The Southern Right Whales come to the shores of the Cape Whale Coast from June till November each year to mate and calve in the shallow waters. There are also visiting Brydes all year round, and Humpback whales passing between June till November on their way to the warmer Mozambican waters.

The region has gained the reputation of offering the best land-based whale watching in the world because of the excellent viewpoints provided by the cliff path along Walker Bay. Kleinmond, Hermanus, De Kelders and Gansbaai also have fantastic land-based lookout points but in whale season you’ll even be able to spot whales while lying on the beach or eating breakfast on your coastal patio. There are many options available when visitors want to get a glimpse of the whales. A walk along the cliff path is one. Hermanus has the world’s one and only Whale Caller, who blows his kelp horn to announce whale sightings.

Boats go out from Hermanus, Kleinbaai and Gansbaai to give travellers an adventure on sea. The weather and tides play a role in the scheduling of trips and times should be checked with the operators. There are three permitted whale watching boats that leave Hermanus New Harbour for daily trips weather permitting. Please confirm prices with operators.

Every year Southern Right Whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June.
The coastal waters teem with the giant animals, mating, calving and rearing their young –
and giving whale-watchers spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics.