Humpback whale · Surfing & SUP
Where to go surfing and SUP with humpback whales
About this list
When you look for surfing and SUP with humpback whales, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species and actually run surfing or SUP programs, 7 in all. Countries and regions on record include Kerama & Zamami, Moheli & Nioumachoua, Pongara National Park, Los Cabos, Inhambane and Banana Island & Freetown Peninsula. Not every surfing or SUP program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 6 of the 7 operators (86%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct and Jul–Sep, Nov–Mar among them. There is no single season for surfing and SUP with humpback whales, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.
7 listed operators
Japan · Kerama & Zamami
Drifter Zamami
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsKayak & paddle- Season
- Jan–Mar
- Price
- Adults ¥8,000
- Checked
- Official website
Comoros · Moheli & Nioumachoua
Mohéli Laka Lodge
Scuba divingSnorkelingSwimming- Season
- Jul–Oct
- Price
- EUR 125 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Gabon · Pongara National Park
La Baie des Tortues Luth
Island hopping & boat tripsKayak & paddleSurfing & SUP- Season
- Jul–Sep, Nov–Mar
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Mexico · Los Cabos
Cabo Adventures
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Ask the operator
- Price
- MXN 1,079
- Checked
- Official source
Mozambique · Inhambane
SEE Activity Center Mozambique
FreedivingScuba divingSnorkeling- Season
- Jun–Oct
- Price
- USD 67 / MZN 4,200 / person
- Checked
- Official source
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Sierra Leone · Banana Island & Freetown Peninsula
Banana Island · Banana Divers & Water Activities
Scuba divingSnorkelingBeach & water play- Season
- May–Oct
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
Japan · Okinawa Main Island
Haisai
SnorkelingIsland hopping & boat tripsSurfing & SUP- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Needs checking
Other ways to meet humpback whales
- Wildlife trips to see humpback whales164
- Boat trips to see humpback whales145
- Snorkeling with humpback whales94
- Family trips to see humpback whales69
- Scuba diving with humpback whales58
- Swimming with humpback whales57
- Freediving with humpback whales14
- Beach trips to see humpback whales11
- Liveaboards to see humpback whales8
- Kayak and paddle trips to see humpback whales3
Humpback whales by country
Surfing & SUP by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go surfing and SUP with humpback whales?
7 operators on Maptlantis name the humpback whale as a target species and run surfing and SUP. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see humpback whales?
No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.
When is the season for surfing and SUP with humpback whales?
Seasons the operators give: Jan–Mar, Jul–Oct, Jul–Sep, Nov–Mar, Jun–Oct and May–Oct. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is surfing and SUP different from boat-based watching?
Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.