Whale Watching in South Africa
Whale watching in South Africa is done from June to November, although it’s not uncommon for whales to be spotted outside this period. They pick some of the most beautiful stretches of our coast for their activities. Some of the best viewing spots include Lamberts Bay on the Cape West Coast, the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, Hermanus, Arniston, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Some 37 species of whales and dolphins are found in South African waters, but the most common are the humpback whales and southern right whales (in spring), which are frequently encrusted with white barnacles. Humpback whales are similar in size to southern right whales (around 15m), and are often seen off the South African coast between July and November as they move to Mozambique to calve and breed, and to Antarctica, where they feed.
The absolute best way to enjoy whale watching in South Africa is to go on a whale-watching boat trip. The boats are big, comfortable and moderately dry. Boarding is easy and people in wheelchairs can be accommodated. In some cases, the prices of these whale watching boat trips can be quite high, but the chance to get within metres of whales at water-level is simply unforgettable.
Hermanus as a town, is very much geared towards whale watching and many vantage points have been set up to accommodate the hundreds of people who flock here for the Hermanus Whale Festival every year in late September. The festival consists of nine days filled with music, theatre, sport and parties. The famous Hermanus Whale Crier will be around to give everyone the latest whale watching news. You could also visit one of the many coastal nature reserves to enjoy more South African whale watching. For example the De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp which offers numerous spectacular trails and hikes varying in distance to get the most out of your whale watching experience.
Plettenberg Bay justly lays claim to the title of the South African Whale Watching Capital. The southern right whales can be seen for the whole season and when they are getting ready to leave in early November, the humpback whales arrive with their calves, and stay until the end of December or early January. A truly memorable sight! Plettenberg Bay is where the South African dolphin and whale watching industry is said to be the most organized. There are whale watching boat trips, dolphin-watching kayak trips and a number of aircraft from which you can check out the whales from the air. The town has made a vast effort to promote a responsible boat-based whale and dolphin watching program. Viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference.
Which ever way you choose to watch these magnificent creatures, it is an absolute must. South African whale watching is truly an unforgettable experience!
Featured Whale Watching Region
Best Places for Whale Watching in Western Cape
Where: Western Cape
Countless visitors to South Africa come to our shores to catch sight of these gentle, but huge beasts, and many of them manage to do so virtually face-to-face. We’ve come up with a list of the best places along the Cape to sight whales ... more information
Cape Whale Coast
Where: Western Cape
The coming of whales to the Whale Coast, every year between June and November, not only creates a stir, but brings to our shores a large, intelligent and remarkable giant of the sea and the only mammal to have adapted to life in the open oceans ... more information
South Africa Outdoor Activities
Featured Whale Watching Destinations
Whale Watching in St Lucia
Where: St Lucia
How much (per person): On Request
Go on an adventure with renowned skipper Danie Bennett, who together with his qualified crew has a treasure-house full of knowledge about Whales ... more information
Hermanus Whale Tour
Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): On Request
This full day tour is only available when the whales visit our shores, from July through to November. Whale watching from the cliff-tops in the ... more information
Whale Watching on the False Bay Coast
Where: Simons Town
How much (per person): On Request
Simon's Town Boat Company is the sole permit holder for boat based whale watching for the western half of False Bay - stretching from Strandfontein ... more information

Best Places for Whale Watching in Western Cape
Where: Western Cape
Countless visitors to South Africa come to our shores to catch sight of these gentle, but huge beasts, and many of them manage to do so virtually face-to-face. We’ve come up with a list of the best places along the Cape to sight whales ... more information

Cape Whale Coast
Where: Western Cape
The coming of whales to the Whale Coast, every year between June and November, not only creates a stir, but brings to our shores a large, intelligent and remarkable giant of the sea and the only mammal to have adapted to life in the open oceans ... more information
Featured Whale Watching Destinations
Whale Watching in St Lucia
Where: St Lucia
How much (per person): On Request
Go on an adventure with renowned skipper Danie Bennett, who together with his qualified crew has a treasure-house full of knowledge about Whales ... more information

Whale Watching in St Lucia
Where: St Lucia
How much (per person): On Request
Go on an adventure with renowned skipper Danie Bennett, who together with his qualified crew has a treasure-house full of knowledge about Whales ... more information

Hermanus Whale Tour
Where: Hermanus
How much (per person): On Request
This full day tour is only available when the whales visit our shores, from July through to November. Whale watching from the cliff-tops in the ... more information

Whale Watching on the False Bay Coast
Where: Simons Town
How much (per person): On Request
Simon's Town Boat Company is the sole permit holder for boat based whale watching for the western half of False Bay - stretching from Strandfontein ... more information
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