Ocean Expedition with Humpback Whales and Whale Sharks in Mozambique
Gallery
Tour Details
Costs
EUR 3,690
in a double room
Group
Max. 5 guests
+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guides
All dates
2 departures in 2027
2027
Sunday, July 18, 2027 – Sunday, July 25, 2027
Monday, July 26, 2027 – Monday, August 2, 2027
Additional dates for private tours are available upon request
Where
Start & End:
Vilankulos Airport (VNX), Mozambique
Price includes
What's included
Accommodations, transportation, 6 days at sea, shore excursions, group meals, presentations on whales in Mozambique
What is not included
Personal expenses, insurance, travel to and from Vilankulos, tips
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
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 protected area, unforgettable encounters with various giants of the sea await you: humpback whales, whale sharks, dugongs, and more! Observing these majestic animals in the wild is an experience that deeply moves you and leaves a lasting impression.
We’re based in the charming coastal town of Vilankulos, right on the ocean. From here, you’re just a short boat ride away from the islands of the archipelago—a natural paradise of snow-white beaches, colorful reefs, and, during the season, humpback whales and whale sharks! With a little luck, dolphins and manatees will glide past your boat while whales surface on the horizon.
A new adventure awaits us every day. In the morning, we’ll watch—and hopefully swim with—these gentle giants. On our whale-watching tours, we’ll get up close to these majestic creatures and be enchanted by their grace. In the early afternoon, we’ll enjoy a stylish lunch on the sandbars of the Bazaruto Archipelago—barefoot in the fine sand, surrounded by nothing but the sea, the sky, and seashells. If the wind is too strong, we’ll enjoy ourselves on land: we’ll glide by kayak among the water lilies into the sunset, discover the famous Red Dunes of Vilankulo, immerse ourselves in the colorful, lively hustle and bustle of the local market, and let ourselves be tempted 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.
The Animals
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 once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget! We also regularly encounter pods of dolphins—bottlenose dolphins, endangered humpback dolphins, or spinner dolphins. In addition, the Bazaruto Archipelago is home to the last population of dugongs (sea cows) in southern Africa, and we have a good chance of encountering whale sharks. We’re often completely alone with the world’s largest sharks, which let us swim alongside them without a care in the world!
We undertake our excursions in a fast, agile, and covered inflatable boat - ideal for tracking down marine mammals.
Accommodation & Catering
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.
Daily Programme
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 so we can make the most of the calm hours at sea. Our boat picks us up at around 8 a.m. right on the beach in front of the hotel, and after 40 minutes we reach the sandbars of the offshore Bazaruto Archipelago. After about 5 hours searching for whales and whale sharks, we return to the sandbars and enjoy a delicious lunch. Once back in Vilankulos, we have a little free time before wrapping up the day with drinks and good food!
If the weather (the wind!) doesn't cooperate, we have a few shore excursions up our sleeves: evening kayaking trips, market tours, or we can go on a bird-watching safari together in the bush, explore 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.
Equipment & Photography
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 cooler on the boat—especially after swimming. Wetsuits keep you comfortably warm and protect you from getting chilled. We recommend 3-mm full-length or half-length wetsuits and a windbreaker.
Equipment: We can provide you with a mask, snorkel, and fins. However, options in Vilankulo are limited. Wetsuits are 5mm thick, so you can get very warm very quickly. If you have your own equipment—especially if you have specific sizes or personal preferences—we recommend bringing it with you. Some snorkeling practice beforehand is helpful, as we want to move through the water as calmly as possible and without making big splashes.
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.
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).