Whale Watching in South Africa: A Complete Guide
The majestic beauty of whales has captivated countless hearts. Yet, no description, no matter how imaginative, can convey the significance and sheer wonder of observing these colossal sea creatures in their native habitat. Every year, the world’s largest marine animals embark on an incredible journey from the icy Antarctic waters to the temperate and tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. In this Whale-Watching in South Africa guide, I delve into the best Whale-watching destinations and the species you can expect to see. Also, the best time for whale watching in each region, along with all the unique factors that make Whale watching in South Africa exceptional. South Africa, one of the world’s 10 prime whale-watching destinations, boasts opportunities to view these magnificent creatures in their natural environment from the Western Cape to the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Whales of South Africa
Whales are crucial components of global marine ecosystems, where they play a vital role in the intricate marine food web. They also help to regulate the population of aquatic organisms such as krill, preventing overgrowth that could disrupt the balance of other species sharing their ocean habitat. Whales are classified as cetaceans because, as marine mammals, they have adapted several characteristics to thrive full-time in their environment. Whales are fully aquatic placental marine mammals.
Distinct Cetaceans in South Africa
Cetaceans (pronounced si-ˈtā-shən) are highly intelligent marine mammals with distinct characteristics. They vary in size, from the smallest Hector’s dolphin, 39 inches long, to the most enormous animal in the world, the Blue Whale. The name is derived from the Latin word “Cetus,” which means “a large sea animal,” and the Greek word “ketos,” which means “sea monster.”
About Cetacea
Characteristics: With hardly any hair, they have horizontally flattened tails (flukes) and paddle-shaped fins (forelimbs), although some have boneless dorsal fins on the back.
Cetaceans are categorized into two suborders:
Baleen whales, or Mysticetes, have two blowholes, broad baleen plates, and distinct longitudinal furrows on the throat. Rorqual (Balaenopteridae) is easily recognized for its large size, small head, short and broad baleen plates, and distinct longitudinal furrows on the throat. Also known as whalebone whales, these include the Blue Whale, the humpback-, and minke whales.
Toothed whales, or Odontoceti, or odontocetes have one blowhole and teeth. They include Sperm Whales, Beaked Whales, Killer Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises.
South Africa Whale History
Commercial whaling in South Africa gained momentum in the 19th century and ended in 1975. John Bryde started the Saldanha Bay operation after whales in the waters around Greenland vanished. By the mid-1960s, South Africa had depleted its fin whale population, causing the closure of several land stations. Whale hunting in South Africa has likely ended for good.
Endangered Whales
Although Conservation efforts were implemented, they only succeeded in some countries. “Commercial whaling was banned in 1986 under the IWC’s moratorium. However, Iceland and Norway lodged objections to the IWC moratorium and continued a commercial hunt. Japan and Iceland have also continued to hunt whales under the guise of “scientific whaling”.
Since the 1986 IWC moratorium, over 30,000 whales have been hunted, and there are concerns about the impact of commercial fishing, gill nets, and pollution on coastal dolphin populations. South Africa had depleted its fin whale, sperm whale, and sei whale populations, leading it to start hunting the Minke whales. In 1979, South Africa banned whaling in its waters. Currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, they are found in deep open oceans across the globe, with some sightings reported in South Africa as per the Whale Watching Handbook. Some other critically endangered species include the Sei, Blue, and North Atlantic Right whales, while the sperm whale and the fin whale are categorized as vulnerable species.
Whales and dolphins’ differences
Whales and dolphins have similar communication patterns and teach each other hunting techniques. Dolphins have advanced skills and use unique whistles, known as signature whistles, to call each other, similar to how we use nicknames. They also show signs of mourning and help injured whales or get attention from a female. Modern whales differ from most other mammals in several ways and lack external hind limbs and have their forelimbs transformed into flippers.
They also possess extra vertebrae in their trunk and back and flukes on their tails that aid in swimming. Also, their nostrils are at or near the top of their heads. Whales and dolphins are both known for their impressive vocal abilities. Dolphins can produce clicks, whistles, and pulsed sounds that can reach volumes of up to 220 decibels. On the other hand, sperm whales can produce echolocation clicks measured at around 230 decibels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dolphins whales? Yes, or no? Dolphins and whales belong to the Cetacean order and share mammalian traits such as warm blood, hair, and lung-based breathing. Physical similarities include flukes on their tails and streamlined bodies.
