Friday, May 25, the first humpback whale of the season was spotted off the coast of La Réunion. Since then, these great cetaceans have continued their impressive ballet offshore. For the month of June alone, 38 individuals were observed (during the same period in 2015 only 10 were seen). Coming to give birth to their young, nearly 180 whales were recorded in the warm waters of Réunion throughout the season (June-October) last year.
At the very beginning of August, their presence is not diminishing, and encounters with whales are frequent during sea trips. Hoping that this fabulous spectacle continues at the same pace until October, the end of the observation season for these great mammals.
As a reminder, whales as well as turtles and dolphins are protected animals. During observations, it is important to follow a few approach rules:
By boat
- As long as the animal allows it, limit the observation position to outside a 100-meter circle for whales and 50 meters for dolphins and turtles (near this area, stay in neutral).
- Raise the fishing lines.
- Turn off the sonars.
- Wait your turn outside a 300-meter circle if the number of observation vessels is equal to 5.
- Move parallel to the animal.
- Keep the vessels on the same side of the group.
Water entry
- Do not enter the water with active whale groups (jumps and fin slaps).
- Equip yourself with fins, mask, snorkel, and buoy.
- 3 boats maximum.
- 10 swimmers maximum in the water.
- Stay passive.
- Do not touch the animals.
- Do not bring into the water: camera, lamp, sharp objects, or harpoon.