It is estimated that close to 1000 whales visit Madagascar each season, with up to several hundred of these in Baie d'Antogil at any given time. Most hotels along Ile St Marie offer boat trips out to see these magnificent giants of the ocean.

Humpbacks also pass Ifaty and other areas on the western coast of Madagascar when swimming up the Mozambique Channel. The best time to observe the humpbacks are between early July and mid-September. Migration times may vary from year to year. Sometimes it is possible to see whales as early as mid- to late June, or as late as October.

Try going out on a day when the water is calm to maximize your chances of observing these creatures and their acrobatics - although the conditions on the bay may vary widely, so the water may be calm in one area and rough in another. You can also organize your trip through the office of Parc National Masoala in Maroantsetra to ensure that you go out with experienced and trained guides and reliable boat operators.