Since mid-June, humpback whales have been migrating to the warm coastal waters of the Atsimo Andrefana region to mate and give birth. This highly migratory species spends the austral summer in the cold waters of Antarctica to feed, before heading back toward warm tropical waters at this time of year. These mammals particularly favor the lagoons of Anakao, Ifaty, Tsifota, Salary, Ambatomilo, and Andavadoaka. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of these whales as they traverse the seas for the next four months.
“The whale watching season is exceptionally long here, lasting for several months. Watching them off the coast of the Atsimo Andrefana region is a real privilege,” says Anelka Ada, a tour guide and service provider in the region. There is no specific time to spot them, but whales typically appear for spectacular acrobatic jumps around midday, and it is recommended to have cameras ready to capture these magical moments. “When they are active in the sun, whales stay underwater for a maximum of ten minutes before resurfacing,” the guide adds.
Local excursions include a visit to Nosy Ve, where visitors can observe the red-tailed tropicbird—an endemic bird species—as well as whale safaris and tours focusing on medicinal plants.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-04 05:43:12 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/atsimo-andrefana-la-saison-des-baleines.html