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When and where to go whale watching in Madagascar

Constance Tsarabanjina, Madagascar
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Every year between June and November more than 7,000 humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to the waters of Madagascar to breed and calve.

Whale watching in Madagascar

Whale watching in Madagascar

During the mating season the male will put on dramatic displays of physical dominance and acrobatic stunts to vie for the attention of the females making for a truly awe-inspiring experience for spectators.

The government of Madagascar has put in place regulations to ensure that the whales are not disturbed or stressed by boats in the area. As a result most trips are hosted by experienced guides with a wealth of specialist knowledge.

One of the most amazing experiences for visiting whale watchers can be listening to the male’s unique whale song, one of the most complex vocal displays in the animal kingdom, via an on-board hydrophone.

Read on to find out the best spots and times for whale watching in Madagascar.

Whale watching at Ile Ste Marie (June to September)

Île Sainte-Marie is not only blessed with powder-white san beaches and swaying coconut palms, but it is also blessed with whales. Situated on the Eastern shore of Madagascar, this is an ideal place from which to watch the stunning mating rituals and calving of the whales.

Schools of humpback whales leave their feading grounds in the cold Antarctic to come to the warm waters around Île Sainte-Marie to calve and rear their young.

Every June to September you can find large groups of humpback whales in a relatively small area, which makes it easy to spot them on a whale watching trip.

Whale watching at Nosy Be (August to November)

Nosy Be is well known for its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving spots. But it is also an excellent place for whale watching. The migration of the humpback whales through the waters off the North West coast of Madagascar is slightly later but you are still likely to see mothers with their calves and pods of whales showing off their breath-taking acrobatics. Humpback whales gradually arrive to Nosy Be around the start of the southern winter (July), and the remain here until November. The high season for whale watching at Nosy Be is between August and October.

Nosy Be is also a fantastic area to see and even swim with Whale Sharks, who aren’t actually whales, but as the largest fish in the sea match their size and gentle nature. As whale sharks are generally placid creatures, it is possible tp practically swim alongside them.

The area around Nosy Be is also a good place to see the rare species of Omura’s whales.

Whale spotters are in for a real treat when visting Madagascar, as the island provides truly amazing marine wildlife sightings. So, what are you waiting for? Book a trip to one of our Constance Hotels & Resorts in Madagascar and go on a whale watching trip!

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Christian
    February 11, 2016 at 3:25 pm

    Good afternoon,

    I would love to see whales near Tsarabanjina, but do you organize any boat trip from the resort?
    And, is it possible to dive near the island?

    Thank you
    Christian

    • Reply
      Constance Hotels
      February 18, 2016 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Christian, thanks for your message. For information about what is on offer at Tsarabanjina, email our onsite manager Henri on dg@tsarabanjina.com.

      We look forward to welcoming you to Constance Hotels & Resorts!

  • Reply
    Linda Walker
    February 8, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    Whale watching at Ile Ste Marie (June to September)
    We are a party of two adults and would like to book a day Whale Watching on any day between (and including) Thursday 30th August and Monday 3rd September. We will be staying on Ile Saint Marie, but have not yet booked a hotel.
    Are you able to advise if this is possible and the price ?
    I look forward to hearing from you

    • Reply
      Constance Hotels & Resorts
      February 14, 2018 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Linda, thank you for getting in touch. Our reservations team would be happy to provide more information with you about this – you can contact them directly on resa@constancehotels.com

      We look forward to welcoming you!

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