Winter Migration Tour
Newest Addition · Jun–Oct

Winter Migration Tour

Follow the greatest marine migration on Earth

Duration

14 nights

Dives

18 dives

Destinations

5 destinations

Safari

1½ days included

Pricing

POA

About This Expedition

SDD's most immersive expedition follows the annual migration of humpback whales and whale sharks through the warm waters of the Western Indian Ocean. Up to 8 hours per day are dedicated to whale encounters. The tour culminates at Aliwal Shoal where divers regularly encounter 40+ ragged-tooth sharks on a single dive.

Vilanculos → Morrungulo → Tofo Beach → Ponta do Ouro → St Lucia/Hluhluwe → Aliwal Shoal → King Shaka Airport

See also: How We Curate Our Expeditions — understanding whale season, shark season, and crossover months.

  • In-water humpback whale encounters
  • Up to 8 hours per day of whale activity
  • 40+ ragged-tooth sharks on a single Aliwal Shoal dive
  • Half-day iSimangaliso Wetland Park tour
  • Sunset hippo cruise on the St Lucia Estuary
  • Full-day Big Five safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi
  • Complimentary 30-min back massage
  • Marine science talk with Marine Megafauna Foundation
  • Available June–October (peak July–September)

This is SDD's most immersive expedition — a journey following the annual migration of humpback whales and whale sharks through the warm, nutrient-rich waters of the Western Indian Ocean.

  • Morrungulo & Tofo Beach

    Core humpback birthing and nursing grounds. In-water encounters with mothers and calves at eye level. Breakfast on the ocean deck, often accompanied by breaching displays and whale song.

  • Ponta do Ouro

    Tiger, bull and schooling hammerhead sharks complement continued whale activity.

  • Aliwal Shoal

    Ragged-tooth shark breeding season. An intimate dive with 40+ raggies in a single session — one of the most spectacular shark experiences on the planet.

Marine Life Encountered

  • Humpback whales
  • Whale sharks
  • Tiger sharks
  • Bull sharks
  • Hammerhead sharks
  • Ragged-tooth sharks (40+ per dive in winter)
  • Manta rays
  • And more

Marine life encounters are subject to seasonal availability. Our guides maximise every opportunity for unforgettable sightings.

Itinerary Overview

Arrival Day

Transfer from Vilanculos Airport to Morrungulo Lodge. Check-in, welcome drinks on the ocean deck.

Morrungulo (Days 2–3)

Double-tank morning dives (6:45 AM start). In-water humpback whale encounters. Snacks, soup and herb bread served between dives.

Transfer Day

Breakfast then 2.5-hour road journey to Tofo Beach.

Tofo Beach (Days 5–6)

Double-tank morning dives. Surface intervals for whale shark snorkelling and whale encounters. Vibrant town to explore in evenings.

Transfer Day

4:00 AM departure for 10-hour drive to Ponta do Ouro. Packed breakfast and snack stops included.

Ponta do Ouro (Days 8–9)

Pinnacles shark site dives. Tiger, bull and hammerhead sharks alongside continued whale activity. Optional third dive available at extra cost.

Transfer Day

Drive straight to St Lucia. Check-in. Sunset hippo cruise on the St Lucia Estuary.

Safari Day

5:00 AM departure for full-day Big Five game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi. Return to St Lucia.

Transfer Day

Morning half-day iSimangaliso Wetland Park tour. Drive to Aliwal Shoal — arrive approximately 5:00 PM.

Aliwal Shoal (Days 13–14)

Ragged-tooth shark breeding season dives. Regularly 40+ raggies per dive.

Departure

Transfer to King Shaka International Airport.

Destinations on This Expedition

Price on Application

Pricing varies by season, group size and package option. Contact us for a personalised quote — we'll tailor the trip and provide full pricing within 24 hours.

✓Transfers
✓Accommodation
✓Breakfast Daily
✓All Listed Dives
✓Nitrox (except Morrungulo)
✓Complimentary Back Massage
✓Marine Science Talk (MMF)
✓Guided by SSI & PADI Professionals
✗International & Domestic Flights
✗Dive Equipment Hire
✗Evening Meals
✗Visa Fees
✗Travel Insurance
✗Optional Extra Dives

Enquire About This Expedition

Spaces are limited on every expedition. Get in touch to check availability, ask questions, or start planning your adventure.