WHALE WATCHING IN MAURITIUS
INTRO
If you’re passionate about the ocean, dolphins, being in nature, well, whale watching in Mauritius is without a doubt an experience to add to your bucket list! Seeing these majestic mammals up-close in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring!
Sperm Whales and Humpback Whales are the most prevalent types of whales encountered on the West coast of the Island of Mauritius.
The winter months of June/July through September are when we can find humpback whales in our waters, although sperm whales are present all year long.
Sperm Whales
Large heads and prominent, rounded foreheads make sperm whales clearly identifiable. They are a carnivorous member of the mammal family, and the adults, which can reach lengths of 49 to 59 feet and weights of 35 to 45 tons, are comparable in size to buses.
They have an extraordinary substance known as “spermaceti” in their head cavities. Although its purpose is yet unknown, scientists believe it regulates their buoyancy.
They can hold their breath for up to 90 minutes while diving to depths of up to 1,000 metres in search of squid.
Pilot whales, blue marlins, and two separate shark species (oceanic white tip and mako sharks) have all been spotted nearby whale pods for quite some time. It is therefore undoubtedly dangerous to swim with them due to all of the other beasts that may be lurking nearby.
So, for these reasons, we do not let our guests enter the water, however, it is undeniable that viewing them from the surface is a remarkable experience.
HUMPBACK WHALES
The distinctive features of humpback whales include their long pectoral fins and knobby heads.
Adults can grow to be 14 to 18 metres (46 to 56 feet) in length and up to 40 tons in weight. Newborn calves are around 4.3 m long weighing approximately 680 kg.
Other species, including bottlenose dolphins, can interact with humpbacks. On the surface, humpback whales frequently engage in aerial displays including tail slapping and fin slapping. These displays may be used for a variety of reasons, including playing, communicating, or getting rid of parasites.
Humpbacks rest at the surface in a horizontal position. They swim slower than other whale species (8–17 km/h). They dive to about 200 m. Dives typically last between 5 and 20 minutes.
To feed, they create bubble nets to capture prey. They dive up to a depth of 20 metres, swim in circles while blowing air bubbles from their blowhole which concentrates fish into an area. Making it easier for the whales to eat an entire course of fish in one gulp.
Mating and breeding take place during the winter months. Males and females can have multiple partners.
Why we don’t swim with the Whales
It is forbidden to swim with whales in Mauritius. It’s unfortunate that some charter boats allow people to swim with whales, but it’s not advised because it can disrupt the whales’ behaviour.
Pilot whales, blue marlins, and two separate shark species (oceanic white tip and mako sharks) have all been spotted nearby whale pods for quite some time. It is therefore undoubtedly dangerous to swim with them due to all of the other beasts that may be lurking nearby.
So, for these reasons, we do not let our guests enter the water, however, it is undeniable that viewing them from the surface is a remarkable experience.
How it works
Before speaking about swimming and admiring them, let’s begin by discussing how to find them. Finding whales is far more challenging than finding dolphins.
Because dolphins come extremely near to the shore every morning and tend to congregate in a small number of locations, whereas whales spend the majority of their time in different locations and can be found anywhere in the ocean. Therefore, we do suggest leaving around 7 a.m. so that we can immediately get in touch with the other charter boats from various regions of the west coast. We mainly set out in search for the big blows the whales make while breathing.
We’ll spend no more than four hours locating them. When we do locate them, we spend a maximum of 45 minutes with them to ensure that we are not too disruptive and to allow them to continue their activities in peace.
Additionally, we are able to combine a whale and dolphin watching excursion. Which means, we typically stay a maximum of an hour with the dolphins before moving into deeper waters in search of the whales.
Off the Mauritian southwest coast is where we conduct our whale-watching excursions. Our fleet is properly outfitted and customised for all marine excursions. Our experienced and friendly crew takes great satisfaction in making sure you enjoy fantastic moments while aboard.
Prices
WHALE WATCHING
(Minimum 1 person & Maximum 6 persons)
Water, Soft Drinks, Snorkeling equipments included.
Departure time is at 7h am in Black River
Rs 15,000/Boat
Terms and Conditions
