The Lagoon of Mayotte is visited essentially between May and October, in dry season. Calm sea, maximum visibility (20-30 m), clear sky, moderate trade wind. It is also the humpback whale season (July to October).
July-August is the peak season for whales (mothers and newborn calves observable) but also the tourist peak. September-October still offers good whale sightings with fewer people and gentler rates. June is the start of the season, first whale arrivals.
The rainy season (November to April) is not recommended for lagoon activities: long-distance swell distorting the lagoon and degrading visibility, regularly cancelled boat outings, major cyclone risk (Chido December 2024). No humpback whales. However, November to March is the turtle nesting season.
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.