Whale Watching Season in South Africa

Where can you see whales in South Africa?

Tucked behind the Kleinrivier mountains, above cascading cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, is the small Western Cape fishing town of Hermanus. Rated as one of the twelve best whale watching locations in the world, the Hermanus whale watching season is definitely a must when visiting South Africa. Whether staring down from the rugged coastal cliffs, looking out from your hotel window or sunbathing on the beach, chances are you will see a Southern Right Whale show off and launch itself out of the water or the flick of a Humpback Whale’s tail.

When does the Hermanus whale watching season start?

The Hermanus whale watching season is in full swing between the months of June and November. The calm bays and coves of the Southern Coast, in particular Walker bay, offer shelter to pods of whales that migrate from the icy waters of the Antarctic to calve, mate and raise their young. The Cape’s cold winter months bring the calving female whales, with the males following behind for the warmer months of spring.

Where to stay in Hermanus

Birkenhead House

With panoramic cliff top views over Walker Bay, Birkenhead House offers guests the opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants during the Hermanus whale watching season. While dining on the terrace or sipping your morning coffee, you may see pods of dolphins splashing around the coastline, hear the song of the Humpback Whale, or catch the spray from the blowhole of a Southern Right Whale. You can watch the whales down below from the comfort of your ocean view bedroom at Birkenhead House.

The Marine Hotel and Spa

Located on the famous Hermanus Cliff Path, The Marine Hotel looks over Walker Bay, home to calving Southern Right Whales for 6 months of the year. The hotel offers the unique experience of some of the best land-based whale watching in the world and guests are able to view the majestic creatures and their young from the comfort of their sea view bedroom.

Grootbos Forest Lodge

If you’re in search for more, you can make your way up the coast towards Gaansbaai to Grootbos Forest Lodge. Immersed in nature, enjoy 180 degree views of the eco-reserve and the bay from your private deck or walk along the cliffs to encounter pods of migrating whales swim within meters of the rugged coastline.

Other locations to pursue

Still can’t get enough? Travel up the coast to discover the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The reserve consists of 34000 hectares of Fynbos, white sandy beaches, sand dunes, wetlands and mountains and is a haven for cyclists and hikers alike. Feeling adventurous? Why not explore the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the 5 day Whale Trail. The trail includes coastal and mountain walking and offers plenty of opportunities for whale watching.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Located within the reserve is the Morukuru Beach Lodge. The 4 suites at Morukuru Beach Lodge are surrounded by fynbos dunes and limestone cliffs that look over the Indian Ocean. During the whaling season, Morukuru Beach Lodge offers guests views of the continents greatest whale nursery, when Southern Right Whales migrate to the shallow coastal basins of the Overberg to calve and raise their young.