Dolphin and whale watching

Having an encounter with a marine mammal in its natural habitat is always a moving and unforgettable experience. Several Reunion-based companies offer this type of activity, operating with full respect for the environment and marine species, so that future generations will be also able to enjoy these encounters off the coast of the island…

The stunning waters of Reunion Island naturally contain an abundance of multicoloured fish and corals, but there are also some more imposing visitors! Dolphins and whales flock to the island’s shorelines and visitors are entranced by them.

Globice: new participative science tools for professionals

Just before the 2021 “Whale season”, Globice enhanced its participative science tools and information platforms in order to help spread awareness of the need to protect the cetaceans of Reunion Island.

ObsEnMer application

This app allows an individual carrying a smartphone to indicate any whale spottings to Globice (and Globice alone) in just a few seconds. Here you’ll find the very simple instructions for use. The app can operate off-line and has practically no impact on your smartphone’s battery charge.
Download ObsEnMer for Android HERE
Download ObsEnMer for iOS HERE

The KODAL programme

remains active throughout the season to monitor humpback whales with the help of identity photos of their tail fin.
Download the KODAL programme flyer HERE

Globice’s educational descriptions are all available in high definition and downloadable directly from the “Participative Science” page of the Globice website.

Marine mammals

Watching pantropical spotted dolphins and blower dolphins is possible all year round: from the coast, you can swim alongside them during organised excursions with diving clubs, or even go out to meet them by boat. Scientists also have a particular interest in these magnificent creatures. In 2,003 they even discovered a species that had never been seen before off Reunion Island: the Risso’s dolphin. The CéTO (Cétacés Tortues Oiseaux [Cetaceans, Turtles and Birds]) mission came across five of them during an expedition off the coast of Sainte-Suzanne. Proof of Reunion Island’s incredible biodiversity, which now officially counts twenty two species of cetaceans. Among these, sperm whales, fin whales and the impressive humpback whales, which arrive during winter in the Southern hemisphere. This takes place from June to October, the time when they come to bask in the heat of the Indian Ocean, after a long journey from Antarctica! They can be seen, for example, from the island’s West Coast, or even from Barachois, the coastal road that runs along the seafront at Saint-Denis. A listening device was even installed at this location in 2013, so that their calls can be heard through a radio buoy submerged off the coast.

Extraordinary !

Watching pantropical spotted dolphins and blower dolphins is possible all year round: from the coast, you can swim alongside them during organised excursions with diving clubs, or even go out to meet them by boat. Scientists also have a particular interest in these magnificent creatures. In 2,003 they even discovered a species that had never been seen before off Reunion Island: the Risso’s dolphin. The CéTO (Cétacés Tortues Oiseaux [Cetaceans, Turtles and Birds]) mission came across five of them during an expedition off the coast of Sainte-Suzanne. Proof of Reunion Island’s incredible biodiversity, which now officially counts twenty two species of cetaceans. Among these, sperm whales, fin whales and the impressive humpback whales, which arrive during winter in the Southern hemisphere. This takes place from June to October, the time when they come to bask in the heat of the Indian Ocean, after a long journey from Antarctica! They can be seen, for example, from the island’s West Coast, or even from Barachois, the coastal road that runs along the seafront at Saint-Denis. A listening device was even installed at this location in 2013, so that their calls can be heard through a radio buoy submerged off the coast.

Extraordinary !

Reminder of approach and observation rules

During this winter season, marked by an exceptional presence of humpback whales in Reunion waters, the State would like to remind you of the rules to respect to avoid the disturbance of cetaceans while ensuring the safety of people. Respect for principles and rules is essential when approaching, observing and launching into the water near these wild animals. Surveillance and control measures are implemented throughout the season.

In accordance with prefectural decree no. 2021-1306 of July 7, 2021, this regulation includes precise rules on distance, approach speed, attendance gauge and observation times. If certain parameters also depend on the behavior of cetaceans, in particular the minimum distance, it is appropriate at all times to exercise caution and precaution by favoring a reduced speed or even a standstill to avoid any disturbance to marine mammals. The main rules are recalled in the document below, which must also be displayed on all ships.

Discover

The secrets of the whales

The secrets of the Reunion Island whales

with dolphins and whales on the island

An encounter with dolphins and whales

Go out in search of the dolphins and whales of Reunion Island waters

a show but respect the animals

Professionals committed to sharing their passion and enabling exceptional observation conditions that respect the animals.

It is a wondrous experience to watch these majestic mammals and the acrobatics of calves and dolphins along the coast of the island!
Thanks to professionals who respect the charter and regulations for approaching and observing the animals with respect, it is possible to watch these sea giants performing grandiose ballets from passenger ships, diving-centre crafts and rented boats.

A show accessible to all from the coast!
They can also be seen all along the west coast of the island, where certain promontories offer breathtaking views! The Barachois is also very renowned for offering beautiful terrestrial observations, and along the corniche of the seafront in Saint-Denis, a table was installed in 2013 for listening to their song, thanks to a radio buoy submerged in the sea. wide. Great experience!

The year 2023 was “exceptional” for the whale season. Nearly 700 humpback whales recorded in Reunion during the 2023 season (as of August 16, 2023). (Source: Globice Réunion)

In 2022, nearly 430 cetaceans were counted over the entire season.

It is a wondrous experience to watch these majestic mammals and the acrobatics of calves and dolphins along the coast of the island!
Thanks to professionals who respect the charter and regulations for approaching and observing the animals with respect, it is possible to watch these sea giants performing grandiose ballets from passenger ships, diving-centre crafts and rented boats.

A show accessible to all from the coast!
They can also be seen all along the west coast of the island, where certain promontories offer breathtaking views! The Barachois is also very renowned for offering beautiful terrestrial observations, and along the corniche of the seafront in Saint-Denis, a table was installed in 2013 for listening to their song, thanks to a radio buoy submerged in the sea. wide. Great experience!

The year 2023 was “exceptional” for the whale season. Nearly 700 humpback whales recorded in Reunion during the 2023 season (as of August 16, 2023). (Source: Globice Réunion)

In 2022, nearly 430 cetaceans were counted over the entire season.

A charter, a prefectural decree, an awareness-raising team, a label, and more.

All these measures ensure that activities for approaching and observing marine mammals and sea turtles on Reunion Island respect the animals!

A label awarded for commitment to respectful cetacean observation was established in 2013. Currently under review, the label identifies the operators most respectful of animals and the environment since 2020! The choice is yours!

Measures exist to preserve the exceptional wealth of Reunion Island and to ensure that enjoying them is sustainable. We are all accountable for the sustainable and respectful observation of cetaceans. Show us worthy!

A charter for responsible approach and observation

was established in 2009 in Reunion Island. Updated each year by local actors, it features recommendations for respectful approach and observation of animals from a boat and in the water.
Before you go out to sea, read and sign the charter!
>>For more information: Click HERE

A team for raising awareness team called “Quiétude”

zigzags across water, ensuring peace for the cetaceans and pleasure for watchers! Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have about the charter, regulations and animals. The team will be delighted to advise you!
>>For more information: QUIETUDE

Development of regulations for approaching and observing cetaceans

Since January 1, 2021, approach cetaceans within 100 meters (dolphins, humpback whales, sperm whales, etc.) is prohibited in marine protected areas.

The Reunion Island prefect, the government delegate for action at sea, signed a decree on 07 July 2021 to regulate activities for approaching cetaceans.
The decree groups together recommendations in the charter and other subtleties to be consulted before heading out to sea!
>>For more information: Prefecture de La Réunion: Click HERE