Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Cape point, at the very southwestern tip of the continent, also provides a range of perfect vantage points to experience this annual phenomenon. So bundle up, brave the cold, and make a plan to head out this winter. Whale watching in south africa travel guide audley travel. A cliff path stretching from one side of the town to the other, hugs the coastline for about 12 km giving whale watchers unlimited opportunities to study the gentle giants sometimes within 20m in the coves below or lolling just beyond the breakers. Dec 25, 2016 the best time for watching the southern right whale in south african waters is from june to november along the cape south coast, although some will already be as far north as kwazulunatal. We went to see the whales at the peak of south africas whale season. Most of the whales seen in the area are southern right whales although other less commonly seen whales. Capetourism has a collection of photos of the whales and great white sharks in false bay, cape town, south africa. Season the peak whale watching season along the south african coast is from july through october when the southern right whale is resident along the cape south coast and humpback whales frequent the waters off the elephant coast in kawzulu natal.
Set on the edge of the wine route, they are the perfect exclusive getaways from where you can explore cape town and the western cape. The best whalewatching spots in the cape the inside guide. There was a big swell on the day, as can be seen from the movement of the boat. The high cliffs of the western cape provide an ideal vantage point for the seasonal whale watching of southern right whales and the seaside town of hermanus holds its annual whale festival in september in celebration of all things cetacean. Whale season 2015 starts soon walker bay gansbaai whale.
Sep 28, 2009 whale in false bay, this video was taken from the balcony of the accommodation at a whale of a time by steve and kathy bowler. This includes the likes of wesgro, cape town tourism, overstrand municipality and sa tourism, amongst others. Lets say we forget the famous big 5 by land just for now and take a. Over a period of 3 days, this fishing village will once again bursts into life when thousands of visitors descend upon the town to join in the festivities of this popular event. With southern right whale sightings rising over the last three years, and individual numbers rising drastically over the last year, this season is almost certain to deliver once again. Pair that with the unparalleled surrounding natural beauty of this scenic, special country and you have an unforgettable experience lined up. Outlander cast members share updates on filming in sunny. Between may and december southern right whales come so close to the cape shoreline that visitors can watch whales from their hotels.
Whale watching and marine big 5 tours in south africa. Hermanus is an awesome seaside resort in walker bay one hour from cape town which offers the best whale viewing from land in the world. Whale views gordons bay cape town nestling at the foot of the beautiful hottentot holland mountains where they tumble into the sea at gordons bay, whaleviews offers two self catering apartments dolphins leap and dolphins rest. The marvelously pretty seaside town of hermanus is situated in the western cape of south africa a short drive of 90mins from cape town and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, majestic mountain ranges, award winning wine regions, wonderful wildlife species and incredible coastal scenery in the world. You can download the full version of the infographic as a pdf document for your. Peak calving season, and therefore viewing season, is during july and august. Cape town during the season many of the beaches and viewpoints provide whale watching opportunities.
Cape town whale watching whale viewing simons town. In cape town itself, you can see them from the road along the false bay coast, and theyre distinctly visible on the western seaboard if you get high enough on the scenic coastal victoria road. The three types of whales that are most often spotted in south africa are the southern right whale, the humpback whale and the bryde whale. Approximately an hour and a half away from cape town is the seaside town of hermanus. Best whale watching in south africa hermanus yellow. It can be reached by cable car and is good for a hiking trip.
Where to go dolphin and whale watching in cape town 12. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the garden route, tsitsikamma national park, and the transkei. Sep 05, 2012 whale watching in hermanus or simons town close to cape town. We leave cape town and drive along the picturesque clarens drive, a wellmaintained road that hugs the rugged coastline as it cuts through the steep kogelberg and hottentots holland mountains. Whale watching and marine wildlife tours dyer island cruises. During 2018, cape town and surrounds faced the imminent danger. We are so sorry that you missed your whale watching trip as you had a flight to catch from cape town as the boat was running late and this resulted in you not being able to go on your whale watching trip. Yes the big 5, table mountain, and a spectacular flower season, but this month we celebrate the whale season in south africa and the gentle giants of the sea as they grace our coastlines with their presence.
Annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and the presence of enormous pods of dolphins all yearround provide amazing viewing opportunities both from land and from boats. False bay, cape town s peninsula during the late 1800s and 1900s false bay and table bay had thriving whaling stations, there were so many whales in the bays. Whale watching in cape town bayview guest house and self. The tour offers you the best of both landbased and boatbased whale watching in the western cape. To fully immerse yourself in the whale experience, visit hermanus during the first week of october when the seaside town hosts an annual whale festivala celebration of all things cetacean.
As long ago as 1857, the old harbour at hermanus pietersfontein provided a rocky but safe shelter for the small fishing boats whose owners were drawn to hermanus by the abundance and variety of fish. Hermanus comes alive as it celebrates whale watching season 2016 the internationally renowned town of hermanus reels in tourists from around the country during august and september as the kalfiefees festival kicks in line with the hermanus food and wine festival. Whale watching season, boat trips in hermanus, south africa. If you want to experience south africas incredible marine wildlife for yourself, dont hesitate to get in touch. Any stay at the twelve apostles luxury hotel can be made even more. Whale watching tours south africa best whale watching in. Whether youre a wildlife enthusiast or just enjoying south africas natural wonders, we have something for you.
Cape town day tours offer boatbased whale watching trips from cape town, too, which after a scenic drive along false bay, depart from the coastal town of hermanus. Cape town central tourism cape town central hotels. If you are visiting cape town between july and november and want an exciting experience, book a boatbased whale watching trip departing from simons town. Private day transfers are available for this activity which provides a dedicated driver and vehicle to youyour group allows for an earlymorning collection in cape town, transfer to the shark cage diving site for the morning dive and thereafter transfer to the gansbaai harbour to join your whale watching vessel before being returned to your accommodation in cape town. South africas whale season is starting to take off and soon along the west coast you will spot whale pods as they wow spectators with their formidable presence mere metres off the coastline. During the whalewatching season, you might even be lucky enough to spot them close up if you take the train trip from muizenberg to simons town.
A popular holiday destination for tourists and locals alike, hermanus is hailed as offering the best land based whale watching in the world. Walvis whale bay offers incredible bird watching but is better known for its cape fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, endemic heaviside dolphins, and whales which can be seen during a cruise around the bay. Hermanus about two hours outside of cape town along the garden route, hermanus is famous for its whale watching. You can download the full, legible version of the infographic as a pdf document for your. Wedged between the mountain and the sea, the quaint hamlet of hermanus has been rated by the world wildlife fund wwf as one of the twelve best whale watching locations in the world, and it is often regarded as the heart of the whale route. Thousands of visitors drive to the seaside town to watch them frolic in the ocean, they are playful in nature and everyone is guaranteed a theatrical performance. You wont waste a moment, as your guide will point out attractions en route such as pringle bay and fernkloof nature reserve. The best time for watching the southern right whale in south african waters is from june to november along the cape south coast, although some will already be as far north as kwazulunatal. An infographic for whale watching in south africa get all. Make your way to south africas 2000km long whale coast for a privileged encounter with the largest mammals on earth.
There is something so magical about seeing these enormous creatures breaching, tailslapping. Cape point cape of good hope reserve r320 adults r160 kids under 11yrs safari park from r1940 kids under 11yrs half price 3 hour game drive located 3 hours from hermanus or cape town minibus transfers are a total of r5000 3 person cars are r3800 full 12 hour day activity. South africa is one of the top 10 locations worldwide for whale watching, with exceptional land and boatbased whale viewing from cape town and the garden route to the wild coast, richards bay and st lucia. Aug 27, 20 these southern right whales were filmed on a whale watching trip with simons town boat company in false bay.
Cape seaside village of hermanus, during their annual september whale. This whale watching tour is a full day, guided tour from cape town to hermanus. Here are some of our ideas for whale watching between august and november. The best time to enjoy whale watching in hermanus is between july and november either from land, by boat or from the air via a. Whale watching tours south africa best whale watching in sa. The west coast is not only esteemed for its seafood. Hermanus whale watching near cape town, gansbaai in south. In cape town, you can sometimes spot whales from along the road on the. With over 12kms worth of coastal hiking trails, elevated hills and quaint seaside restaurants, hermanus offers an unparalleled whale watching experience. Whale season 2015 starts soon walker bay gansbaai whale viewing south africa posted under. Hermanus celebrates whale watching season 2016 vineyard. A complete guide to where to see the whales during the whale season in south africa and what you.
