Whale watching in South Africa is among the greatest on the planet. Between June and November, enormous congregations of Southern Proper Whales (Eubalaena australis) arrive alongside the south coast of South Africa to mate and provides start. And the seaside city of Hermanus within the Western Cape is the hotspot for this whale exercise. Whale watching in Hermanus is an expertise you’ll always remember.
Watching whales of their pure habitat at Hermanus
Within the Austral summer season (December by means of Could), southern proper whales are within the chilly polar areas of the Southern Hemisphere the place they feed on krill.
In winter (early June by means of November) they go to the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. That is the very best time to go to Hermanus, throughout peak whale-watching season.
In Hermanus, whale bulls arrive in June, intently adopted by the females. They may mate throughout these months within the South African Cape coastal waters. The final Southern proper whales to reach in South Africa are the pregnant females, and so they’ll be the final to go away, this time with their calves in tow. Solely when the newborns are sturdy sufficient will they swim again to Antarctic waters, the place they’ll feed on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.
Whale and calf in Hermanus
The most effective locations to view southern proper whales alongside the South African coast is within the small city of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay, the place you may sit on the cliffs alongside the city middle and watch this wonderful spectacle (among the greatest land-based whale-watching!) or be a part of a whale watching boat tour the place you’ll find out about whale conduct.
Land-based whale watching at Hermanus
Watch whales as they courtroom, play, and sit back in Walker Bay. You possibly can see fascinating behaviors like spy-hopping (poking their head straight up out of the water to go searching), lobtailing (once they slap the water with their tail), and possibly even a full breach (once they launch their complete physique filter of the water!) In case you are extraordinarily fortunate, chances are you’ll even witness a whale start.
Hermanus could be the very best shore-based whale-watching vacation spot on the planet.
Whale lobtailing at Hermanus
*This text might include affiliate hyperlinks. We obtain a small fee at no further value to you.*
In case you are visiting South Africa throughout whale season, Hermanus is a should.
This small coastal city is simply a one and a half hour drive from Cape City and the journey to Hermanus can simply be executed on a one or two-day journey from there. The coastal drive is simply too beautiful to not cease so we suggest doing this journey in two days and stopping alongside the way in which to go to seashores, the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and people cute meals vans alongside the highway subsequent to False Bay which have unimaginable ocean views.
For many who don’t have a lot time, a day tour from Cape City is a good choice (see beneath).
Southern proper whales should not the one whale species you may see in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales are additionally discovered right here, in addition to different native marine life like widespread dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a big number of marine birds together with the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. It’s possible you’ll even catch a glimpse of the orcas who’ve grow to be extra widespread alongside the South African coast lately. Don’t overlook to scan the rocky shore for Clawless Cape otters as they forage among the many kelp.
Rock hyrax
It’s fairly simple to inform these two whales aside.
Southern proper whales have callosities on their backs (the tough, bulging, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white stomach. And southern proper whales don’t have a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales have a small dorsal fin and really lengthy pectoral fins.
Southern proper whales have callosities on their backs
YES! 5% of Southern Proper whales are born white! We had been fortunate sufficient to see considered one of them! These white calves should not albino whales (not like the tremendous well-known Migaloo in Australia), and so they flip darker as they age. This white-colored situation known as gray morphism and never albinism.
Many of the whale watching journeys supplied worldwide are boat-based as you usually need to journey out off the coast to search out whales. However in some locations, whales get so near shore that you may even really feel the mist of their blowholes from land! And Hermanus is considered one of them. This is the reason whale watching in Hermanus is so unimaginable.
For that reason, you may go on a land-based whale-watching tour or a boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Good news for all of those that get seasick! You possibly can watch whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching in South Africa just isn’t uncommon. You possibly can see them from False Bay, from De Hoop Nature Reserve, and right here in Hermanus. In Hermanus, whales come near land as they favor Walker Bay to socialize.
There are a number of factors alongside the Hermanus coast which might be prime land-based whale watching websites. The picture beneath was taken at Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar. Ensure you carry your binoculars to lunch with you because the gorgeous views might include one or two whale splashes!
Have lunch whereas whale watching © Bientang’s Cave
One of many coolest issues about visiting Hermanus throughout whale season is the Whale Crier. The Whale Crier is a person who alerts folks when whales have been sighted by blowing on a kelp horn alongside the cliff prime.
You possibly can stroll the 7.5-mile clifftop route to identify whales of their pure atmosphere. This isn’t the time to go away your binoculars on the lodge! There are instructional indicators alongside the cliff path. For a beautiful view of Hermanus Outdated Harbour, cease at Gearing’s Level.
You may also stroll to Hermanus New Harbour the place a humpback whale as soon as visited (see video beneath). That is very uncommon nevertheless it exhibits how shut humpback whales can get to Hermanus.
