Seize a front-row seat to one in every of nature’s most awe-inspiring reveals as Southern proper whales arrive alongside the Cape’s shores from June till November. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of breaching, fluking, spouting, and spyhopping, both from designating whale-watching areas or throughout a ship tour.
Right here’s what it is advisable to learn about whale watching in Cape City:
What You Can Anticipate to See
Of the whale species seen within the waters across the Cape, Southern proper whales are the commonest. Nevertheless, you may also get an opportunity to see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales. Lengthy earlier than they grew to become a protected species in 1935, Southern proper whales have been thought-about the ‘proper whales’ to hunt due to their gradual swimming speeds and the truth that their carcasses float. Nowadays, their inhabitants has grown once more, and so they’re frequent to identify off the coast of Cape City.
Southern proper whales could be distinguished by the callosities (tough patches of pores and skin coated in barnacles) on their heads in addition to their lengthy arching mouths and attribute double blowholes. They common 15m in size and may weigh a whopping 60 tons! The whales migrate yearly from Antarctica to the coast round Cape City to calve their offspring. They normally arrive in June and keep till November.
Humpback whales, with their apparent humps, knobbly heads, and lengthy pectoral fins, will also be seen in Cape waters throughout their migration from the polar areas to Mozambique and Madagascar the place they breed and provides start. You might be most probably to catch a glimpse of them between Could and November. They’re additionally a pleasant species and may typically be seen interacting with southern proper whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Though they’re the one species of whale that’s current in South African waters all 12 months spherical, Bryde’s whales could be tough to identify as a result of they have an inclination to dive for lengthy durations of time earlier than resurfacing solely briefly. You might be most probably to identify these shy whales between the West Coast and Port Elizabeth. Look out for a big, modern, darkish gray physique with white on the underside, and three ridges close to the blowhole.
Finest Locations to Watch the Whales
False Bay
False Bay is the most effective place closest to the town for whale watching. Go for the upper vantage factors alongside the False Bay shoreline corresponding to Cape Level, Boyes Drive between St James and Kalk Bay, and Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els. Throughout the whale-watching season, you may even be fortunate sufficient to identify them up shut should you take the practice journey from Muizenberg to Simon’s City.
Hermanus
Rated as one of many high 12 whale-watching areas on the planet by the World Wildlife Fund, Hermanus gives some superb land-based viewing alternatives as a result of the whales typically come inside metres of the shoreline. There are viewing terraces on the Previous Harbour, and Gearings Level is a well-liked spot. Throughout the whale watching season, a Whale Crier alerts watchers to whales by blowing on a kelp horn. To completely immerse your self within the whale expertise, go to Hermanus through the first week of October when the seaside city hosts an annual Hermanus Whale Competition from October 3-5, 2025.
The West Coast
This lovely stretch of shoreline supplies loads of alternatives to identify whales. There are various small, coastal cities alongside this stretch which can be havens for fishing, mountain climbing, and journey sports activities. Throughout the spring flower season, they’re additionally coated in carpets of Namaqualand wildflowers which can be an attraction. Strive Langebaan, Paternoster, Lambert’s Bay or Yzerfontein for a novel whale-watching expertise away from the crowds.
Gansbaai
Identified for its sharks and is likely one of the finest locations within the Cape to strive shark-cage diving, at Gansbaai, you can too get pleasure from whale watching.
Cape Agulhas
As much as 50 pairs of southern proper cows and calves have been identified to frolic in Cape Agulhas.
The Whale Path
The Whale Path takes you thru one of many Western Cape’s most unusual and various nature reserves. The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with 5 in a single day stops (hikers spend the primary evening at Potberg earlier than beginning the path). De Hoop can also be world-
famend as among the finest land-based whale-watching locations. The shoreline is remodeled as southern proper whales migrate right here to breed and take care of their younger. The route is strenuous, various in depth.
Getting Up Shut and Private
Whereas the Cape shoreline gives many incredible land-based viewing alternatives, it’s a wholly totally different expertise to get shut to those magnificent creatures within the ocean.
Marine Dynamics
Set out on an ocean journey and discover the unbelievable Dyer Island ecosystem with Marine Dynamics. Working all 12 months spherical, this marine safari introduces you to the legendary Marine Huge 5: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and the endangered African penguin. Relying on the season, you’ll encounter totally different whale species. Spot Humpback and Bryde’s whales from January to Could, and the Southern Proper Whales from June to December. The 2-and-a-half-hour guided journey gives a novel, close-up take a look at marine life in one of many world’s richest ocean environments.
Web site: www.whalewatchsa.com
Simons City Boat Firm
Get able to encounter majestic whales and playful dolphins on this unforgettable tour- and if luck is in your aspect, you may even spot the ocean’s giants, the Killer Whales! Company get pleasure from a uncommon likelihood to stand up shut to those unbelievable creatures of their pure house, all whereas being guided by pleasant consultants who share fascinating tales and insights about marine life and whale habits.
Excursions depart every day from Simon’s City at 10:30am and 2pm.
Web site: www.boatcompany.co.za
Associated Articles
The publish Whale Watching Round The Cape appeared first on Cape City Tourism.
