Humans aren’t the only ones with a love for travel. Some of Earth’s greatest travellers don’t carry luggage—they carry legacy. Every year, Southern Right Whales journey thousands of kilometres from the icy sub-Antarctic to the warm, sheltered bays of the Western Cape. And like many returning holidaymakers, they come for rest, family, and a little romance.
Explore the Marine Big 5 in the Greater Dyer Island Area.
Located just two hours from Cape Town, Gansbaai is the heart of the Greater Dyer Island area—a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its Marine Big 5: whales, sharks, dolphins, Cape fur seals, and African penguins. No other destination offers such consistent sightings of all five species in one location.
Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours provides guests with the rare opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat—whether it’s a shark breaching the surface, a playful pod of dolphins, a penguin colony waddling along the island, or a seal colony basking on Geyser Rock. These experiences aren’t just thrilling; they form part of a bigger purpose—to protect and preserve South Africa’s marine ecosystems through responsible eco-tourism.
A Bumper Southern Right Whale Season Ahead
From June to December, these gentle giants migrate to the Overstrand, particularly the Gansbaai and Walker Bay area, to mate, give birth, and nurture their calves. Their arrival attracts thousands of local and international whale enthusiasts hoping to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. In 2025, we’re expecting a bumper whale season, and sightings are already being reported.
“We’ve spotted some early Southern Rights near De Kelders and even seen quite a few humpback whales from our whale watching vessels, Dreamcatcher and Whale Whisperer,” says Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. “It’s not unusual for them to start appearing from end of April and May—they’re likely moving south from their feeding grounds on the West Coast. This early activity bodes well for a fantastic season ahead.”
Southern Right Whales – The Stars of the Season
While Southern Right Whales are the headline species, the region is also home to Bryde’s Whales throughout the year, and Humpback Whales pass offshore between June and August.
Did you know?
• Southern Right Whales can grow up to 16 metres and weigh as much as 60 tonnes
• They have no dorsal fin and are recognised by their V-shaped blow and callosities (rough patches on the head)
• Calves are born from July to November, measuring 4.5 to 7.5 metres and weighing around one tonne
• Most cows calve every three years, though some take up to six or seven
• Sexual maturity occurs as early as six years, but most females calve at around ten
• White calves, though rare, are mostly male and seldom return with calves of their own
• Southern Right Whales may live up to 100 years
By the time whaling was banned in South Africa in 1935, their population had been decimated—reduced to fewer than 60 adult females. Their presence today is a testament to the importance of conservation—and that’s where Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust come in.
What began with a small inflatable boat and a love for the ocean has become an internationally awarded operation. Wilfred Chivell, described by many as the Neptune of South Africa’s marine eco-tourism, envisioned a model where eco-tourism directly funds conservation. With the founding of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust in 2006, that vision became reality.
Education and outreach are central to the Trust’s work. Through its programmes, the Trust connects with over 15,000 individuals annually, offering talks, beach clean-ups, and hands-on learning, through collaborations with Overstrand schools.
“We have to stop taking and start giving back,” says Chivell, a firm believer in sustainable tourism that uplifts both environment and community.
Join Us for Whale Season 2025
Kleinbaai is one of the best places in the world to see Southern Right Whales. Marine Dynamics operates custom-designed vessels—the Whale Whisperer and Dream Catcher—guided by marine biologists and seasoned eco-guides. You may even tick off the Marine Big 5: whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and African penguins.
Certified by Fair Trade Tourism, Marine Dynamics ensures that your visit makes a difference. Every ticket supports vital conservation, education, and local job creation.
Whale Watching Cruises | Marine Big 5 | Fair Trade Certified | Guided by Marine Biologists
Your Ocean Adventure Starts Here. Your Choice Makes a Difference.
Whale Festival Bonus – Transport from Hermanus Daily!
If you’re in Hermanus for the Whale Festival from 3 – 5 October 2025, don’t miss the chance to extend your experience. Marine Dynamics offers daily return transport from Hermanus to Gansbaai, making it easy to join a once-in-a-lifetime whale watching trip—even if you don’t have a car. We’ll take care of the transport; you focus on making unforgettable memories.
This festival celebrates the annual return of the Southern Right Whales to the shores of Hermanus and is a flagship event for the Overstrand, the Western Cape, and South Africa. It is internationally recognised as one of the top 20 “must-do” events in the country.
Now in its 33rd year, the Hermanus Whale Festival has grown from humble beginnings to attract between 75,000 and 130,000 visitors over a spectacular three-day period. With its prime coastal location and unique combination of land and marine biodiversity, it’s the only eco-marine festival of its kind in the world.