You possibly can merely stroll alongside the coast and attempt to spot whales by yourself or you may be a part of a land-based whale-watching tour. One tour takes you in an air-conditioned car to five to 7 totally different spots the place you may see whales from land. It additionally features a go to to the Whale Home Museum. You can book this Hermanus tour here.
Watching whales from land
As Hermanus is commonly thought-about the whale-watching capital of South Africa, it’s no shock there are many whale watching tour operators to select from. However keep in mind, whale-watching in Hermanus is fashionable so we suggest you e-book your outing forward of time to keep away from disappointment. Don’t fear, these excursions provide a assure that if there are not any whale sightings you’ve the selection to rebook freed from cost.
Hermanus whale watchers: Hop on a 36 seater, 15-meter catamaran, wheelchair accessible, youngsters pleasant, and outfitted with eco-friendly engines that reduce underwater noise. Gentle drinks and water are included within the outing. Comfy seating and an elevated deck mean you can get unobstructed views of the whales. Book your trip here.
Southern Right Charters: “Observing NOT disturbing” is the motto of Southern Proper Charters. Take pleasure in your whale watching journey in consolation from Southern Proper Charters’ purpose-built catamaran, particularly designed to reduce disturbance to marine life. Take pleasure in a snug boat journey with seating indoors and outdoor, a bar (no alcohol), and fashionable bogs make Southern Proper Charters an incredible selection. Book your trip here on Get Your Information or here on Viator.
For those who’re visiting Cape City and don’t have time to spend a number of days in Hermanus, you may be a part of a whale-watching day journey from Cape City. The journeys out of Cape City are usually 7-8 hours.
This Whale-Watching and winelands tour will take you to Hermanus out of your lodge. It features a whale watching journey, a go to to a wine property, and a go to to a wine farm to do some wine tasting and chocolate pairing. If in case you have youngsters, they’ll have some grape juice tasting!
This Whale watching, penguins, and wine-tasting tour begins with a lodge pickup. From right here, you’ll go to the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay. After this, you’ll drive to Hermanus the place you’ll watch whales from land. In your means again to Cape City you’ll cease at a coastal wine property to take pleasure in some wine tasting.
Subsequent time you go to South Africa, be certain that to not miss the whales at Hermanus!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the subject with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Journey For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Truly Wild, & Our Wild Yard.
Watching whales of their pure habitat at Hermanus
Southern proper whale migration in South Africa
Within the Austral summer season (December by means of Could), southern proper whales are within the chilly polar areas of the Southern Hemisphere the place they feed on krill.
In winter (early June by means of November) they go to the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. That is the very best time to go to Hermanus, throughout peak whale-watching season.
In Hermanus, whale bulls arrive in June, intently adopted by the females. They may mate throughout these months within the South African Cape coastal waters. The final Southern proper whales to reach in South Africa are the pregnant females, and so they’ll be the final to go away, this time with their calves in tow. Solely when the newborns are sturdy sufficient will they swim again to Antarctic waters, the place they’ll feed on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.
Whale and calf in Hermanus
The most effective locations to view southern proper whales alongside the South African coast is within the small city of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay, the place you may sit on the cliffs alongside the city middle and watch this wonderful spectacle (among the greatest land-based whale-watching!) or be a part of a whale watching boat tour the place you’ll find out about whale conduct.
Land-based whale watching at Hermanus
Watch whales as they courtroom, play, and sit back in Walker Bay. You possibly can see fascinating behaviors like spy-hopping (poking their head straight up out of the water to go searching), lobtailing (once they slap the water with their tail), and possibly even a full breach (once they launch their complete physique filter of the water!) In case you are extraordinarily fortunate, chances are you’ll even witness a whale start.
Hermanus could be the very best shore-based whale-watching vacation spot on the planet.
Whale lobtailing at Hermanus
*This text might include affiliate hyperlinks. We obtain a small fee at no further value to you.*
In case you are visiting South Africa throughout whale season, Hermanus is a should.
This small coastal city is simply a one and a half hour drive from Cape City and the journey to Hermanus can simply be executed on a one or two-day journey from there. The coastal drive is simply too beautiful to not cease so we suggest doing this journey in two days and stopping alongside the way in which to go to seashores, the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and people cute meals vans alongside the highway subsequent to False Bay which have unimaginable ocean views.
For many who don’t have a lot time, a day tour from Cape City is a good choice (see beneath).
Different wildlife you would possibly see throughout your whale-watching journey
Southern proper whales should not the one whale species you may see in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales are additionally discovered right here, in addition to different native marine life like widespread dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a big number of marine birds together with the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. It’s possible you’ll even catch a glimpse of the orcas who’ve grow to be extra widespread alongside the South African coast lately. Don’t overlook to scan the rocky shore for Clawless Cape otters as they forage among the many kelp.
