Whale observation in South Africa ranks among the finest globally. From June to November, large groups of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) make their way to the south coast of South Africa to mate and give birth. The coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape serves as the epicenter for this whale activity. Observing whales 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 visit the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. This season is the ideal time to visit Hermanus, coinciding with peak whale-watching.
In Hermanus, male whales arrive in June, swiftly followed by the females. They will engage in mating during these months in the coastal waters of the South African Cape. The last to arrive are the pregnant females, and they will be the last to depart, this time with their calves. Only when the young ones are robust enough will they return to the Antarctic waters to feed on krill: tiny, free-floating crustaceans.
One of the prime locations to observe southern right whales along the South African coastline is the quaint town of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay, where you can perch on the cliffs near the town center and experience this incredible spectacle (offering some of the finest land-based whale-watching!) or join a whale-watching boat tour where you can learn about whale behaviors.
Observe whales as they court, frolic, and relax in Walker Bay. You may witness intriguing behaviors like spy-hopping (lifting their head out of the water to survey their surroundings), lobtailing (slapping the water with their tail), and potentially a full breach (leaping entirely out of the water!) If fortune smiles on you, you might even see a whale giving birth.
Hermanus could very well be the premier shore-based whale-watching destination on Earth.
If you happen to be in South Africa during whale season, Hermanus is essential.
This small coastal town is just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, making it feasible to complete the trip to Hermanus in one or two days. The coastal route is too stunning to rush, so we recommend taking a two-day trip and stopping along the way to explore beaches, visit the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and enjoy the charming food trucks lined along the road next to False Bay that offer breathtaking ocean views.
For those pressed for time, a day tour from Cape Town is an excellent option (details below).
Other wildlife you might encounter during your whale-watching excursion
Southern right whales aren’t the only species you can spot in Hermanus. Humpback and Bryde’s whales also frequent the area, along with other local marine life such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a diverse array of marine birds, including the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. You may even catch a glimpse of orcas that have been appearing more frequently along the South African coast in recent years. Be sure to scan the rocky shoreline for Clawless Cape otters foraging among the kelp.
How to differentiate between Southern right whales and humpback whales
Distinguishing these two whale species is relatively simple.
Southern right whales feature callosities on their backs (the textured, protruding, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white belly. They also lack a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales possess a small dorsal fin and elongated pectoral fins.
Are there any white whales?
YES! 5% of Southern Right whales are born white! We were fortunate enough to see one! These white calves are not albino (unlike the famous Migaloo in Australia), and they darken as they mature. This white coloration is termed grey morphism, not albinism.
Types of whale watching tours from Hermanus
Most whale watching excursions offered around the world are boat-based, as you generally need to venture offshore to encounter whales. However, in certain locations, the whales come so close to the shore that you can even feel the mist from their blowholes while on land! Hermanus is one of these locations. This is what makes whale watching in Hermanus exceptional.
Thus, you can choose between a land-based or boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Observing whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Great news for those prone to seasickness! You can see whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching in South Africa is not uncommon. You can observe them from False Bay, from