Have a whale of a time on a South African whale watching tour

For nature-lovers or adventure enthusiasts, trying a South African whale watching tour offers the unforgettable experience of seeing majestic Southern right whales up close and personal. Whale season in South Africa is during the months of June to early December. During this time, many whales come into the bays and coastal areas to breed and calve and can be seen from shore or from a boat or a plane.

While you will often get a brief sighting in many coastal areas within the city, the best whale watching can be enjoyed along the Whale Route, particularly in the town of Hermanus.

Some of the many things that you will learn on a Cape Whale Coast Route will include the following:

Learn about Southern right whales – these whales were given their name by whalers back in the Cape’s whaling industry years. The name implies that these huge whales were the best type of whale to hunt, due to their size and the amount of whale meat that each one provided. Commercial banning has been banned in almost every country for the past 20 years, but even today Southern right whales and many other whale species are listed as endangered, with only 3000 Southern right whales left in our oceans.

Watch fascinating whale behaviour – the sight of a massive ocean giant breaching out of the water is one you will never forget, and this is just one such behaviour you will see on your Whale Tour. Other behaviour you will see is sailing, which is when whales use their flukes to catch the wind. This is thought to be a form of play.

Dyer Island Cruises will take you on a boat trip to get a closer look at the Marine Big 5– those who wish to get close to these gentle giants can try a boat trip that takes you out as close as possible to whales that are seen further off-shore. You will also get the chance to enjoy beautiful coastal views, and other marine life such as Cape fur seals penguins, dolphins and sea birds.

Enjoy land-based whale watching – there are fantastic walkways and paths in Hermanus and the nearby De Kelders that offer the perfect place to view whales from the shore. Hermanus even boasts its own Whale Crier, who alerts spectators whenever there are whales in the bay.

Explore the towns of Gansbaai and Hermanus –with prime whale-watching opportunities, lots of natural attractions and activities to offer. There are nature reserves situated close by, along with warm beaches and many other pursuits.

Garden Route drives – another highlight on any whale route tour the long stretch of coastal road that comprises of the Garden Route and runs across many picturesque coastal towns, as far as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The views are magnificent, with endless stretches of ocean on one side and mountain on the other. This magical road trip adds the final touch to your Whale Route Tour.