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Mayotte.
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Travelling to Mayotte: what to know before you go

Mayotte is a French overseas department in the Comoros archipelago, between Madagascar and Mozambique, made up of the main island Grande-Terre, smaller Petite-Terre and a scattering of islets inside one of the world's largest lagoons. Turtles, whales and coral reefs are its main draw for visitors. Tourism is small-scale, and the island has faced serious recovery challenges since Cyclone Chido in December 2024, so check current conditions before you travel.

Where to go

• The Mayotte lagoon. A vast lagoon enclosed by a coral barrier reef, with a rare double reef in places.
• N'Gouja beach. On the south-west coast of Grande-Terre, this beach is known for green sea turtles grazing on seagrass in the shallows, often within easy snorkelling distance of the shore.
• Whale watching. From about July to October, humpback whales arrive in the lagoon and the waters outside the reef to breed and give birth.
• Lac Dziani, Petite-Terre. A green volcanic crater lake on Petite-Terre, circled by a walking path.

Best time to visit

The dry season from about May to October is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler, less humid weather and calmer conditions for boat trips; it also coincides with the humpback whale season from July. The wet season, from roughly November to April, is hot and humid with heavy rain and the risk of tropical cyclones, as shown by Cyclone Chido in December 2024.

Staying online in Mayotte

Mobile coverage is generally available in Mamoudzou, Petite-Terre and the main villages, with 4G in populated areas. Coverage can be weak in the hills, on the lagoon islets and in less populated parts of the south and north. Networks were badly damaged by Cyclone Chido and have been under repair, so performance may vary. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and guesthouses. EU roaming rules generally apply to French overseas departments for EU plans, but check yours. Others should install an eSIM before they fly and switch it on when they land.