Swim with humpback whales off Reunion Island, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean where humpbacks gather close to shore each austral winter. From June to October, whales migrating from Antarctica come to breed and nurse their calves off the calm west coast around Saint-Gilles, often within sight of the beaches. Boat trips and supervised in water encounters run under a strict responsible charter, best from July to September.
Swim with humpback whales off Reunion Island, a volcanic island in the Indian Ocean where humpbacks gather close to shore each austral winter. From June to October, whales migrating from Antarctica come to breed and nurse their calves off the calm west coast around Saint-Gilles, often within sight of the beaches. Boat trips and supervised in water encounters run under a strict responsible charter, best from July to September.
Up to 88% sighting chance in Saint-Gilles / Saint-Pierre, La Reunion. Best months: August, September, July.
In water encounters are possible under a strict responsible approach charter and only when sea conditions and the whales' behaviour allow. Many outings combine boat watching with a supervised swim.
The season runs from June to October, best July to September, during the austral winter.
Around 50 to 70 euros for a 2 to 3 hour observation trip, and about 75 to 95 euros for an outing with a supervised swim (2026 prices); premium catamaran trips cost more.
Mainly Saint-Gilles-les-Bains on the calm west coast, with some trips from Saint-Leu and Le Port.
