Whale observing in South Africa ranks among the finest globally. From June to November, large gatherings of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) arrive along the southern coast of South Africa to mate and bear young. The coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape serves as the epicenter for this whale activity. Whale watching in Hermanus is 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 consume krill.
In winter (early June through November), they traverse the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. This period is ideal for visiting Hermanus, coinciding with peak whale-watching season.
In Hermanus, whale bulls arrive in June, soon followed by the females. They mate within these months in the coastal waters of the South African Cape. The last arrivals are the pregnant females, who will also be the final ones to depart, this time accompanied by their calves. Only when the newborns have gained sufficient strength will they navigate back to Antarctic waters, where they’ll feed on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.
One of the prime locations to observe southern right whales along the South African coast is the quaint town of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay. You can sit on the cliffs at the town center and witness this remarkable display (some of the finest land-based whale viewing!) or join a whale watching boat tour to learn more about whale behavior.
Observe whales as they court, frolic, and relax in Walker Bay. Noteworthy behaviors include spy-hopping (raising their heads straight up out of the water to survey their surroundings), lobtailing (slapping the water with their tails), and possibly even a full breach (launching their entire bodies clear out of the water!). If you’re exceptionally fortunate, you might even see a whale giving birth.
Hermanus may indeed be the premier shore-based whale-watching destination on the planet.
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa during whale season, Hermanus is essential.
This small coastal town is merely a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, and the journey to Hermanus can easily be accomplished in a one or two-day trip from there. The coastal drive is so stunning that we recommend spreading the trip over two days, allowing for stops to explore beaches, visit the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and enjoy the charming food trucks along the road next to False Bay with breathtaking ocean views.
For those pressed for time, a day tour from Cape Town is an excellent choice (see below).
Other wildlife you might encounter during your whale-watching excursion
Southern right whales aren’t the only species you can observe in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales also frequent the area, along with local marine life such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a wide variety of seabirds, including the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. You might even spot orcas, which have become more prevalent along the South African coast in recent years. Be sure to look along the rocky shore for Clawless Cape otters as they forage in the kelp.
How to distinguish between Southern right whales and humpback whales
It’s quite simple to differentiate between these two whale species.
Southern right whales feature callosities on their backs (the rough, bulging, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white belly. Additionally, southern right whales lack a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales, on the other hand, possess 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 enough to witness one of them! These white calves aren’t considered albino whales (unlike the famous Migaloo in Australia) and they darken as they mature. This white coloration is known as grey morphism, not albinism.
Types of whale watching tours from Hermanus
Most whale watching excursions globally are boat-based, as you typically need to venture offshore to locate whales. However, in certain locations, whales come so close to shore that you can even feel the mist from their blowholes from land! Hermanus is one of these lucky places, which is why whale watching here is so exceptional.
For this reason, in Hermanus, you can participate in either land-based or boat-based whale-watching tours.
Watching whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Great news for those prone to seasickness! You can view whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale observing in South Africa is not uncommon. You can spot them from False Bay, from