We share news and blog articles from across our various wildlife tours and marine big 5 adventures. To find out where the whales are, you can call a special hotline or listen out for the town s whale crier, who blows a kelp horn to signal activity in the bay. Hermanus whale watching best close encounters, purpose. June to october may be the low season in cape town, but theres never any want for things to do. The best time for whale watching in south africa is from june until october, though whale watching season starts as early as may and lasts until november. The worlds 8 best destinations for whale watching and. July and august humpback and southern right whales mozambique. They visit each year between june to early december to mate, calve. Now that you understand a bit more about the whales, where are the best places to see them during whale season. Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on the 29th of september until the 1st of october 2017.
The surrounding waters remain deep close to shore, so migratory southern right whales, along with resident brydes whales, swim right into the bay, visible even from the beaches and. In cape town itself, you can see them from the road along the false bay. Peak calving season is july and august, but whales can be seen. Spend some time gazing out to see over walker bay and youre sure to spot a whale. Known to some as cape town s whale central, this coastline has some great whale watching spots and an important history behind them, too. Cape agulhas may not be as beautiful as the cape peninsula, nor boast quite the.
Just a 2 hour drive from cape town to the whale capital of the world hermanus, launching from gansbaai. Interesting activities in and around cape town and south africa. During the whale watching season, a whale crier alerts watchers to the presence of whales by blowing on a kelp horn. In south africa, whale watching is a waiting game with. Whale season in the western cape south africa travel blog. South africa is one of the top 10 locations worldwide for whale watching, with exceptional land and boatbased whale viewing from cape town and the garden route to the wild coast, richards bay and st lucia make your way to south africas 2000km long whale coast for a privileged encounter with the largest mammals on earth.
Whale watching in cape town cape town arguably has some of the best whale watching in the world. Here is our guide to getting the most out of the whale season in cape town. Winter in cape town is all about layering your clothing both thin and thick layers that you can peel off or put on. At any time of year, the cape peninsula is home to a bounty of marine mammals with plentiful opportunities to go dolphin and whale watching in cape town. Whale watching fish hoek, cape town, south africa youtube. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights. Table mountain in cape town is an icon of south africa and its over 2. And whilst seeing whales from a boat is incredibly exciting, its not for everyone, and there is some fantastic landbased whale watching as well, particularly in hermanus. The festival takes place between 2729 september, which is the peak of whale activity in the region. During the 1800s whaling was a way of life in the cape and sadly, between 1806 and 1935, false bay had several thriving whaling stations. Find the perfect whale watching cape town stock photo. Winter has come to walker bay, and with the cold, so too comes the start of whale season 2019. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa.
A whale of a season as southern right numbers rise. Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on the. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights, bryde. Set on walker bay just a couple of hours southeast of cape town, this small seaside town is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to see whales. Watch the worlds gentle giants of the deep frolic in waters of walker bay. South africa the best tips for whale watching in south. Outlander cast members share updates on filming in sunny sa photos the third season of outlander is currently being filmed in south africa and you have to see the gorgeous pics. While whale watching season usually falls between june and december, peak viewing often takes place between august and october, as the whales tend to calve during this period.
From july to november the southern right whale comes to breed in the bay near this seaside town, an easy and beautiful drive from cape town. Depart cape town via elgin, which is the heart of the apple industry, en route to hermanus, stopping at the old harbour museum. Walking to the car to begin the drive back to cape town, we passed a woman on the phone trying to score a whale fix. Whale watching hermanus 2020 all you need to know before. Timbavati and the sabi sands provide a great safari that guarantees immense game concentrations, especially of all the cats.
Brydes whales can be seen off the south african coast year round, albeit further out. So if youre visiting cape town during this season and are wondering what on earth to pack, the best idea is to take something for every season. It is illegal to approach within 300 metres of whales in any craft boat, kayak, aircraft and only a few legally permitted boat based whale watching operators in south africa may. This fishing town is one of the best places in the world for shorebased whale watching, ideal for those who prefer to stay on dry land. Inquisitive whales are known to come even closer, given the chance, or if they feel unthreatened. No need to worry about booking your own transport as hotel pickup and dropoff is included. Hermanus whale watching season runs from june to december however, these are wild animals and should the whales change their migration schedule arrive early and leave later we will adjust our schedule accordingly. The coastal area between cape town and the start of the garden route is every biologist, zoologist, hobby photographer or professional photographers paradise. Blog whale watching season in south africa hotspots2c. The only town in the world that has a whale crier, hermanus has someone on duty throughout whale season to sound a call when whales are in the bay. Whale watching in south africa cape whale coast youtube. Board dreamcatcher our 5 star, custombuilt whale watching vessel.