- What is the most common whale in South Africa? According to Oceans Africa, Minke whales are the most abundant.
- Do whales mourn their dead? Yes
- Humpback whales have been observed emitting sounds that resemble crying and exhibiting behaviours that indicate they mourn when a companion is stranded or deceased.
- Another emotional instance was a Killer whale that was seen tenderly pushing and nudging its dead calf for up to six hours.
- How fast do blue whales swim? With a comfortable cruising speed of 5 mph (8 kph), they are capable of reaching an impressive top speed of 20 mph (32 kph) when the situation demands it.
This is beyond the point but very interesting. Did you know? Whale sharks are cartilaginous and have tiny teeth (dermal denticles) on their eyeballs.
Whale Fun Facts
What is Whale Tail sailing?
Whales sometimes lift their tails out of the water for long periods. Although the reason is undetermined, a few theories exist. Some experts think whales probably do this to catch the wind to cool down while others say they might be busy feeding.
What is Whale Lob Tailing?
Lobtailing is when a whale or dolphin lifts its flukes from the water, bringing them down with a slapping noise.
What to expect on a whale safari in South Africa
On your Whale-Watching expedition in South African waters, the most commonly observed cetaceans are the Southern right whale, the Humpback whale, and Bryde’s whale. South Africa Whale species you can encounter are Minke Whales and Blue Whales. Furthermore, the prominent Killer Whales (Orcinus Orca), Heaviside’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, African Penguins, Cape fur seals, Cape gannets, and various bird species.
Which whale species can you see in South Africa?
There are many fascinating facts about whales in South Africa. Let’s explore each beautiful creature’s unique characteristics and whale personality traits.
Best time to go whale watching in South Africa
Whales can be seen as early as April, although the optimal window for witnessing the majestic whales is between June and November. This period marks the annual migration of humpback, Bryde’s, and Southern right whales from the frigid Antarctic waters to the temperate South African coast for their breeding rituals. Although Hermanus is known as the Whale Capital of the country, this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon can be observed from several coastal towns along the South African coastline.
best places to see whales in South Africa
The Cape Whale Route
For the best whale-watching around Cape Town in 2024, journey along the Overstrand Whale Coast, which stretches from the seaside village of Rooiels to Quoin Point in the Western Cape. Quoin Point is the outereastern point of the Danger Point Peninsula area and the second-most southern tip of the African continent.
Hermanus and the Cape Whale Coast in the Western Cape are known as some of the best places in the world for whale watching. Yet, beyond the thrill of whale watching, the Overberg region offers various remarkable experiences. In addition, picturesque villages are nestled around the delightful towns of Hermanus, Pringle Bay, Stanford, and Gansbaai, as indicated on the Cape Whale Coast map (inc. Hermanus map). These maps will be quite helpful during your whale-watching adventure in South Africa.
Hermanus Whale watching experience with Southern Right Charters in Hermanus. For prices and bookings for this everlasting experience, visit Southern Charters Whale and Dolphin Watching experience.
Whale Watching Hermanus
Cape Town to Hermanus, the crown jewel of the Cape Whale Route, is about a 90-minute drive. The picturesque Hermanus was once a fishing village and is now the world’s top whale-watching site.
In the coastal town, the Hermanus Whale Crier blows the Kelp horn to announce the whereabouts of the majestic creatures. You can read more about this ancient tradition, by visiting the Hermanus Whale Crier.
Whale watching hermanus season
The best time to watch whales in the Western Cape is from August and October. Witness their mesmerizing displays, blowing, breaching, and belly-flopping. Or go Shark Cage Diving from Gansbaai, or Shark Cage diving Viewing only.
Hermanus Whale watching sights
The Best Whale watching spots in Hermanus:
- Walker Beach, with spectacular cliffs and unparalleled views, the Walker Bay Nature Reserve are famous for Whale watching.
- Voëlklip and Grotto beaches.
- Gearing’s Point views at the Old Harbour.
- Dreunkrans towards the New Harbour.
- Siever’s Point with comfortable benches.
Gansbaai Whale Watching
The fishing village of Gansbaai is home to the marine Big Five: great white sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins. Making Gansbaai one of the best whale-watching destinations.
