Watch humpback whales off Ile Sainte-Marie, one of the Indian Ocean's finest whale watching islands, off the east coast of Madagascar. Each austral winter, humpbacks migrate up from Antarctica to breed and calve in the warm, sheltered channel between the island and Antongil Bay, often breaching within metres of the boats and even visible from shore. The island celebrates them with its July Whale Festival, best from July to September.
Watch humpback whales off Ile Sainte-Marie, one of the Indian Ocean's finest whale watching islands, off the east coast of Madagascar. Each austral winter, humpbacks migrate up from Antarctica to breed and calve in the warm, sheltered channel between the island and Antongil Bay, often breaching within metres of the boats and even visible from shore. The island celebrates them with its July Whale Festival, best from July to September.
Up to 92% sighting chance in Ile Sainte-Marie / Antongil Bay, Madagascar. Best months: August, September, July.
The season runs from mid June to mid September, best in July and August, when whales are most numerous.
Yes. Boats go out daily and sightings are almost guaranteed in season, with whales sometimes visible from the shore.
A 2 to 4 hour tour costs around 50 to 100 US dollars per person (2026 prices); multi day packages combining other wildlife cost more.
The Festival des Baleines, held every July on Sainte-Marie, celebrates the whales' return with music, Malagasy traditions and marine conservation events.
