Whale watching in Réunion: your guide to the humpback season

Every year, one of Réunion’s most beautiful spectacles plays out off the west coast: the arrival of the humpback whales. Coming from the cold waters of the Antarctic, they head for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to mate, give birth and nurse their calves. For visitors and Réunion islanders alike, it is an event not to be missed.

When can you see whales in Réunion?

Whale season in Réunion falls during the southern winter. The first whales can be spotted as early as June, and the best period generally runs from July to October. Mothers and their calves sometimes stay close to the coast for several weeks before heading back south.

To plan your trip, check our month-by-month calendar in Planning your stay.

Where to watch them

The west coast of Réunion is where the cetaceans are most often seen, between Saint-Paul, Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Saint-Leu. There are two ways to enjoy the show:

• From land: the headlands and cliffs of the west coast offer fine viewpoints. Bring binoculars and look out for blows, the spouts of water visible from far away.
• At sea: several operators run whale-watching trips. It is the best way to see breaches, tail slaps and sometimes the calves up close.

Find out more about the activity and our tips on the Whale watching page.

Watching without disturbing

The whales come to Réunion to breed and protect their young: it is a vulnerable time. Choose an operator that follows the rules for approaching cetaceans (distance, reduced speed, limited viewing time) and never chase an animal.

A whale that swims away is a whale that has been disturbed: the best sighting is one that leaves the animal free to move as it pleases.

In Réunion, the Globice association has been studying cetaceans for many years and is building an identification catalogue of the whales, based on the unique patterns on the underside of their tail flukes.

Our tips for a successful trip

1. Book early in high season, especially during the July and August holidays.
2. Go out in the morning, when the sea is often calmer.
3. Bring sun cream, a hat and a windbreaker: it quickly gets cool out at sea.
4. If you are prone to seasickness, let the operator know before you set off.

Want to take the adventure further? Discover Réunion’s nature, its endemic species and protected areas, and find every boat trip in the Nout Péi app.