Whale observation in South Africa ranks among the finest globally. From June to November, large groups of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) flock to the southern coast of South Africa for mating and birthing. The coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape serves as the epicenter for this whale activity. Whale watching in Hermanus promises an unforgettable experience.
Southern right whale migration in South Africa
During the Austral summer (December to May), southern right whales inhabit the frigid polar regions of the Southern Hemisphere, where they feed on krill.
In winter (early June to November), they journey to the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. This season is optimal for visiting Hermanus, coinciding with peak whale-watching.
In Hermanus, male whales arrive in June, shortly followed by females. They mate during these months in the coastal waters of the South African Cape. The last Southern right whales to reach South Africa are the pregnant females, and they’ll be the last to depart, this time accompanied by their calves. Only when the newborns gain enough strength will they venture back to Antarctic waters, where they will forage on krill: tiny, free-floating crustaceans.
One of the prime locations to observe southern right whales along the South African coast is in the quaint town of Hermanus, overlooking the deep expanse of Walker Bay. You can enjoy this spectacular display from the cliffs near the town center (offering some of the finest land-based whale-watching!) or participate in a whale watching boat tour where you’ll gain insights into whale behavior.
Observe whales as they court, frolic, and relax in Walker Bay. You’ll witness fascinating behaviors such as spy-hopping (raising their head straight out of the water to survey the surroundings), lobtailing (slapping the water with their tail), and perhaps even a full breach (when they propel their entire body out of the water!). With immense luck, you might even observe a whale giving birth.
Hermanus might very well be the ultimate shore-based whale-watching destination globally.
If you’re in South Africa during whale season, Hermanus is essential.
This petite coastal town is merely a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town, and the trip to Hermanus easily fits into a one or two-day excursion from there. The scenic coastal route is too beautiful to overlook, so we suggest taking two days for this journey, stopping along the way to explore beaches, visit the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and discover delightful food trucks along the road by False Bay that offer breathtaking ocean views.
For those with limited time, a day tour from Cape Town makes for an excellent choice (as detailed below).
Other wildlife you may encounter during your whale-watching trip
Southern right whales are not the sole whale species present in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales can also be found in the area, along with other local marine life such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a diverse range of marine birds including the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. You might even spot orcas, which have become increasingly common along the South African coast in recent years. Remember to check the rocky shoreline for Clawless Cape otters as they search for food among the kelp.
How to differentiate between Southern right whales and humpback whales
Identifying these two whale species is quite simple.
Southern right whales possess callosities on their backs (the rough, protruding white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white belly. Furthermore, southern right whales lack a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales feature a small dorsal fin and notably long pectoral fins.
Are there any white whales?
YES! 5% of Southern Right whales are born white! We were fortunate to spot one of them! These white calves are not albino whales (in contrast to the well-known Migaloo in Australia), and they darken as they mature. This white coloration is referred to as grey morphism, not albinism.
Types of whale watching tours from Hermanus
The majority of whale watching excursions worldwide are boat-based since typically, one must venture offshore to encounter whales. However, in certain areas, whales come so close to shore that you can even feel the mist from their blowholes from land! Hermanus is one of those places, which is why whale watching here is exceptional.
Thus, you can embark on either a land-based or a boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Watching whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Great news for those who experience seasickness! You can observe whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching in South Africa is not uncommon. You can spot them from False Bay, from