Activities · Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus
Where to Go Whale Watching in South Africa
Southern right whales arrive each winter. Here’s where to see them from land, boat or kayak — and exactly when to go.
Between June and November, southern right whales migrate along our coastline to calve in protected bays — close enough to shore that South Africa offers some of the world's best land-based whale watching anywhere.
Hermanus — the headline act
Walker Bay's cliff path lets you watch whales from benches 20 metres above surf line. Peak months are August–October; the annual Whale Festival lands in late September. When the klaxon sounds, there's a whale in the bay.
Plettenberg Bay
Boat-based permits run from Central Beach. Humpbacks pass through November–January as well, extending the season beyond the southern rights' winter window.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Lesser known, spectacularly reliable: the protected bay between June and October often hosts over fifty cows and calves.
Algoa Bay / Gqeberha
Bryde's whales live here year-round, plus seasonal humpbacks — boat tours combine dolphin and penguin sightings.
Practical tips
- Morning trips have calmer seas
- Bring binoculars even for land-based viewing
- Book boat tours 2–3 days ahead in peak season
Pair a whale-watching trip with a stay in a coastal holiday home — see our Hermanus rentals for options within walking distance of the cliff path.
Activity: Whale Watching
Activity: Boat Trips
