Humpback whale · Madagascar
Where to see humpback whales in Madagascar
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see humpback whales in Madagascar is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species, 5 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Nosy Be & Sakatia, Nosy Be, Sainte Marie & Ile aux Nattes and Sainte-Marie. Encounters are split into boat-based watching and snorkeling. Two "humpback whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 3 of the 5 operators (60%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 5 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in Madagascar cluster in Jul–Sep. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
Humpback whale season in Madagascar
Jul–Sep
- JanJanuary: not in season
- FebFebruary: not in season
- MarMarch: not in season
- AprApril: not in season
- MayMay: not in season
- JunJune: not in season
- JulJuly: in season
- AugAugust: in season
- SepSeptember: in season
- OctOctober: not in season
- NovNovember: not in season
- DecDecember: not in season
The months 5 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the humpback whale season table.
5 listed operators
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Madagascar · Nosy Be & Sakatia
Baleines Rand'eau
FreedivingSnorkelingIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Aug–Nov
- Price
- Adults €70 · Under 12 €45
- Checked
- Official source
Madagascar · Nosy Be
Diving Cattitude
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Sep
- Price
- €80 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Madagascar · Nosy Be
Ginot Guide Nosy Be
Island hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- €70 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Madagascar · Sainte Marie & Ile aux Nattes
Maningory Hôtel-Restaurant
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Jun–Sep
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
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Madagascar · Sainte-Marie
Lakana Hotel Whale Watching
SnorkelingBeach & water playIsland hopping & boat trips- Season
- Jun–Sep
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Humpback whales in Madagascar, by way to meet them
Humpback whale season
Humpback whales in other countries
Activities in Madagascar
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see humpback whales in Madagascar?
5 operators name the humpback whale as a target species. Main regions: Nosy Be & Sakatia, Nosy Be, Sainte Marie & Ile aux Nattes and Sainte-Marie.
Do you have to get in the water to see humpback whales?
Formats on record: boat-based watching and snorkeling. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is humpback whale season?
The 5 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in Madagascar cluster in Jul–Sep. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Humpback whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.