Rock hyrax
Easy methods to inform the distinction between Southern proper whales and humpback whales
It’s fairly simple to inform these two whales aside.
Southern proper whales have callosities on their backs (the tough, bulging, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white stomach. And southern proper whales don’t have a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales have a small dorsal fin and really lengthy pectoral fins.
Southern proper whales have callosities on their backs
Are there any white whales?
YES! 5% of Southern Proper whales are born white! We had been fortunate sufficient to see considered one of them! These white calves should not albino whales (not like the tremendous well-known Migaloo in Australia), and so they flip darker as they age. This white-colored situation known as gray morphism and never albinism.
Varieties of whale watching excursions from Hermanus
Many of the whale watching journeys supplied worldwide are boat-based as you usually need to journey out off the coast to search out whales. However in some locations, whales get so near shore that you may even really feel the mist of their blowholes from land! And Hermanus is considered one of them. This is the reason whale watching in Hermanus is so unimaginable.
For that reason, you may go on a land-based whale-watching tour or a boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Watching whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Good news for all of those that get seasick! You possibly can watch whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching in South Africa just isn’t uncommon. You possibly can see them from False Bay, from De Hoop Nature Reserve, and right here in Hermanus. In Hermanus, whales come near land as they favor Walker Bay to socialize.
There are a number of factors alongside the Hermanus coast which might be prime land-based whale watching websites. The picture beneath was taken at Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar. Ensure you carry your binoculars to lunch with you because the gorgeous views might include one or two whale splashes!
Have lunch whereas whale watching © Bientang’s Cave
One of many coolest issues about visiting Hermanus throughout whale season is the Whale Crier. The Whale Crier is a person who alerts folks when whales have been sighted by blowing on a kelp horn alongside the cliff prime.
You possibly can stroll the 7.5-mile clifftop route to identify whales of their pure atmosphere. This isn’t the time to go away your binoculars on the lodge! There are instructional indicators alongside the cliff path. For a beautiful view of Hermanus Outdated Harbour, cease at Gearing’s Level.
You may also stroll to Hermanus New Harbour the place a humpback whale as soon as visited (see video beneath). That is very uncommon nevertheless it exhibits how shut humpback whales can get to Hermanus.
You possibly can merely stroll alongside the coast and attempt to spot whales by yourself or you may be a part of a land-based whale-watching tour. One tour takes you in an air-conditioned car to five to 7 totally different spots the place you may see whales from land. It additionally features a go to to the Whale Home Museum. You can book this Hermanus tour here.
Watching whales from land
Whale-watching excursions from Hermanus (boat-based)
As Hermanus is commonly thought-about the whale-watching capital of South Africa, it’s no shock there are many whale watching tour operators to select from. However keep in mind, whale-watching in Hermanus is fashionable so we suggest you e-book your outing forward of time to keep away from disappointment. Don’t fear, these excursions provide a assure that if there are not any whale sightings you’ve the selection to rebook freed from cost.
Hermanus whale watchers: Hop on a 36 seater, 15-meter catamaran, wheelchair accessible, youngsters pleasant, and outfitted with eco-friendly engines that reduce underwater noise. Gentle drinks and water are included within the outing. Comfy seating and an elevated deck mean you can get unobstructed views of the whales. Book your trip here.
Southern Right Charters: “Observing NOT disturbing” is the motto of Southern Proper Charters. Take pleasure in your whale watching journey in consolation from Southern Proper Charters’ purpose-built catamaran, particularly designed to reduce disturbance to marine life. Take pleasure in a snug boat journey with seating indoors and outdoor, a bar (no alcohol), and fashionable bogs make Southern Proper Charters an incredible selection. Book your trip here on Get Your Information or here on Viator.
Whale-watching day journeys from Cape City
For those who’re visiting Cape City and don’t have time to spend a number of days in Hermanus, you may be a part of a whale-watching day journey from Cape City. The journeys out of Cape City are usually 7-8 hours.
This Whale-Watching and winelands tour will take you to Hermanus out of your lodge. It features a whale watching journey, a go to to a wine property, and a go to to a wine farm to do some wine tasting and chocolate pairing. If in case you have youngsters, they’ll have some grape juice tasting!
This Whale watching, penguins, and wine-tasting tour begins with a lodge pickup. From right here, you’ll go to the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay. After this, you’ll drive to Hermanus the place you’ll watch whales from land. In your means again to Cape City you’ll cease at a coastal wine property to take pleasure in some wine tasting.
Subsequent time you go to South Africa, be certain that to not miss the whales at Hermanus!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the subject with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Journey For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Truly Wild, & Our Wild Yard.