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
desde 2.540€
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We are Robert and Lacin. You guides.
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.
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 2025!
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.
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)
This is high-touch, low-volume travel. That’s why our prices reflect quality, not quantity."
from
2.165€
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 • If as a result of a major force, such as a pandemic or political instability, the trip cannot be made on the scheduled dates, the amount paid is not refundable and the trip will be rescheduled for other dates in accordance with the availability of the client and Mozambique Experience •
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
INCUMPLIMIENTO
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.
Océano Índico
Océano Atlántico
SURFACE BEHAVIOUR
SPY HOP
PEC SLAPPING
BREACHING
BLOW
HEAD SLAP
LOB TAILING
FLUKING
PEDUNCLE THROW
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.
PALADA EN LA CABEZA
La ballena jorobada se da una palmada en la cabeza cuando levanta la cabeza fuera del agua y la vuelve a bajar con fuerza. Las razones detrás de este comportamiento no están del todo claras, pero pueden incluir comunicación, juego o una forma de eliminar parásitos.
SOPLANDO
El soplo, o chorro, es un comportamiento común en el que la ballena exhala con fuerza a través de su espiráculo, lo que crea un chorro de vapor de agua. El soplo de cada ballena es único, y la frecuencia y la forma pueden ayudar a identificar a cada una de ellas. Cumple la función esencial de expulsar el aire usado y tomar aire fresco.
PALADAS EN LOS PECALES
El golpeteo de las aletas pectorales es un golpeteo rítmico de las grandes aletas pectorales contra el agua. Este comportamiento podría ser una forma de comunicación o una manera de aturdir a los peces, lo que los hace más fáciles de atrapar. Imagínese presenciar esta danza rítmica mientras las ballenas se deslizan con gracia por el agua.
GOLPEAR EL PEDÚNCULO
El golpeteo del pedúnculo es un comportamiento en el que la ballena golpea la superficie del agua con la parte muscular de su cola. Esto crea un sonido potente y puede tener varios propósitos, entre ellos, comunicarse o tal vez aturdir a la presa.
Planetear
La aleta caudal consiste en que la ballena jorobada levanta su enorme cola fuera del agua antes de sumergirse. La forma distintiva de la cola, o cola, se utiliza a menudo para la identificación individual. Este comportamiento podría ayudar a bucear de manera eficiente o comunicarse con otras ballenas.
COLADA DE LOBOS
El lobtailing consiste en golpear la superficie del agua con la cola, lo que crea un sonido resonante. Este comportamiento es otra forma de comunicación de las ballenas jorobadas, posiblemente para enviar señales a otras que se encuentran en las cercanías. Es como si las ballenas estuvieran realizando un espectáculo de percusión allí mismo en el océano.
SALTO DE ESPIONAJE
El salto de espionaje es un comportamiento peculiar en el que una ballena saca la cabeza verticalmente del agua, lo que le permite echar un vistazo a lo que sucede sobre la superficie. Es como si la ballena estuviera espiando con curiosidad el mundo que está por encima de las olas. Este comportamiento se observa a menudo en ballenas jóvenes.
INCUMPLIMIENTO
Las ballenas jorobadas son las acróbatas del océano y deleitan a los espectadores con impresionantes exhibiciones de saltos. Imagínese una enorme ballena impulsándose fuera del agua y luego cayendo de nuevo en un espectacular chapoteo. Saltar a la superficie puede tener varios propósitos, desde comunicarse hasta deshacerse de parásitos o simplemente expresar alegría.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre las ballenas
Reservar
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