From July to October, humpback whales enter the Mayotte lagoon to calve and nurse their young. This makes Mayotte one of the best places on earth for close encounters with these animals — boat operators can approach within a few meters, and swimmers can enter the water alongside the whales when conditions allow.
The most reputable operators run small boats from N'Gouja beach in the south of Grande-Terre. A typical trip lasts half a day and costs around 80-100 euros per person including snorkeling equipment. The encounters follow strict guidelines — no chasing, no noise, entry from the side — that protect both the whales and the experience. In peak season (August and September) the chances of an encounter exceed 90 percent. Even outside whale season, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays are reliable year-round.