Seize a front-row seat to one among nature’s most awe-inspiring exhibits as Southern proper whales arrive alongside the Cape’s shores from June till November. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of breaching, fluking, spouting, and spyhopping, both from designating whale-watching places or throughout a ship tour.
Right here’s what you might want to learn about whale watching in Cape City:
What You Can Count on to See
Of the whale species seen within the waters across the Cape, Southern proper whales are the most typical. Nonetheless, you may also get an opportunity to see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales. Lengthy earlier than they grew to become a protected species in 1935, Southern proper whales have been thought of the ‘proper whales’ to hunt due to their gradual swimming speeds and the truth that their carcasses float. Lately, their inhabitants has grown once more, they usually’re widespread to identify off the coast of Cape City.
Southern proper whales could be distinguished by the callosities (tough patches of pores and skin lined in barnacles) on their heads in addition to their lengthy arching mouths and attribute double blowholes. They common 15m in size and might weigh a whopping 60 tons! The whales migrate yearly from Antarctica to the coast round Cape City to calve their offspring. They often arrive in June and keep till November.
Humpback whales, with their apparent humps, knobbly heads, and lengthy pectoral fins, can be seen in Cape waters throughout their migration from the polar areas to Mozambique and Madagascar the place they breed and provides delivery. You might be probably to catch a glimpse of them between Might and November. They’re additionally a pleasant species and might typically be seen interacting with southern proper whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Though they’re the one species of whale that’s current in South African waters all 12 months spherical, Bryde’s whales could be difficult to identify as a result of they have an inclination to dive for lengthy durations of time earlier than resurfacing solely briefly. You might be probably to identify these shy whales between the West Coast and Port Elizabeth. Look out for a big, modern, darkish gray physique with white on the underside, and three ridges close to the blowhole.
Greatest Locations to Watch the Whales
False Bay
False Bay is one of the best place closest to town for whale watching. Go for the upper vantage factors alongside the False Bay shoreline resembling Cape Level, Boyes Drive between St James and Kalk Bay, and Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els. Throughout the whale-watching season, you may even be fortunate sufficient to identify them up shut in the event you take the prepare journey from Muizenberg to Simon’s City.
Hermanus
Rated as one of many high 12 whale-watching places on the planet by the World Wildlife Fund, Hermanus gives some wonderful land-based viewing alternatives as a result of the whales usually come inside metres of the shoreline. There are viewing terraces on the Outdated Harbour, and Gearings Level is a well-liked spot. Throughout the whale watching season, a Whale Crier alerts watchers to whales by blowing on a kelp horn. To totally immerse your self within the whale expertise, go to Hermanus through the first week of October when the seaside city hosts an annual Hermanus Whale Pageant from October 3-5, 2025.
The West Coast
This lovely stretch of shoreline supplies loads of alternatives to identify whales. There are a lot of small, coastal cities alongside this stretch which are havens for fishing, mountaineering, and journey sports activities. Throughout the spring flower season, they’re additionally lined in carpets of Namaqualand wildflowers which are an attraction. Strive Langebaan, Paternoster, Lambert’s Bay or Yzerfontein for a novel whale-watching expertise away from the crowds.
Gansbaai
Recognized for its sharks and is without doubt one of the finest locations within the Cape to attempt shark-cage diving, at Gansbaai, you can even take pleasure in whale watching.
Cape Agulhas
As much as 50 pairs of southern proper cows and calves have been recognized to frolic in Cape Agulhas.
The Whale Path
The Whale Path takes you thru one of many Western Cape’s most unusual and numerous nature reserves. The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with 5 in a single day stops (hikers spend the primary evening at Potberg earlier than beginning the path). De Hoop can also be world-
famend as top-of-the-line land-based whale-watching locations. The shoreline is reworked as southern proper whales migrate right here to breed and take care of their younger. The route is strenuous, various in depth.
Getting Up Shut and Private
Whereas the Cape shoreline gives many unbelievable land-based viewing alternatives, it’s a completely totally different expertise to get shut to those magnificent creatures within the ocean.
Marine Dynamics
Set out on an ocean journey and discover the unbelievable Dyer Island ecosystem with Marine Dynamics. Working all 12 months spherical, this marine safari introduces you to the legendary Marine Large 5: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and the endangered African penguin. Relying on the season, you’ll encounter totally different whale species. Spot Humpback and Bryde’s whales from January to Might, and the Southern Proper Whales from June to December. The 2-and-a-half-hour guided journey gives a novel, close-up take a look at marine life in one of many world’s richest ocean environments.
Web site: www.whalewatchsa.com
Simons City Boat Firm
Get able to encounter majestic whales and playful dolphins on this unforgettable tour- and if luck is in your facet, you may even spot the ocean’s giants, the Killer Whales! Visitors take pleasure in a uncommon probability to rise up shut to those unbelievable creatures of their pure dwelling, all whereas being guided by pleasant consultants who share fascinating tales and insights about marine life and whale conduct.
Excursions depart day by day from Simon’s City at 10:30am and 2pm.
Web site: www.boatcompany.co.za
