Can you imagine diving with a creature that is several times larger than yourself, and just as interested in meeting you as you are in meeting it? When you dive with the whales and whale sharks that inhabit the coast of Mozambique, you’ll discover the pure, uninhibited joy of discovery, along with the thrill that can only come with an amazing encounter like this. Let’s take a trip into the warm, clear, blue waters of the Indian ocean, where we’ll meet up with these incredible creatures.
Whale Sharks
The Whale Shark is a filter feeder, which has a calm, gentle demeanor. Unlike its’ sharp-toothed cousins, this mellow member of the shark family has no real teeth. Instead, it has dermal denticles which are like heavy duty sandpaper designed to capture the plankton it feeds on. As the whale shark feeds, it sucks in a mouthful of rich sea water, closes its mouth, and then expels that water from its gills.
Despite its gentle nature, divers and snorkelers need to exercise caution when enjoying the whale shark’s company since an accidental push from its’ massive tail fin can cause injury. Other than that, the whale sharks seem to enjoy interaction and have been known to play games with divers!
The best time to visit Mozambique’s whale sharks is between December and March. You will be able to take an excursion to Tofo or Zavora, or both – where you will encounter Whale Sharks, and more than likely be able to interact with giant Manta Rays and Humpback Whales, as well.
Humpback Whales
Zavora, which is a relatively new Mozambique diving destination, is home to massive humpback whales. These gentle creatures are normally twelve to sixteen meters long when fully grown, and can weigh nearly as much as forty tons. Imagine yourself diving next to a creature about the same size as a tour bus, yet equipped with amazing intelligence and curiosity. When you dive with humpbacks, you’ll probably hear their wonderful songs emanating from the ocean’s depths, or you may hear the echolocation noises that they use while cooperatively herding fish into their bubble nets.
Between June and September, you will very likely encounter mother whales with their calves, and you may hear males in the distance or even witness them cavorting in the water near your dive boat. Just like other “young bucks”, the young male humpback whales enjoy cavorting and carousing, which results in some spectacular braches, tail fin slaps, and graceful underwater sparring and acrobatics.
Most of the humpback whale dives at Zavora take place between June and October, while the whales are in residence. The rest of the year, the area is excellent for viewing mantas and whale sharks.
Getting There
The best experiences you will have with whale sharks and humpback whales can be found aboard local charters and liveaboards. The longer you can spend away from shore, the more likely you are to be able to enjoy multiple encounters with a variety of creatures, large and small. Choose a reputable company, and you’ll have the time of your life.