a spectacular splash. Breaching could serve various purposes, from communication to shedding parasites or simply expressing joy.
