If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, you may get to see one of nature’s most spectacular shows – the annual migration of southern right whales. Along the country’s rugged coastline, these gentle giants gather close to shore to breed, calve, and play in the surf. Every traveller who adores the wilderness should include this captivating experience on their bucket lists. To help you plan the perfect trip, this guide covers when and where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your whale-watching adventure.
When to Go Whale Watching in South Africa
The best time for whale watching in South Africa is June to November, with peak sightings from August to October. During these months, southern right whales migrate from the icy Antarctic to the warmer, sheltered bays of the Western Cape to mate and give birth.
If you’re wondering when the experience is at its most magical, many locals and guides recommend visiting South Africa in September – the heart of the whale season, when mothers and calves are most active near the surface.
Where to Go: The Best Whale Watching SpotsHermanus
Often called the whale-watching capital of the world, Hermanus offers some of the best land-based whale viewing anywhere. The coastal cliff path stretches for 12 kilometres, providing panoramic views of Walker Bay. It’s not uncommon to spot whales breaching just a few metres from the shore. If you’re after a closer encounter, book a boat tour for an ocean safari, which will allow you to witness these giants up close. Whale watching in Hermanus is so remarkable that the town even hosts an annual Whale Festival each year during the peak season (end of September or beginning of October), celebrating conservation, music, and marine life.
De Kelders and Gansbaai
A short drive from Hermanus, De Kelders offers a quieter and more rugged whale-watching experience. The cliffs here are closer to deep waters, meaning whales often glide right below you.
The nearby town of Gansbaai is also renowned for its marine encounters, from whales and dolphins to the thrilling sight of sharks, as well as the rest of the famed Marine Big Five: penguins and seals.
The Garden Route
Stretching from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay, this scenic route is ideal for travellers who want to combine whale-watching with forest walks, beach escapes, and gourmet dining. Plettenberg Bay, in particular, is a hotspot for humpback and Bryde’s whales, as well as playful pods of dolphins.
False Bay and Cape Town
If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy whale watching near Cape Town. Head to Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay, or the Cape Point Nature Reserve for sightings of southern rights and humpbacks against the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain.
How to Make the Most of Your Experience
- Book a responsible operator: Choose tour companies that follow ethical whale-watching guidelines to protect the animals and their habitat.
- Bring binoculars and a camera: Even from land, you’ll want to zoom in on tail slaps, breaches, and curious calves.
- Layer up: Coastal weather can change quickly, especially on a boat tour – pack a warm jacket and sunscreen.
- Be patient: Nature’s best moments often reward those who linger. Spend time by the cliffs, listen for the telltale blow, and let the ocean’s rhythm slow you down.
Why South Africa Is Great for Whale Watching
What makes South Africa so extraordinary is accessibility – you don’t need a boat to see whales. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a Hermanus café or hiking a coastal trail on the Garden Route, sightings often unfold right before your eyes. Combine these qualities with world-class hospitality, fine wines, and dramatic scenery, and you have one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the continent.
From land-based lookouts to ocean adventures, whale watching in South Africa is an experience that certainly deserves a place on travel bucket lists.
