We’re thrilled to welcome the return of the humpback whales to Antongil Bay! We spotted the first whales on 30 June this year when 3-5 whales passed right by the lodge beach and sea deck. Over the next 6–8 weeks, these gentle giants will be enjoying the warm, sheltered waters of the bay — a vital stop in their long migration. Here, they will breed, give birth, and nurture their newborn calves before continuing their epic journey south to the Antarctic.
Why Madagascar? A Breeding Haven for Humpback Whales
Every year, during the austral winter (June to September), humpback whales migrate to the tropical waters off Madagascar’s coast to breed and calve. These warm, calm conditions offer the perfect environment for mothers to care for their young in their first crucial weeks of life.
Image by Jessie Jordan
A Sanctuary of Protection
Madagascar’s marine environment is home to an extraordinary diversity of cetaceans — around 30 species including 9 types of baleen whales and 21 toothed whales and dolphins. These species are protected under both international conservation agreements (IUCN and CITES) and Malagasy law (Fisheries Law 93-022), ensuring that these waters remain a safe haven for marine life.
The Journey Here: Different Routes, One Destination
Humpbacks take various migratory paths to reach Madagascar. Some travel eastward, arriving at places like Sainte-Marie Island and Antongil Bay, while others move west towards Ifaty or even the Comoros Islands. No matter the route, Madagascar is a critical destination on their annual migration.
A Long Road to the Antarctic
Once the calves are strong enough, the whales will embark on the next leg of their journey: a long migration south to the nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic. There, they’ll feed on krill and small fish during the austral summer — replenishing energy lost during their time in the tropics.
A Migration of Thousands of Kilometres
This round-trip journey between the polar feeding grounds and tropical breeding areas spans thousands of kilometres — one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. And yet, year after year, they return.
Watch some traveler’s experience with whales in Antongil Bay
here — and here. If you’re lucky, you may witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles right from the shores of Masoala Forest Lodge.