Swimming with Humpback Whales off La Réunion
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Tour Details
Costs
EUR 5,450
per person in a double room
Group
Up to 6 people
+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guide
All dates
3 Trips in 2026 & 2027
2026
Sunday, August 9, 2026 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Sunday, August 16, 2026 – Sunday, August 23, 2026
2027
Sunday, August 1, 2027 – Sunday, August 8, 2027
Additional dates for private tours are available upon request
Where
Start
Every Sunday at the airport in Réunion, depending on the arrival time
End
The Sunday following checkout
Price includes
What's included
Transportation, tours, accommodation, group meals, presentations about whales
What is not included
Personal expenses, insurance, arrival and departure Saint Denis, Reunion Island
Physical requirements
Be able to swim 100 meters with fins, a mask, and a snorkel
Be able to climb out of the water using a ladder
We are happy to accommodate dietary intolerances and sensitivities.
Notes
This tour is intended for snorkelers. Free and scuba diving is not permitted.
Ready for this journey?
Check availability for your desired date.
About the trip
The trip to La Réunion combines a dream island with the acrobats of the seas, the humpback whales! The experience of seeing these animals in their element is indescribable. No wonder, swimming with humpback whales is on many wish lists!
Our base is located in the sheltered west of the island, right by the sea. Slightly in front of the surrounding buildings, we have a wonderful view of the beaches on both sides of the hotel. The marina, which we use as a starting point for our whale tours, is less than ten minutes away by car. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the marine mammals from the hotel. Always keep your eyes peeled!
Every morning we head out to sea with the aim of getting into the water with the giants of the sea. While we focus fully on the whales at the beginning of the week, we also include excursions to the island and a helicopter flight in the second part of the week so that you can also get to know the beauty of La Réunion.
The Animals
The clear highlight of our trip to La Réunion are the humpback whales. Every year in the southern winter season (June to October), they come from the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean to mate and give birth to their calves. During seven to eight tours, we keep an eye out for the marine mammals. The encounter with mother and calf is particularly wonderful. Curious and playful, the young approach the little strangers. But the eye of the huge mother is always watchful. Swimming with humpback whales is something very special that you will never forget!
In addition, we often spot large pods of dolphins (mostly spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins). Rarely do we encounter other whale species such as pilot whales, southern right whales or small killer whales. Although the dolphins are not as massive as the humpback whales, they easily make up for this handicap with their playfulness and create memorable experiences!
In search of marine mammals, we are usually out and about on fast, maneuverable motorboats. But we also go out to sea on a luxurious catamaran once or twice!
Note on the frequency of humpback whales around Réunion: The number of whales varies considerably from year to year in most places around the world, making it difficult to predict the coming season. The numbers are strongly linked to currents, water temperatures, and the availability of food in the Antarctic. In 2023, there were around 1,200 whales around Réunion. In 2025, there were only about 100. Nature excursions always involve a degree of risk—but if we don't try, we will certainly not succeed.
Accommodation & Catering
During your time with us, you will stay in a wonderful hotel in Boucan Canot, right on one of the island's most beautiful beaches in the immediate vicinity of St. Gilles. The marina of St. Gilles also serves as a starting point for our boat trips on the open sea. The hotel is reminiscent of the style of the Florida Keys and impresses with its excellent quality, friendly service and outstanding food. The stylishly furnished rooms are located just a few meters from the crashing waves.
The hotel offers direct access to the beach. There is also a cozy sunbathing area with a pool and a small private beach. There is a car-free zone within walking distance with several bars and restaurants where you can end the day with a cocktail.
We enjoy the sumptuous breakfast buffet with a view of the Indian Ocean. The menu in the hotel restaurant is extensive and offers both local Creole and international dishes. Of course, excellent fresh fish is on offer, but meat and vegetarian dishes are also recommended. We also dine in a few selected restaurants to round off the culinary experience.
Daily Programme
Our day starts relatively early to take full advantage of the windless hours at sea. At around 8 a.m., after a hearty breakfast, we meet at the boats to go in search of the giants of the sea for 3-4 hours.
After returning to land and a tasty lunch, we spend the afternoons exploring the beautiful corners of the island or enjoying the peace and quiet in the fantastic hotel complex right by the sea.
After returning to the hotel, we meet up again a little later for a sundowner drink, where we round off the day with a great dinner.
Another highlight is the helicopter flight in the middle of the week!
Equipment & Photography
On land, the temperatures are usually very pleasant during the day, which means you can wear short clothes. In the evenings, however, a light jacket is recommended - it is winter after all! On our island excursions, we will most likely head into the mountains. Here it will be much cooler (approx. 10-15 degrees), so warmer clothing is advisable. Depending on the wind, it can get a little cooler on the boats, especially when we get out of the water. However, the wetsuit keeps us warm.
We are happy to provide diving goggles, snorkels, fins and wetsuits for our trips to the sea. However, we recommend that you bring your own equipment that you are used to, especially for special sizes. Swimming with whales is not scuba diving, but a snorkeling trip!
For photographers, we recommend lenses with a medium range above the water surface. Underwater, you can take excellent photos of blue whales with small lenses (up to 30mm). However, great photos and videos can also be taken with smaller cameras such as GoPros.
Highlights
Watch one of our highlight videos from East Timor here
Contact us
Are you convinced yet, or do you have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form below, WhatsApp (+41765811893) or email (info@mobywildlifetours.com).