The flagship activities of the Lagoon of Mayotte come in several categories.
Humpback whale watching (July-October): 4-5 hour boat outing, €70-90/person, departure from Mamoudzou, Mtsamboro or Bandrélé. Sometimes exceptional observation (breaches, songs, mothers and calves). Possibility of entering water in snorkelling with the whales (supervised, confirmed open water level).
Scuba diving: 6 main diving centres in Mayotte. Major spots: S-pass (confirmed level, currents), Bandrélé pass (intermediate), M'Bouzi islet (beginner to intermediate). Rates: €60-90 per dive gear included.
Snorkelling: from shore (N'Gouja for turtles, Saziley, Moya) or boat outing (Choizil, M'Bouzi, Mtsamboro islets). Preserved corals, frequent turtles, rays, abundant reef fish.
Traditional pirogue: outings in Mahoran outrigger pirogue from Mtsamboro or Bandrélé, half-day €25-40/person.
Kayak in mangrove: guided outings in the Bouéni or Tsingoni mangrove, 2-3 hours, €25-40/person.
Turtle nesting observation (November-March): nocturnal outing with the RAEMA association, €15-25/person.
Islet excursions: days at Choizil islet (€40-60/person with lunch), M'Bouzi islet (€30-50 half-day), Saziley islet accessible on foot from the beach at low tide.
Read also
- Grande-Terre and Mamoudzou — The main island, beaches, villages — boarding point of most boat outings.
- Petite-Terre and Dzaoudzi — The satellite island, the airport, Dzaoudzi port for outings to M'Bouzi and the S-pass.
- Mayotte — Complete guide of the 101st French department: formalities, budget, climate, regions.
- Réunion — The other French department of the Indian Ocean, humpback whales also in season.