Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Sighting evidence at Banc du Geyser, Mayotte
Photo: Wayne and Pam Osborn · CC BY-NC
The Banc du Geyser shoal lies directly on the humpback whale migration corridor between Antarctic feeding grounds and Mozambique Channel breeding areas, and the shallow water forces passing whales close to the surface in conspicuous ways. From June to October mothers with calves rest in the shallow turquoise water above the plateau, and in-water encounters during snorkel or drift have been documented by the small number of operators who have reached the site. The acoustic environment during peak season is extraordinary — whale song from multiple individuals is audible throughout the dive even when the whales themselves are not visible.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Humpback Whale is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.