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WHALE WATCHING
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  Whale watching in South Africa: Every year, these
beautiful gentle giants congregate to our shores to mate and calve. South Africa has got to be one of
the most incredible destinations in the world for watching marine mammals. In early June,
southern right whales leave their Antarctic feeding ground to frolic in the warmer waters
of the Western Cape
coast. Here they mate, calve and generally hang out, occasionally flopping a tail up, or
sticking their heads out of the water, much to the delight of onlookers. They are a true
marvel to behold.
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 is
one of the finest places for South African whale watching. It is home of the Southern
Right Whale which is named as such because it was considered to be the 'right' whale to
catch. Whether it is the calm waters or their well-documented curiosity that brings them
closer in, whales often come within a few meters of the shore. 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 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! |
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| Cape Whale Coast:
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 ... |
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| African Ramble Air Charter: A dedicated whale watching flight concentrates on a unique aerial
encounter of these ocean giants who visit our shores to breed and calve! Fly in a four
seater Piper Tripacer, the high wing configuration of which makes it ideally suited for
whale watching flights. |
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South
Africa is a very large and extraordinarily varied land, offering almost unlimited
opportunities for adventure activities of all sorts. You will be spoilt for choice when
looking for activities and leisure pursuits. All nine of South Africa's ... more » |
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