The Journey of the Humpback Whales through Anantara

The islands that speckle Mozambique’s coastline are a welcome vision of paradise for every guest. Seamlessly blending in with the natural beauty that surrounds them, Bazaruto Island is an ideal destination for marine adventurers. Equally as breath taking as the stunning ocean views offered along the 2,500km of Mozambique’s coastline are the extraordinary sights that lie just below the surface.

Falling within the protective border of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is a private island resort that offers extraordinary oceanic adventures in pristine, unspoilt waters. During Mozambique’s whale-watching season, wildlife lovers can enjoy front row seats for the annual migration from the island resort. Every winter, pods of whales embark on their annual migration from Antarctica to Africa, one of the longest migrations in the world. They can be seen passing through the waters of Mozambique between June and December.

The whale-watching season offers an exciting opportunity to witness these majestic creatures during their migration, as well as a chance to explore the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, spot dolphins and whales, and swim with sea turtles too. The most common whale species spotted are humpback and southern right. The whales migrate to cold waters in high latitudes for feeding, before moving on to warmer waters for mating and giving birth.

“From vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, to some of the world’s largest populations of dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles and dugong, it is these remarkable ecosystems and the surrounding crystal-clear waters that make Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort a premier whale watching destination”
Fernando Costa, Activities Manager at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort

Southern right whales are best seen close to shore in the southern part of the Mozambique Channel from June to December, close to Anantara Bazaruto. Between July and October, the humpback whales showcase their acrobatic skills in the waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. These creatures can propel their upper bodies as high as ten metres above the surface. Their friendly and curious personalities allow them to approach whale-watching boats or spend a few minutes within close range of the boats. They often swim peacefully alongside passing boats, arch gracefully over the waves and expel air from their blowholes, thrilling guests with a truly magical experience.

Guests at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort set off in the morning on their whale watching expedition on a 36 ft GulfCraft Tourer, with a choice of two trips: a three-hour excursion or a half-day tour in search of whales and snorkelling amongst spectacular vibrant coral reefs and bountiful marine at Two Mile Reef. A half day tour is followed by a picnic lunch at Pansy Island. The picnic offers a tailored menu of barbeque delights and salad with beverages, served by a personal waiter and chef at a shady table on the beach.

The whale watching trips are guided by Anantara’s expert guides who are knowledgeable about marine life and Mozambique’s ocean. Whale watching can be combined with dolphin watching, which is possible all year round. An excellent alternative to diving, dolphin watching gives guests the opportunity to go on an ocean safari and get up close with the dolphins in their natural element, not to mention other marine life, such as whale sharks and turtles.