Experience Nhatundwe
Tales of Tails: A Whales' Symphony
SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
july to november
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.
8 days/ 7 nights
breakfasts
accommodations
pick up & transfers
whale specialized guide
5 ocean days
your language
snacks & drinks on boat
hydrophone
2.295€
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 2024!
As pioneers in cautiously entering the waters with these gentle giants, we take responsibility not only for your safety but also for the whales themselves. We do this with certified guides, always ensuring your safety and that 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 carefully crafted, a testament to our commitment to responsible tourism.
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.
Our 2024 Dates
HOW YOU CAN ETHICALLY SWIM WITH WHALES
© Tomas Kotouc
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.
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.
© Tomas Kotouc
BALEEN
EYES
VENTRAL
PLEATS
BREACHING
DORSAL FIN
FLUKE
DORSAL RIDGE
PECTORAL FIN
KNOBS
BLOW HOLE
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.
Indian Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
SURFACE BEHAVIOUR
Delve into the intriguing world of whales as we unveil the characteristic acts and their meanings. In the following text and illustration, discover the captivating behaviors that researchers attribute to these majestic marine creatures. From playful splashes to purposeful movements, join us in decoding the mysteries of whale behavior.
SPY HOP
PEC SLAPPING
BREACHING
BLOW
HEAD SLAP
LOB TAILING
FLUKING
PEDUNCLE THROW
Day 1
ARRIVAL TO MOZAMBIQUE
Arrival at Inhambane Airport (Mozambique), where we will be waiting for you. Transfer by road to Praia do Tofo (20 min).
On arrival we will check in at the activity centre and accommodation.
Free afternoon to visit the fishing village of Tofo and the neighbouring Praia da Barra.
Dinner, which is not included, can be arranged at the accommodation or at a restaurant in the village.
Day 2 to day 6
SWIM WITH WHALES
Daily breakfasts at the accommodation.
Transfers to the activity centre, when necessary.
Preparation of the necessary equipment for the excursion.
Daily 6 hour outings to spot humpback whales and try to swim with them.
We will also look for other marine fauna such as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles...
Lunches and dinners are not included, and will be at the accommodation or in the restaurants of the village.
Day 7
DAY OFF RELAX
Breakfast at the accommodation.
Relaxation day or optional extra activities: excursion to the Inhambane estuary to look for flamingos and snorkel with seahorses, kayaking, sailing or catamaran trip, visit to the islands in the bay, surfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddle, quad biking, visits to local villages, guided cultural excursion, massages and relaxation...
Day 9
DEPARTURE
Breakfast at accommodation.
Transfer to Maputo Airport (15 min).
These are the various accommodation options that we have in the different destinations where we will be during the stay of the aforementioned program. Depending on the budget we recommend one or the other. For more detailed information on each one, you can visit the accommodation section. All options include en-suite rooms with the possibility of a double bed or separate beds, cleaning service, Wi-fi, 24-hour security, and some with a swimming pool, bar and restaurant.
INCLUDES:
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Arrival airport assistance
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Transfers from Inhambane airport (to and from Inhambane)
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7 nights accommodation (double or twin room), in Praia do Tofo/ Barra
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5 days of ocean safaris of 6 hours each, in Praia do Tofo
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Snorkelling equipment (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins and weights)
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Hydrophone on board for listening to the whales
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Snacks and drinks on board
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Government fee
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Private divemaster and whale expert
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All breakfasts during the trip
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Private local guide
EXCLUDES:
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International and domestic flights
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Entry visas to Mozambique
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Meals not specified above
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Optional activities during the trip
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Travel insurance (recommended)
from
2295€
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
• 50% deposit required to confirm the booking of the Experience, and remaining 50% to be paid 60 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 • Dive trips being cancelled due to bad weather not refundable •
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Preguntas frecuentes sobre las ballenas
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Preguntas frecuentes sobre las ballenas ¿Por qué se les llama ballenas jorobadas a las ballenas jorobadas?La ballena jorobada tiene una forma distintiva del cuerpo, con aletas pectorales muy largas (se ha documentado hasta 6 metros) y una cabeza cubierta de nódulos. Se le llama jorobada debido a su hábito de arquear su espalda antes de sumergirse.
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¿Por qué las ballenas jorobadas vienen a Mozambique?La población de ballenas jorobadas migra anualmente desde la Antártida, donde se han estado alimentando durante el verano polar, hasta aguas tropicales y subtropicales durante el invierno polar, en busca de aguas más cálidas en el Canal de Mozambique para dar a luz a sus crías y aparearse.
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¿Siempre migran a la misma área?Sí, las ballenas jorobadas siempre migran entre las áreas árticas donde se alimentan y las áreas tropicales donde tienen a sus crías.
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¿Cuánto tiempo están embarazadas?El período de gestación de una ballena jorobada es de aproximadamente 11 meses. Las ballenas jorobadas alcanzan la madurez sexual entre los 4 y 10 años de edad, y las hembras suelen dar a luz a una cría cada 2 o 3 años, aunque se ha documentado que algunas hembras dan a luz anualmente.
