It’s time for Whale Watching in Zanzibar! Between July and October each year, the channel between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania becomes a highway for one of the world’s largest animals. Witnessing the migration of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on their journey to Antarctica is an unforgettable experience.
Humpback whales – the gentle giants
Humpback whales can grow up to 16 metres long and weigh up to 40 tonnes. Every year, this species migrates across the globe from warmer subtropical and tropical waters, where they breed, to colder, more nutrient-rich waters. They mainly eat krill and schooling fish. Between 400 and 600 whales can be seen yearly along the East African coast on their journey of over 2,500 miles (4,000 km) to their main feeding grounds.
Like most marine animals, this species faces numerous human-induced threats. The threats include entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, destruction of coastal habitats, underwater noise and traffic disturbance, as well as climate change. Despite these threats, numbers are increasing worldwide as populations recover from historic whaling in the North Pacific. Experts estimate that there are now over 80,000 humpback whales in the Southern Hemisphere and they are no longer listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species!
Hear and see humpback whales on Chumbe Island
Chumbe Island, located between the west coast of Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland, is the perfect place for whale watching. From July to October each year, guests have the chance to see these fascinating mammals. Humpback whale males have the ability to produce complex songs. These songs can last up to 30 minutes, are used to communicate with their mates and can be heard over many miles. During whale watching season the Chumbe team and guests often hear their enchanting melodies while snorkelling. Humpback Whales can also be seen breaching and jumping out of the water, which is thought to be a form of play, communication or even parasite removal. The Chumbe lighthouse is the perfect spot to watch the gentle giants.
Regional Synchronized Whale Watching Day in Tanzania
Regional Synchronized Whale Watching Day is held annually in Tanzania for the purpose of studying humpback whales. Through citizen science, the behaviour and sightings of the humpback whales are being tracked. Chumbe Island Coral Park contributes to the yearly report organized by Tanzania Whale Network. The 16th Regional Synchronised Whale Watching Day will take place on 14 September 2024. On this day, all our eyes are on the ocean to track possible sightings of humpback whales. Our Chumbe Island guests are warmly invited to help us monitor the sightings on that day.
Read the 2023 report: Tanzania Whale Network
