Whale observation in South Africa ranks among the finest globally. From June to November, vast gatherings of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) migrate 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. The whale watching experience in Hermanus is unforgettable.
Southern right whale migration in South Africa
During the austral summer months (December to May), southern right whales inhabit the frigid polar areas of the Southern Hemisphere, where they feed on krill.
In winter (early June to November), they venture into the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. This period marks the prime time to visit Hermanus, coinciding with peak whale-watching season.
In Hermanus, whale bulls begin to arrive in June, soon followed by the females. They engage in mating throughout these months in the coastal waters of the South African Cape. The last to arrive are the pregnant females, who will also be the last to depart, this time accompanied by their calves. Once the newborns gain enough strength, they will return to the Antarctic waters, where they will nourish themselves on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.
One of the premier locations for observing southern right whales along the South African coast is the quaint town of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay. Here, you can sit atop the cliffs in the town center and witness this spectacular event (some of the finest land-based whale watching!) or embark on a whale-watching boat tour where you’ll gain insight into whale behavior.
Observe whales as they court, frolic, and relax in Walker Bay. You might see fascinating behaviors like spy-hopping (lifting their head straight up out of the water for a better view), lobtailing (slapping the water with their tails), and possibly even a complete breach (leaping their entire body out of the water!) If you’re exceptionally fortunate, you may witness a whale gives birth.
Hermanus might just be the leading shore-based whale-watching destination on Earth.
If you’re in South Africa during whale season, Hermanus is essential.
This small coastal location is just a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town, and the journey to Hermanus can be easily completed in either a day or two. The coastal route is too breathtaking to forgo stopping, so we recommend this trip take two days, allowing time to visit beaches, see the penguins in Betty’s Bay, and enjoy those charming food trucks alongside False Bay offering stunning ocean vistas.
For those pressed for time, a day trip from Cape Town is a fantastic alternative (see below).
Other wildlife you might spot during your whale-watching excursion
Southern right whales aren’t the only cetaceans you can find in Hermanus. Humpback and Bryde’s whales also frequent the region, alongside 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 may even catch sight of orcas, which have become more prevalent along the South African coast in recent years. Remember to look for Clawless Cape otters on the rocky shore as they forage through the kelp.
How to distinguish between Southern right whales and humpback whales
It is relatively straightforward to differentiate these two species.
Southern right whales feature callosities on their backs (the rough, bulging white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white underbelly. Additionally, southern right whales 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 spot one! These white calves are not albino (in contrast to the renowned Migaloo in Australia), and they darken as they mature. This condition, characterized by white coloring, is known as grey morphism, not albinism.
Types of whale watching tours from Hermanus
The majority of whale watching tours offered globally are boat-based, as typically, one must venture out offshore to find whales. However, in certain locations, whales come so close to shore that one can even feel the mist from their blowholes while on land! Hermanus is among these locations. This is what makes whale watching in Hermanus so extraordinary.
For this reason, you can choose between a land-based whale-watching tour or a boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Viewing whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Great news for those susceptible to seasickness! You can enjoy whale watching from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching is common in South Africa. You can spot them from False Bay, from