- De Kelders is a Coastal Village between Gansbaai and Hermanus, adjunct to the Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
- Klipgat Cave in De Kelders.
- From the Klipgat hiking trail.
- Kleinbaai Harbour boat-based tour (Van Dyks Bay).
- Boat based Whale watching from Hermanus.
- Shark Cage Diving from Gansbaai.
The Danger Point Lighthouse
Kleinbaai is located on the Danger Point Peninsula, 6 km from Gansbaai. Top spots in the area include De Kelders, Pearly Beach, Die Plaat Beach in Walker Bay Nature Reserve, and the Gansbaai peninsula.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a 2km hiking trail along a stunning cliff path along the Hermanus coastline, from Grotto Beach to the New Harbour. In season, there is also sea, bird, and whale watching. Brochures on the reserve can be obtained from the Fernkloof Nature Reserve visitors centre. Check out this amazing Hermanus Whale watching and Wine tour.
Other places to see whales in South Africa
False Bay, Cape Town
Cape Town Whale watching is from January to May, when you may encounter humpback and Bryde’s whales, and for the majestic Southern Right Whales, it’s June to December.
Cape Town’s coastline, known as “Whale Central,” offers excellent whale-watching spots with a rich history. Between 1806 and 1935, False Bay had thriving whaling stations, now replaced by whale-viewing points.
Top spots include Boyes Drive, St James, Kalk Bay, Clovelly Corner, Jager’s Walk, and the coastal road from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town. For a more exciting experience, book a Kayak excursion or whale-watching boat trip.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Whale-watching experiences from Hermanus: Head further east to Overberg Southern Cape De Hoop Nature Reserve. The De Hoop Nature Reserve, with its whale trail and nearby St. Sebastian Bay, boasts the highest concentrations of southern right whale mother and calf.
Encompassing 34,000 hectares of unspoiled nature, the De Hoop in South Africa is a prime location for land-based Whale watching. The village is proud of the first whale-watching “tower” in the Cape, located at the Anchorage restaurant. Another attraction is the beautiful Witsand Nature Reserve, part of the De Hoop Reserve, which offers five hiking trails and water sports. For more on whale gestation, visit Witsand Tourism.
whale viewing at Witsand
Witsand became well-known in the 1990s because of the southern right whales, particularly in San Sebastian Bay, known as the “Whale Nursery” of South Africa.
These magnificent creatures visit our shores between June and November to mate and give birth. At the San Sebastian Bay Whale Nursery, boat-based whale-watching is not allowed. However, land-based whale-watching can be enjoyed as close as 100 meters from the shore.
During spring, calving southern right whales can be seen swimming near the shore. Whales share mammalian traits such as warm blood, hair, and lung-based breathing. They also have physical similarities, such as flukes on their tails and streamlined bodies.
Garden Route Whale Watching
Whale-watching in Mossel Bay and on the Garden Route is best for southern right and Humpback whales from May to December. Bryde’s whales, Bottlenose dolphins, and humpback dolphins can be spotted year-round. Mossel Bay’s best whale-watching time is from late June to October.
Wilderness Whale watching
The stunning Wilderness in the heart of the Garden Route covers about 450km. The southern right Whale visits the Wilderness annually from June to November. Humpback whales migrate through the area in May and June as they travel up the coast to breed. These magnificent creatures are spotted annually between November to January when they return to the Antarctic waters.
Prepare for incredible sightings of these whales and enormous pods of bottlenose and humpback dolphins from land or boats. Keep an eye out for Bryde’s whales year-round, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Bryde’s Orca. Top Whale watching sites in Wilderness include Dolphin’s Point, Map of Africa Viewpoint, Wilderness Beach, Leentjiesklip, and Flat Rock.
Whale watching at Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay has a Whale Hotline in Whale season and is recognized as one of 10 Whale Heritage areas. The top spots for whale-watching in Plettenberg Bay are Robberg Peninsula, Beachy Head Drive, Signal Hill, Beacon Isle, and The Whale Tail Lookout Point, right down the beach.
In addition to a Boat-based whale-watching and Seal Island tour, there are other vantage points on land, complete with informative boards that provide fascinating insights into these incredible marine mammals.
Whale Season in Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay has a vibrant whale-watching scene, as Whales can be spotted almost every month.
The whale season typically runs from May to February, with southern right whales arriving between June and November. After that, humpback whales with their calves arrive November through February and return again between May and June.
