8 days/ 7 nights
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5 ocean days
snacks & drinks on boat
breakfasts and dinners
private guide
we speak your language
accommodation
PADI/SSI certified guides
By a pristine beach
pick up & transfers
hydrophone on boat
2.540€
Humpback Whales in Mozambique
This is a non scuba diving activity
Every year, when winter tightens its chilly grip on Antarctica, a remarkable journey begins beneath the cold waves. In a breathtaking display, many humpback whales, Earth's gentle giants, follow nature's call. They travel from the icy southern realms to the warmer waters of southeast Africa's coast.
It's a journey of life, seeking the safety of tropical waters to give birth and care for their precious calves, that spans thousands of miles, driven by an instinct as ancient as time itself.
Over the last decade, we've noticed a fascinating change in the behavior of these majestic beings. While they keep a safe distance, encounters have become more frequent, and their curiosity occasionally leads them to approach us for inspection. Imagine them swimming calmly beside our boats, arching over the waves, and blowing air from their nostrils.
This is an experience we encourage every nature enthusiast, whether you're an experienced diver or snorkeler. It's a moment that leaves us all completely captivated.
Why do these whales migrate in the first place? What is their history in Mozambique? What about their biology and the songs they sing? What is that called when they jump with their tail out? Learn all the answers to your questions here and then book your trip to be a part of it 2026!
To make the most of this extraordinary encounter, we've designed a program recommending 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 symphony of whales, where the magic of the humpback whale migration awaits, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.
meet your guides
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We are Lacin and Robert, your guides and whale experts. Both certified dive masters with over 20 years of experience.
As pioneers in Tofo cautiously entering the waters with these beauties, we take responsibility not only for your safety but also for the whales themselves. We do this as your certified guides that care about the whales just as much as about you.
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 carefully crafted, a testament to our commitment to responsible tourism and the last years of experiences in their behaviour and engagement.
Our recommended standard Itinerary
Along the eastern coast of Africa, winter marks the arrival of migrating whales that travel thousands of kilometres along our shores. We’re incredibly fortunate to have these gentle giants passing through our waters during this season, offering unforgettable encounters right on our doorstep. Winter conditions, however, can be unpredictable, some days bring calm, glassy seas, while others remind us of the raw power of the ocean.
To make the most of this natural spectacle, we’ve designed a standard itinerary that includes a minimum of five water days. This gives us the flexibility to work around changing conditions and increases your chances of enjoying meaningful whale interactions. If time and budget allow, we always suggest adding extra days. Not only does this enhance your experience, but it also gives you the freedom to take a rest day in between, ensuring a more relaxed and rewarding trip overall.
See below our Nhatundwe Experience - Nhatundwe means "Whales" in Gitonga, the local language from Inhambane.
Day 1
Arrival to Mozambique
Arrival at Inhambane Airport (Mozambique), where our team will be ready to welcome you. From here, we’ll take a short 20-minute road transfer to Praia do Tofo, your home base for the days ahead.
We’ll stop at the activity centre in Barra beach for check-in and a quick orientation. This is where you’ll meet all our crew who will be looking after you throughout your stay, including the skipper, dive masters, and other members. You will also have time to get a first look at the boat you’ll be heading out on during our humpback whale trips.
After settling into your accommodation, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Take a walk through the laid-back fishing village of Tofo, relax on the beach, or explore the nearby Praia da Barra.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the accommodation, giving you time to unwind and settle into the rhythm of Tofo.
Day 2 to day 6
Swim with Humpback Whales
Each morning begins with a fresh breakfast at the accommodation before we head over to the activity centre, in Praia da Barra, for the day’s briefing. Once we are all kitted up we will walk you through the plan for the day, sea conditions, and what to look out for once we’re out on the boat.
Right after we will get down to the beach where we will be launching from to head out to sea and get ready for the day in search of humpback whales.
Over the next several days, you’ll spend around six hours on the ocean each day, exploring the rich waters off Praia do Tofo and Praia da Barra. Our main focus is, of course, the migrating humpback whales, which fill the bay with blows, tail slaps, and breaching displays throughout the season. Whenever conditions allow and the whales are receptive, we’ll carefully attempt to enter the water for a respectful, in-water encounter, always following guidelines to ensure both your safety and the whales’ well-being.
But the magic of Tofo extends far beyond the humpbacks. As we move along the coastline, we’ll keep our eyes open for whale sharks, manta rays, playful pods of dolphins, curious turtles, and whatever else the ocean decides to reveal that day. Some outings are filled with calm cruising and surface action, others burst into life with unexpected encounters that make each day completely unique.
After several hours at sea, we typically return to Tofo in the early afternoon. This is the time to unwind, take a hot shower, relax, or enjoy a quiet walk through the village before the evening sets in.
Snacks are provided on the boat to keep you fueled throughout the outing, and dinners are included at your accommodation, giving you a relaxed and easy end to each day.
Day 7
Relaxation day
Today is intentionally left open for you to enjoy at your own pace, whether that means unwinding and soaking up the serenity of Tofo or taking advantage of the many incredible experiences the Tofo and Barra area has to offer. This free day invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and relish the rhythm of coastal life, or to venture out and explore even more of this vibrant region.
