Every year, from July to September, humpback whales come from the southern seas to breed (mate) or give birth (calve) off the coast of Madagascar. It is a very impresive daily show which can be enjoyed near Anakao, just behind Nosy Ve Island. This annual migration allows us to observe them close-up, without disturbing them. When they want to play, the show becomes unforgettable. Take your camera! It will probably be one of the best experiences of your holiday.
The Longo Vezo boats will take you to watch the whales in complete safety while respecting the natural surroundings of these mammals. These beautiful creatures can reach 10-15 meters in length and weigh tens of tons.
When the weather is calm, the whales like to enjoy themselves by performing spectacular jumps out of the water, which are made even more impressive by their long pectoral fins (which reach up to a third of their body length).
Humpback whales are easy to identify: The top of the body is black whereas the underbelly is whitish. The head and the jaw are covered in bulges called ‘tubercles’ which are characteristic of this whale.
The females are bigger than the males. They reproduce every two or three years and the period of gestation lasts 11 months. The baby whale (calf) is approximately 4 meters long at birth and is breast-fed by the mother for 6 months before gradually beginning to feed itself.
Humpback whales feed only during the austral summer (Nov–Mar) and then spend the winter living off their fat reserves.
