Swimming with Humpback Whales
and Whale Sharks in Mozambique

Experience the paradise of Vilankulos - where turquoise blue seas, endless sandbanks, and wild nature will enchant you.

Off the coast of Mozambique lies the Bazaruto Archipelago - one of the last true treasure islands in the Indian Ocean. In the offshore marine reserve, you can expect unforgettable encounters with the gentle giants of the seas: humpback whales! Observing these impressive animals in the wild is a deeply moving experience that will stay with you for a long time to come.

We are based in the charming coastal town of Vilankulos, right by the sea. From here, you are just a short boat ride away from the islands of the archipelago - a natural paradise of snow-white beaches, colorful reefs, and, in season, humpback whales! With a little luck, dolphins and manatees will glide past your boat while whales appear on the horizon.

Every day brings a new adventure. In the morning, we hope to observe and swim with these gentle giants. On our whale watching tours, we get up close to these majestic creatures and are enchanted by their grace. At midday, we enjoy a stylish lunch on the sandbanks of the Bazaruto Archipelago – barefoot in the fine sand, surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. In the late afternoon, we experience further activities on land: we glide by kayak between water lilies into the sunset, discover the famous red dunes of Vilankulos, immerse ourselves in the colorful, lively hustle and bustle of the local market, and let ourselves be seduced by the scents and flavors of Mozambican cuisine.

This journey combines pure nature with authentic experiences - and gives you unforgettable moments on water and on land - full of colors, sounds, and magic.

Every year between June and October, during the southern winter, humpback whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warm Indian Ocean to mate and give birth to their young.

We set out on six excursions in search of these majestic giants of the sea. Encounters with mothers and their calves are particularly touching: the young whales are often curious and playful - sometimes cautiously approaching the strange little humans in the water, always under the watchful eye of their enormous mothers.

Swimming with humpback whales is a unique experience that you will never forget! We also regularly encounter schools of dolphins – bottlenose dolphins or endangered humpback dolphins. In addition, the Bazaruto Archipelago is home to the last population of dugongs (sea cows) in southern Africa, and we have the chance to encounter whale sharks.

We undertake our excursions in a fast, agile, and covered inflatable boat - ideal for tracking down marine mammals.

During your stay with us, you will be accommodated in a well-rated hotel in Vilankulos, located directly on the beach. The beach is also our starting point for whale watching tours and marine excursions.

The hotel has a relaxed style and is characterized by outstanding quality, friendly service, and excellent cuisine. The stylishly furnished rooms with sunrise and sea views are located just a few meters from the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.

You will enjoy direct access to the beach, a quiet sunbathing lawn, and a swimming pool.

Every morning, we enjoy a delicious breakfast with breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Indian Ocean. In the evening, the hotel restaurant offers homemade specialties. Fresh fish is a highlight, but excellent meat and vegetarian dishes are also available.

Day 1: We will pick you up at Vilankulos Airport and take you to the hotel. Check in, settle in, and arrive.

Days 2-7: Our day starts relatively early to take full advantage of the windless hours at sea. Our boat picks us up at around 7:30 a.m. directly at the beach in front of the hotel, where we reach the sandbanks of the offshore Bazaruto Archipelago after 40 minutes. After 4-5 hours searching for the giants of the sea, we return to the sandbanks and enjoy a tasty lunch. After returning to Vilankulos, we have prepared a varied program of activities: evening kayak trips, market tours, dune visits, or presentations over a sundowner drink round off the day. If the wind is too strong for a sea trip, we go on a bird safari together in the bush, visit the dunes of the Bazaruto Archipelago, or go horseback riding on the beach.

Day 8: After breakfast, we will take you to the airport, depending on your departure time.

On land: During the day, the area usually spoils us with pleasant warm temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius – ideal for light, comfortable clothing. In the evening, however, a thin jacket and long clothing are recommended, as it is winter in the southern hemisphere! When traveling to the interior of the island, long dresses are advisable due to the insects.

At sea: Depending on the wind, it can get a little cooler on the boat - especially after swimming. Our wetsuits keep you comfortably warm and protect you from getting cold. We recommend 3 mm full-body suits and a windbreaker.

Equipment: We provide masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits for all sea excursions. If you have your own equipment - especially if you have special sizes or personal preferences - we recommend bringing it with you. Some snorkeling practice beforehand is helpful, as we want to move as calmly as possible and without splashing too much in the water.

Photo tips: Lenses with a medium focal length are ideal for above-water shots. Underwater, wide-angle lenses up to around 30 mm are ideal - even for impressive photos of humpback whales! Action cameras also deliver great results underwater.

Currency: The local currency is the Mozambican Metical. US Dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.