Spanking new Masoala National Park is an 840-square-mile chunk of tropical wilderness on the roadless edge of Antongil Bay. This is a picture-pristine area of unexplored beaches and ancient forests that is filled with rare, endemic species. The bay itself is just the sort of sheltered place that many whales use for breeding. This includes the 36-foot-long humpbacks.

They're here during breeding season, which means that any responsible operator will hang back. But listen up, it's while breeding that male humpbacks "sing" their eerie wail.

The whale watching industry here is new and unregulated, so please be conscientious in choosing an operator.

What you might see there: Humpbacks, and bottlenose, spinner and Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins
When to go: All year
Viewing options: Boat