Humpback whales average 14 meters in length and can survive for 40 years. Since mid-June, humpback whales have been returning to the warm waters off the coast of Atsimo Andrefana region to mate or give birth. This whale species is highly migratory, spending the austral summer in the cold Antarctic waters to feed before moving to warm tropical waters during this half of the year. These mammals particularly favor the lagoons of Anakao, Ifaty, Tsifota, Salary, Ambatomilo, and Andavadoaka. Tourists can still appreciate the beauty of humpback whales navigating the sea for another four months. "Whale season is particularly long here as it lasts for months. It's one of the privileges of watching them off the coast of Atsimo Andrefana region," invites Anelka Ada, guide and tourism service provider in Atsimo Andrefana. There is no specific day to spot them, but whales generally appear for their spectacular acrobatic jumps in mid-day and it is advisable to bring cameras ready to capture magical moments. "When they play in the sun, whales stay underwater for a maximum of ten minutes and reappear again," adds the guide. Activities include a visit to Nosy Ve, where one can admire the tropicbirds, endemic birds of the island, a whale safari, and a discovery of medicinal plants.