Visit Ilha de Mozambique (Ilha) between July and October.
Whales migrate from Antartica to give birth in warm tropical waters. The migration 'sweet spot' all around the world is at 15 degree latitude - exactly the latitude of Ilha de Mozambique. Here the conditions are just right and this makes Ilha not just the best place in Mozambique to see whales but one of the best places in the world.
Whales begin arriving to Ilha around the end of July and by the 2nd week of August the entire migration is here. The action last for around 10 weeks with spectacular displays of breeching, slapping, spy hops and all the other acrobatics that humpback whales are so famous for. Its also when you can quietly observe mothers with their newborn calves.
2. Choose an experienced operator/guide for the best whale watching.
As with any wildlife safari there is an element of luck involved when you go whale watching. However, having a knowledgable guide who understands whale behaviour and local conditions will tip the odds in your favour.
Inexperienced guides will charge in causing the whales to panic and dive. Whereas a knowledgeable guide will read the whale's behaviour, the direction of travel and the size of the pod, before slowing moving in from the side so as not to disturb them. Waiting patiently at a safe distance the guide will allow the whales to continue undisturbed. This is when you can get the intimate encounter you've travelled so far to experience - where a calf swims across to see the boat, or an adult spyhops or the whole pod passes slowly beneath the boat. Unforgettable encounters that you will remember for the rest of your life.
On Ilha the best guide is Abdul Remane Nivunko. He's from a local fishing family and has been leading whale watching trips here for 10 years. Abdul is on the water everyday so he knows where the whales are most likely to be. Abdul gets daily updates from fishermen and combines this with an uncanny skill for spotting whales and anticipating the whales' movements.
An experienced operator will also have onboard whale information, binoculars/telescope and if you are lucky a hydrophone so you can hear the whales singing.
3. Find a good boat. Think about your safety!
For the best whale watching you need to be prepared to go out beyond the islands and on to the open sea. All boats will get you there - but will they get you safely back again?
Your safety is important so choose a boat that looks fit for purpose and one with an experienced (mature) crew. Life-jackets (especially kids sizes if you need them) and shade is a good idea too.
4. Educate yourself about humpback whale behaviour and be responsible! These are gentle giants that deserve our protection.
For the Best whale watching the more you know about humpback whales the more you will enjoy it. There are lots of resources online including the WCA website here . Or you can come into Ilha Blue, Cafe Stone Town (formerly Cafe Azulejo) grab a drink and settle back to read one of our many books on whales and dolphins. Better still, book a whale watching tour with Ilha Blue and we will provide a 20 minute pre-tour briefing with everything you need to know.
5. Get out there and have some fun