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¿Cuál es el tamaño y peso de una ballena jorobada?La ballena jorobada es una de las especies de ballenas rorcuales, y la única del género Megaptera. Es una de las ballenas más grandes de las ballenas de aleta, y los adultos pueden medir entre 14 y 17 metros (las hembras tienden a ser más grandes) y pueden pesar hasta 40 toneladas. Los terneros al nacer pueden medir entre 3.5 y 5 metros y pesar alrededor de 1 tonelada.
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¿De qué se alimentan las ballenas jorobadas?La ballena jorobada es una especie de cetáceo misticeto de la familia Balaenopteridae y se distingue de otras familias de ballenas misticetas por la presencia de pliegues en la garganta y la región ventral que se expanden enormemente cuando se alimentan al tragar agua que se filtra a través de las placas de barbas. La especie se alimenta principalmente de krill y peces pequeños, y lo hace exclusivamente durante el verano polar.
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¿Se alimentan durante la migración?No, durante el invierno polar, cuando migran a áreas más cálidas, ayunan durante ese tiempo, subsistiendo básicamente de sus reservas de grasa.
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¿Y cómo se alimentan los terneros durante los primeros meses?El ternero de ballena jorobada se alimenta de la leche de su madre durante los primeros seis meses de su vida. Según los expertos, la madre, al amamantar, agita sus aletas con menos propulsión para alinearse con el ternero, que se ha posicionado sobre la madre, y a quien le rocía leche rica y espesa directamente en la boca. Se cree que el ternero gana entre 45 kg y 60 kg por día, alimentándose de alrededor de 500 litros de leche materna diariamente.
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¿Qué depredadores tienen los terneros de ballena jorobada?Principalmente orcas y tiburones grandes, como tiburones blancos, tiburones toro y tiburones tigre. Se cree que si el ternero logra sobrevivir a su primera migración hacia la Antártida, una vez allí se alimentará durante el verano polar, aumentará de tamaño a aproximadamente 9 metros en el primer año y su probabilidad de supervivencia será mucho mayor.
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¿Cómo es el ritual de apareamiento de las ballenas jorobadas?Normalmente vemos a los machos (identificados por las heridas de las peleas) siguiéndose y compitiendo entre sí mientras persiguen a una hembra. Se lanzan burbujas mutuamente para mostrar agresión y emoción. Se golpean entre sí con la cabeza para mostrar su tamaño y fuerza. No se conoce bien qué criterios utiliza la hembra para elegir al macho con el que aparearse, pero sí se sabe que la ballena jorobada no es monógama, lo que significa que cuando el macho fertiliza a la hembra internamente y una vez que ha concluido el apareamiento, ya no hay un vínculo estrecho entre ellos, y durante cada temporada tendrán diferentes parejas. Durante los juegos previos, el macho sopla burbujas desde abajo y estas van hacia los genitales de la hembra.
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¿Sabías que cantan las ballenas jorobadas?El macho emite "canciones" largas, fuertes y complejas por las que la especie es famosa, compuestas por versos con silbidos, gorjeos y llamadas sonoras. Cada población de ballenas jorobadas tiene sus propias canciones únicas y se transmiten de generación en generación. La ballena jorobada no tiene cuerdas vocales y emite sonidos al forzar el aire a través de sus enormes cavidades nasales.
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¿Por qué canta la ballena jorobada?Los científicos creen que estas canciones son principalmente para comunicarse entre ellos, encontrarse mutuamente y, en áreas polares, encontrar alimentos. Durante la migración se entiende que el macho utiliza la canción para atraer a las hembras. Puede cantar continuamente durante más de 24 horas. Estas canciones de baja frecuencia pueden extenderse a lo largo de largas distancias y comunicarse entre ellos a lo largo de miles de kilómetros.
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¿Oímos cantar a las ballenas?¡Sin duda! ¡Solo con meter nuestras cabezas bajo la superficie del agua, podemos escucharlos! ¡Esa canción nunca será olvidada! Incluso llevamos un hidrófono en la zodiac y también los escuchamos.
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¿Cuántas ballenas jorobadas hay aproximadamente?Al igual que otras ballenas grandes, la ballena jorobada fue objetivo de la industria ballenera y cazada por el hombre durante años al borde de la extinción (su población se redujo a alrededor de 5,000 en la década de 1960). Aunque la especie se ha recuperado parcialmente a alrededor de 135,000 animales en todo el mundo, los enredos en redes de pesca, las colisiones con barcos y la contaminación acústica continúan afectando a la especie.
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¿Qué es lo que más esperamos ver en la superficie?• Cola de lobo, donde la ballena se encuentra verticalmente en el agua con la cabeza hacia abajo. • Navegar con la cabeza hacia abajo y solo la cola asomando. • Palmoteo de la aleta pectoral, donde la ballena emerge boca arriba y golpea ruidosamente sus aletas pectorales en el agua. • Cabezas asomando, donde la ballena saca la cabeza del agua como si estuviera espiando. • Acrobacias y saltos, donde la ballena se expone completamente fuera del agua.
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