Whale watching on the West Coast
Yzerfontein
Also called Ysterfontein, Yzerfontein is a small coastal town on the West Coast known for the longest beach in South Africa. Cape Town to Yzerfontein is about 85 km and just over an hour’s drive via the R27. During summertime, between December and April, Yzerfontein becomes a hub for observing majestic humpback and southern right whales. The 16-mile Yzerfontein beach stretches from the town to the West Coast National Park in the north and is famous among surfers for windsurfing and fishing.
If you have the guts to dare the freezing water, you can swim at Ysterfontein Beach. Besides the lovely ocean views, birds and wildflowers bloom with vibrant succulents and aloes during springtime (August and October). The Ysterfontein hiking trail is a popular 2 km hike that starts at the Yzerfontein beach and meanders along the coastline to the Yzerfontein harbour.
Schaapeneiland
In the mouth of the Langebaan lagoon lies Schaap Island, which forms part of the scenic Yzerfontein trail, also called the Schaap Eiland Trail. The popular 2 km hike has a beautiful seashell footpath and benches to sit and enjoy tranquillity.
Along the trail, you will encounter rocky outposts and several coves with unique names such as “spuitgat” and “duiwenes”.
The whitewashed Vishuis (Afrikaans for Fish house) dates back to the 19th century. What was once a fish storage place is now the Yzerfontein Tourism Office.
Meerots (Gull Rock) is a 13-metre-high rocky islet and a popular beacon that offers a safe perching spot for thousands of cormorants and gulls.
Local names along the Cape West Coast reflect the San and Khoi cultures and their traditional folklore.
Namaqua National Park
Discover the breathtaking Namaqua National Park, a serene natural paradise boasting unspoiled beaches, hidden coves, and a pristine backdrop for witnessing the awe-inspiring marine giants.
Within the Sanparks Western Cape National Park, you’ll find a meticulously preserved refuge for marine and terrestrial wildlife. This renowned area offers exceptional opportunities to spot humpback whales, Heaviside dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds, including striking black oystercatchers.
Namaqualand is equally celebrated for its vibrant wildflower displays during the spring season. Alongside its rich array of plant and animal species, the region is home to numerous bird species and wildlife characteristic of arid, western landscapes.
From August to September, majestic southern right whales exhibit impressive displays and breaches. Additionally, this period is the optimal time to arrive early and witness the awe-inspiring wildflowers in full bloom. Check out our magnificent road trip and Namaqualand Flower Tour.
Strandfontein Whale Watching South Africa
The picturesque seaside town of Strandfontein offers some of the best Whale viewing in South Africa. Its magnificent coastline, adorned with breathtaking cliffs and vast beaches, provides a serene setting for observing whales who visit its shores. Sandy Cliffs provides excellent viewing spots with benches.
Nestled between Strandfontein and Doringbaai lies the Wandering Whale Lybrinth. The Lybrinth’s winding paths are crafted from iridescent blue shells that lead to a stunning pink rose quartz. In addition to whale watching, Strandfontein is a popular place to visit during the Wildflower season.
Eastern Cape Whale Watching
Whale watching Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth, a port city on Algoa Bay, offers a great vantage point for witnessing these Whales in their natural habitat. From June to early January, the deep waters of East London and Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa become a playground for magnificent Humpback whales. These whales are often seen breaching, playing and showing off during this time. Besides Whale watching in Port Elizabeth, don’t forget about the popular Port Elizabeth Great White shark cage diving.
Whale watching on the Sunshine Coast
The spectacular Sunshine Coast offers fantastic opportunities to witness the annual humpback whale migration. Also, their picturesque Sunshine Coast beaches and rock pools filled with marine life is ideal for swimming and basking in the sun.
Top Sunshine Coast Seaside towns in the area are Kenton on Sea, Cannon Rocks, Cannon Rocks, Boknes, Jeffrey’s Bay, and Port Alfred and places you won’t want to miss.
Whale watching Sunshine Coast Season
To view the Whales on South Africa’s Sunshine Coast, the best time is early June to November. To swim with Whales season, the best time is July to mid-October.
Its irresistible charm, sun-kissed beaches, temperate waters, and idyllic seaside villages allow one to observe whales and dolphins frolicking. For an amazing experience, take a road trip along the Eastern Cape Coastline.
