Balen Terla Mobile App

Dynamic mobile platform connecting whale watchers, logging sightings, and contributing real time data to marine research

Client

Globice

Country

Reunion Islands

Role

Mobile Development

Product Link

Whale Watching App

Balèn Terla, developed for Globice Réunion in partnership with Wild Immersion, transforms coastal whale watching into accessible citizen science. Available on App Store and Google Play, the app grew rapidly to 38,000 downloads and 45,000 registered users across two seasons. Users log real-time humpback whale sightings from Réunion Island’s coastline, directly fueling marine conservation research.

The mobile design prioritizes intuitive navigation and seamless data collection alongside educational content about local cetaceans. Available in French, Creole, and English, the interface guides users to optimal land-based observation points while capturing detailed sighting information effortlessly. This multilingual approach ensures accessibility for both local observers and international visitors exploring whale watching opportunities.

Technical development focused on cross-platform reliability for iOS and Android, with robust synchronization even in coastal areas with spotty connectivity. The result is a dependable platform that supports both casual whale watchers and dedicated volunteers, turning individual observations into valuable contributions for scientific analysis.

Whale Sighting Guides

Traditional whale watching depends on scattered manual reports, limiting real-time data for researchers. Balèn Terla integrates precise geolocation and coastal mapping to direct users to the best land-based viewpoints around Réunion Island. This solves key challenges by providing structured observation guidance while enabling instant logging of whale behavior, group size, and environmental conditions.

Live alerts and community features connect users instantly, creating a dynamic network of whale watchers sharing confirmed sightings. Educational modules about humpback whales and local marine life engage participants, transforming tourists into informed contributors to conservation efforts. Every logged observation feeds directly into Globice’s research database for immediate scientific use.

Offline functionality and smart sync capabilities ensure uninterrupted performance during long observation sessions. Community communication tools link observers with volunteers and scientists, fostering collaboration and excitement around each discovery. This technical backbone delivers both user engagement and high-quality data for marine research.

38K+

downloads

45K+

registered users

10K+

observations

From launch through its first whale season, Balèn Terla achieved 38,000 downloads, 45,000 registered users, and over 10,000 observations, becoming Réunion Island’s essential whale watching companion. The app’s explosive growth reflects its intuitive design and genuine value for tourists seeking prime viewpoints and locals supporting conservation.

Multilingual support broadens participation while real-time data enables Globice researchers to analyze humpback migration patterns and population trends swiftly. Interactive community features connect field observers, building shared enthusiasm and sustained involvement in whale monitoring efforts.

Through strategic mobile development, Balèn Terla proves how apps can scale citizen science participation globally. Each download creates a research partnership, demonstrating technology’s power to drive marine conservation while positioning Globice as an innovative leader in whale research and community engagement.

THAT’S WHAT THEY SAID

1/3

“Working with Softnex is a pleasure; they are really committed to the projects they accompany and always propose solutions and alternatives when facing a challenge.”

Camille Mougenot

Product Owner for Balèn Terla Reunion Islands

THAT’S WHAT THEY SAID

2/3

“We have worked with Dzenita and the Softnex team on 7 projects until now and are planning to continue our collaboration! The team is professional, and the PM is lean and efficient.”

Grégoire Moisson

CEO & Co-Founder at Wild Immersion
France

THAT’S WHAT THEY SAID

3/3

“Cooperation with SOFTNEX was highly professional from start to finish. Their dedicated team delivered a high-quality, user-friendly software that is reliable and improved operations efficiency. We look forward to maintaining our cooperation going forward.”

Maja Vuletić

CEO at Spektrum Analitika
Montenegro

Let’s talk about your product!