The water between these two spots is known as shark alley, with whale hotspots nearby, as well as pods of dolphins. Contrary to what many may think, whale watching in cape town can be pursued just around the corner from mother city. Aug 29, 2017 the western cape is one of the top whale watching destinations of the world rated number two by uks the telegraph, and we are particularly lucky to have some of the best spots not too far off from our capital of cape town where we can witness these glorious creatures amidst their annual migratory patterns. All you need to know about whale watching in south africa.
The season for whale watching along the east coast is expected to be between. From may to november, pods of whales migrate to warmer waters to mate, calve and rear their young. Whale season is an amazing time of year, when southern right whales come to breed and calve within the coastal waters and bays in the southern tip of africa. Main season is from may to october, there are halfday tours in the false bay or from gansbaai starting at about 150 dollars. Hermanus whale watching near cape town, gansbaai in south africa.
Accommodation gordons bay, cape town whale views luxury. There are dozens of locations along the coast in and around cape town to observe the whales, either from land or on the water. The most southern tip of africa is monopolised by the three towns of lagulhas. The whale route starts along the south of cape town and extends to durban, 1,200 plus miles of whale watching coastline. Whale season in south africa is between july and september. Whale watching in hermanus or simons town close to cape town. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa. Tooting the title of one of the best landbased whale watching spots in the world, our favourite contender is undoubtedly the sensational tiny town of hermanus, just 2 hours away from cape town. Take this opportunity to go whale watching from one of the best landbased viewing spots in the world, hermanus. Swap the hustle and bustle of cape town for a peaceful day of scenic views and a whale watching boat trip. Whale watching season in hermanus cape towns unique no. Cape town whale watching south africa whale watching. Whale watching in south africa is so popular that whales have joined the. Whale watching in the western cape south africa travel news.
Hermanus whale watching is renowned for the most prolific whale viewing experience in the world. You are also more likely to spot whales north of cape town, than in and around the city the west coast gets its fair share of the southern right whale, particularly at melkbosstrand, bok point, yzerfontein, the rocherpan nature reserve near dwarskersbos, lamberts bay and. We have chosen a few of our favourite activities that we believe will give you a wider appreciation and greater enjoyment of south africa. If you happen to find yourself in, or around cape town between june and november, do make sure to look out for whales. You will also enjoy a wine tasting at bouchard finlayson wine estate. Whale watching and marine wildlife tours at dyer island cruises, we pride ourselves on being able to cater to every taste and every age. It offers a great view over the city all the way down to the cape of good hope. Further south, the town of hermanus in walker bay on the cape south coast offers possibly the best landbased whale watching in the world. Here are some of the best locations in the cape to get upclose and be completely enamored with our majestic yearly visitors.
Sep 18, 2017 whale, whale, whale, what have we here. Mar, 2018 between june and october every year they put on a spectacular showcase on the cape whale coast hermanus. Accommodation gordons bay, cape town whale views luxury bed. South africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching whales and dolphins. One of the most exciting and celebratory events is the annual passing of whales along the coastline of south africa. Your south africa whalewatching guide 2018 discover. Peak calving season is july and august, but whales can be seen through september and october. A whale watching destination, hermanus offers prime viewing points for observing these giants of the deep from the shore. Only a 2 hour drive from cape town transport options are available, dyer island cruises offers our guests the potential to see more marine wildlife in one trip, than anywhere else in the country. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off south africa. Between august and november, the chance to see whales in cape town brings large numbers of visitors to various whale watching hotspots across the peninsula. For those with interests other than birdwatching, there is another exciting world to experience in cape town and the rest of south africa. Today they do not attract quite the level of whale activity as towns further east, but come they still do. The 120 km transfer from cape town to hermanus takes you on the magnificent coastal route along clarence drive, past rugged mountains and sweeping bays.
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