Whale watching on The Wild Coast
During May to July, the Wild Coast in South Africa offers an incredible opportunity to witness the majestic whales. This period also coincides with the annual Sardine run, where whales, dolphins, predators, and birds gather for a feast. The astonishing spectacle coincides with the annual migration of the biggest Shaol on earth. The remarkable natural phenomenon brings together whales, dolphins, predators, and birds for a magnificent feast during the sardine migration.
One of the most breathtaking sights is when whales engage in lunge feeding, an extreme feeding method where they accelerate from below a bait ball to a high velocity and then open their mouths to a large gape angle. Bait balls are a spherical formation made by a school of fish when threatened by larger predators like dolphins, sea lions, and bigger fish. This instinctual behaviour is a defence mechanism to protect the fish during the feeding frenzy.
In April, we spotted whales at St. Michaels on the Hibiscus Coast. Daily boat trips are available to Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, where you can experience diverse marine species, big game fish and sharks.
KwaZulu Natal Whale Watching
Whale watching South Coast KZN
The KZN South Coast is a prime location for both land and boat-based whale and dolphin viewing. Several viewing points are located on the Hibiscus Coast and the Upper South Coast.
When to find whales in KZN South Africa?
The best time to watch whales in KwaZulu Natal is between May and November when the giants arrive.
The Sardine Run is a spectacular event that occurs every year between June and July. During this time, huge schools of sardines migrate, attracting predators in the Indian Ocean.
Experience this mesmerizing spectacle through the link above. This phenomenon creates a frenzy of activity as whales, dolphins, sharks, and birds all dive in for a feast.
KwaZulu-Natal South Coast offers numerous locations for tourists to observe the awe-inspiring creatures.
KZN Whale watching sites
The entire Coast provides excellent viewing opportunities. Amongst them are on the Hibiscus Coast, the Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck, and the Ramsgate Whale Deck. On the upper South Coast, Impithi Beach Pennington, and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck. At Rocky Bay South Coast, we’ve seen whales daily from the beach and campsite.
In addition to whale viewing, visit the Top Things to Do article for the best places to visit and attractions, as well as things to do when you’re visiting the South Coast.
KwaZulu Natal North Coast
The best time for whale watching in St Lucia
Humpback Whales can be spotted from St. Lucia and Cape Vidal during the Whale Watching Season, which runs from June to the end of November. Whale-watching tours are available from St. Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetlands Park and are the perfect chance to see Southern Right whales, whale sharks, and dolphins. Most towns in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa have land-based, boat-based, and aerial whale-watching options. In addition to whale Watching, Dolphin, Shark Watching, and the Sardine Run.
Elephant Coast
The Elephant Coast KwaZulu Natal stretches from Lake St. Lucia to Kosi Bay and is the best place in South Africa for whale sightings. From June to early December, Humpback whales migrate to warmer waters.
For Whale Watching Outside South Africa, there are top locations where one can swim with Whales. Check out blogger Matt’s post about swimming with whales in Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Norway, Australia and Tonga.
View Article Sources
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Blue whale” Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Jan. 2023; and Facts About Blue Whales, Treehugger; and Wikipedia.
Thank you!
A very comprehensive study, it is well thought out and informative. Well done to the Author.
Thank you so very much I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the article.
well, I am dumb struck!! If this is not the ultimate why of observing our beautiful country, then I am the the Whale crier!!😅
After travelling with you, Johan&Mimmie, I am sure to share with people all the beauty of our own country!! Thank you so, so much, wonderfull insight!!
Hi Willie, thanks for taking the time to comment and the information provided, it is really appreciated. Also, it is good to know about the campsite in Hartenbos so I can add the info to improve the post. I assume they are not pet-friendly but will check that out.
Hi Mimmie
Your stories and travel experiences are always a treat to read.
I want to tell you a little about my Whale spotting experiences just to confirm your information.
For the last 6 years I have gone camping in the Hartenbos, Mosselbay area in the July school holidays, with the Voortrekkers and every year we see Whales in the waters in front of our campsites. Can’t specifically say which species but it is amazing to see these giants of the sea.
Keep up the good work of your Blog.
Regards
Willie van Zyl
Thank you, this was a really interesting read.
Wow amazing!
Very interesting, whales are such amazing animals.
Awesome content. Very informative .