An immersion in the nature and observation of humpback whales
From the beach to the jungle, we shall discover the island of Mayotte and its prodigious nature, we will explore the lagoon to meet humpback whales.
From September 27th till October 6th, 2011
Humpback whales
In this time of the year, we will have the chance to attend one of the most beautiful shows the nature offers us: the presence of humpback whales, these giants of the sea who come to give birth in the Mahorian waters before leaving towards the southern latitudes. The site of Mayotte is one of the numerous provinces of the empire of the megapterae. It is generally frequented by mothers accompanied by their whale calf, but also by young whales and groups of males looking for females. If the opportunity arises we can go into the water with flippers, a mask and a snorkel to admire these giants of the seas in a light of another world.
During our offshore visits we can also cross dolphins. If it is possible to observe several species of dolphins in Mayotte in the course of the year, these are very shy and not very interactive. It is thus uncertain to be able to swim with them.
Mayotte is a tropical island situated in the western part of the Indian Ocean. The island sinks into the ocean giving birth to an immense coral reef. It is one of the biggest lagoons secluded from the world.
Also called the island of perfume, Mayotte offers a fauna to the marked endemism and to the original flora.
The incredible land and marine biodiversity of the island will maybe allow us, when we are there, to observe megapterae, to meet dolphins, to swim together with the sea tortoises and to approach lemurs.
Four offshore days to observe cetaceans
Our boats are adapted for navigation on the lagoon and allow us to easily reach beaches, mangrove swamps and islands of white sand, an ideal frame for a lunch break.
Various stops in mangrove swamps punctuate our day, allowing us to discover multicolored corals, sponges, gorgons, turtles …
The excursions
Mayotte is also “the island of the tortoises “, a place privileged for the observation of the sea tortoises. We plan a bivouac on the “big beach of “Saziley”, a protected marine area, zone of the turtles’ egg laying. We might be able to observe one or several egg layings of turtles during the night. Rare are the ones who are lucky to observe show of the simultaneous hatching of hundreds of eggs and the fight of the baby turtles to return to the sea. We hope to get lucky …
A hiking tour will allow us to be immersed in the prodigious nature of the island.
The accommodation
Two cottages welcome us during our stay. The first one with swimming pool by the sea has a magnificent sight on the lagoon. Our host is charming and her table is one of the best.
The second cottage is in an almost untamed nature, surprises by its numerous discreet hidden recesses, mixed with the vegetation, with the wooden terraces, with the exotic garden where it is nice to take some rest in the hammocks or the deckchairs.
Their meals are well known for their dishes with the delicious mix of spices and products of the tropical kitchen garden.
Consult or download the brochure in PDF
(Brochure under construction, we are looking for French/English translators.
If you are interested, thank you for contacting us by e-mail: contact@consciencedauphins.org)