For those looking to stay active, a wide variety of optional activities can be arranged: explore the Inhambane estuary in search of flamingos, snorkel with seahorses and other fascinating macro life, or head out on the water for kayaking, surfing, SUP, kitesurfing, or even a sailing excursion on a dhow or catamaran. If you feel like discovering the coastline from a different perspective, electric bicycles are available for guided or self-guided rides through local villages, across desert-like dunes with sweeping views of the ocean, or even to visit the Coconut Factory, an authentic glimpse into local life and culture. Quad biking, cultural tours, village visits, and relaxing massages are also available for those seeking either adventure or indulgence.
Lunch is not included, but we will happily guide you to one of Tofo’s charming local restaurants for a taste of authentic Mozambican flavors. If your heart is still set on the ocean, an additional day out at sea can be arranged depending on availability. And should a scheduled day on the water have been missed earlier in the trip, this is the ideal opportunity to make it up.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner, a relaxed and welcoming moment to share stories and highlights of the day.
Day 8
Departure
Breakfast at the accommodation. Free morning to rest and enjoy your final hours in Tofo. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the local craft market, pick up some last-minute souvenirs, explore a bit of local culture, or simply relax on the beach under the sun. Many guests love spending this time enjoying a coffee with a view, reading a book, or taking one last walk along the shoreline.
We will take you back to Inhambane Airport (20 min).
***Optional transfer to Vilanculos Airport (not included, 4 hours).
International flight back to your destination.
2.540€
INCLUDES:
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Airport assistance upon arrival and departure
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Round-trip transfers from Inhambane Airport
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7 nights of accommodation (double or twin room) in Praia do Tofo
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5 ocean days of 5–6 hour outings to seek whales and other megafauna
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Swimming with megafauna whenever possible
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Snorkeling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and weights)
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Hydrophone onboard to listen to the whales
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Refreshments and snacks on the boat (packed lunch)
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Government fees and taxes
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Private multi–language divemaster and whale expert
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Breakfasts and dinners at the accommodation
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Local multi–language guide
EXCLUDES:
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International and domestic flights
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Mozambique entry visas
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Meals not specified in the previous section
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Optional activities during the trip
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Travel insurance (recommended)
This is high-touch, low-volume travel. That’s why our prices reflect quality, not quantity."
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
• 50% deposit required to confirm the booking of the Experience, and remaining 50% to be paid 30 days prior to arrival • All payments done by providing bank card details will carry an extra 5% (bank fees) • All payments done through PayPal will carry an extra 5% • All payments done by bank transfers to be done using “banking our instructions” (client pays all bank transfer charges) • By paying the deposit you are deemed to have accepted our terms & conditions • Cancellations before 60 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of total booking amount (during local public holidays will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of total booking amount) • Cancellations after 60 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of total booking amount • Ocean trips being cancelled due to bad weather not refundable • If, due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a pandemic or political instability, the trip cannot take place on the scheduled dates, the paid amount is non-refundable, and the trip will be rescheduled to other dates in accordance with the availability of the client and Mozambique Experience •
Our day to day and how you can ethically swim with whales.
Our whale-watching and whale-swimming experience is designed for anyone who feels comfortable in the water. All outings are done with snorkeling only, and entering the water is always optional. If you prefer to stay on the boat and observe from the zodiac, you will still enjoy incredible moments right from the surface.
Each day begins with a pick-up from your accommodation and a short drive to the activity centre. On your first day, we’ll take a few minutes to complete the check-in and any remaining paperwork, unless it has already been done the day before. After that, you’ll get your snorkeling equipment, prepare your wetsuit, and join the group for a full briefing about safety, whale behaviour, and how the day will unfold.
From our base, we take a small "bakkie" down to the beach where the boat waits for us. There, we put on life jackets and help guide the boat into the water with the assistance of the tractor, a fun and unique part of our launch. Once we’re safely out of the bay and unless whales are already nearby, the life jackets come off and you can keep your mask, fins, and wetsuit ready at hand so you can enter the water whenever an opportunity appears.
Throughout the outing, the skipper and guide constantly scan the horizon for blows, splashes, or signs of movement. When conditions allow and the whales are calm, the guide will decide when and how to enter the water. Timing is everything, sometimes you may enter the water several times before getting the perfect moment, and other days the first entry offers an unforgettable encounter. Being alert, listening carefully, and staying close to the guide is essential.
Group sizes are kept small to minimize any impact on the animals and improve the quality of each encounter. A maximum of eight guests join each trip, and only 4 snorkellers enter the water at a time with the guide to ensure minimal disturbance and a more personal experience.
Swimming with wild whales requires patience, focus, and a bit of physical effort. You should have basic snorkelling experience and enough fitness to manage repeated entries and short swims. When everything aligns, calm whales, good positioning, and attentive guests, the moments are extraordinary. Encounters of ten minutes or longer, drifting quietly beside these gentle giants, are what we aim for on every outing.
Swimming with the whales is not easy, 'it's an art'. Our guides bring years of experience from Mozambique, South Africa, and even French Polynesia. Their understanding of whale behaviour and their ability to read the ocean make all the difference between a simple sighting and a deeply memorable experience. Thanks to their expertise and respectful approach, our guests return with stories that stay with them for life.
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The Humpback Whale
BALEEN
EYES
VENTRAL PLEATS
BREACHING
DORSAL FIN
FLUKE
DORSAL RIDGE
PECTORAL FIN
KNOBS
BLOW HOLE
Migration of the Humpback Whales
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.
Atlantic Ocean
Indian Ocean
