Whale watching in South Africa is among the greatest on this planet. Between June and November, enormous congregations of Southern Proper Whales (Eubalaena australis) arrive alongside the south coast of South Africa to mate and provides delivery. And the seaside city of Hermanus within the Western Cape is the hotspot for this whale exercise. Whale watching in Hermanus is an expertise you’ll always remember.
Southern proper whale migration in South Africa
Within the Austral summer time (December via Could), southern proper whales are within the chilly polar areas of the Southern Hemisphere the place they feed on krill.
In winter (early June via November) they go to the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. That is one of the best time to go to Hermanus, throughout peak whale-watching season.
In Hermanus, whale bulls arrive in June, carefully adopted by the females. They may mate throughout these months within the South African Cape coastal waters. The final Southern proper whales to reach in South Africa are the pregnant females, and so they’ll be the final to go away, this time with their calves in tow. Solely when the newborns are sturdy sufficient will they swim again to Antarctic waters, the place they are going to feed on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.
Probably the greatest locations to view southern proper whales alongside the South African coast is within the small city of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay, the place you’ll be able to sit on the cliffs alongside the city heart and watch this superb spectacle (among the greatest land-based whale-watching!) or be part of a whale watching boat tour the place you’ll study whale habits.
Watch whales as they court docket, play, and relax in Walker Bay. You’ll be able to see attention-grabbing behaviors like spy-hopping (poking their head straight up out of the water to go searching), lobtailing (once they slap the water with their tail), and possibly even a full breach (once they launch their whole physique filter out of the water!) In case you are extraordinarily fortunate, you could even witness a whale delivery.
Hermanus may be one of the best shore-based whale-watching vacation spot on the planet.
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In case you are visiting South Africa throughout whale season, Hermanus is a should.
This small coastal city is simply a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town and the journey to Hermanus can simply be achieved on a one or two-day journey from there. The coastal drive is just too attractive to not cease so we suggest doing this journey in two days and stopping alongside the way in which to go to seashores, the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and people cute meals vehicles alongside the street subsequent to False Bay which have unimaginable ocean views.
For many who don’t have a lot time, a day tour from Cape Town is a good choice (see beneath).
Different wildlife you would possibly see throughout your whale-watching journey
Southern proper whales will not be the one whale species you’ll be able to see in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales are additionally discovered right here, in addition to different native marine life like frequent dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a big number of marine birds together with the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. Chances are you’ll even catch a glimpse of the orcas who’ve change into extra frequent alongside the South African coast in recent times. Don’t neglect to scan the rocky shore for Clawless Cape otters as they forage among the many kelp.
inform the distinction between Southern proper whales and humpback whales
It’s fairly straightforward to inform these two whales aside.
Southern proper whales have callosities on their backs (the tough, bulging, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white stomach. And southern proper whales don’t have a dorsal fin.
Humpback whales have a small dorsal fin and really lengthy pectoral fins.
Are there any white whales?
YES! 5% of Southern Proper whales are born white! We have been fortunate sufficient to see one in every of them! These white calves will not be albino whales (in contrast to the tremendous well-known Migaloo in Australia), and so they flip darker as they age. This white-colored situation is named gray morphism and never albinism.
Forms of whale watching excursions from Hermanus
A lot of the whale watching journeys supplied worldwide are boat-based as you usually must journey out off the coast to search out whales. However in some locations, whales get so near shore that you may even really feel the mist of their blowholes from land! And Hermanus is one in every of them. For this reason whale watching in Hermanus is so unimaginable.
For that reason, you’ll be able to go on a land-based whale-watching tour or a boat-based whale-watching tour in Hermanus.
Watching whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)
Good news for all of those that get seasick! You’ll be able to watch whales from land in Hermanus.
Land-based whale watching in South Africa will not be uncommon. You’ll be able to see them from False Bay, from De Hoop Nature Reserve, and right here in Hermanus. In Hermanus, whales come near land as they favor Walker Bay to socialize.
There are a number of factors alongside the Hermanus coast which might be prime land-based whale watching websites. The picture beneath was taken at Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar. Ensure you convey your binoculars to lunch with you because the beautiful views might include one or two whale splashes!
One of many coolest issues about visiting Hermanus throughout whale season is the Whale Crier. The Whale Crier is a person who alerts individuals when whales have been sighted by blowing on a kelp horn alongside the cliff high.
You’ll be able to stroll the 7.5-mile clifftop route to identify whales of their pure setting. This isn’t the time to go away your binoculars on the resort! There are academic indicators alongside the cliff path. For a stunning view of Hermanus Outdated Harbour, cease at Gearing’s Level.
You can too stroll to Hermanus New Harbour the place a humpback whale as soon as visited (see video beneath). That is very uncommon however it exhibits how shut humpback whales can get to Hermanus.
You’ll be able to merely stroll alongside the coast and attempt to spot whales by yourself or you’ll be able to be part of a land-based whale-watching tour. One tour takes you in an air-conditioned automobile to five to 7 totally different spots the place you’ll be able to see whales from land. It additionally features a go to to the Whale Home Museum. You can book this Hermanus tour here.
Whale-watching excursions from Hermanus (boat-based)
As Hermanus is commonly thought of the whale-watching capital of South Africa, it’s no shock there are many whale watching tour operators to select from. However bear in mind, whale-watching in Hermanus is fashionable so we suggest you guide your outing forward of time to keep away from disappointment. Don’t fear, these excursions supply a assure that if there aren’t any whale sightings you could have the selection to rebook freed from cost.
Hermanus whale watchers: Hop on a 36 seater, 15-meter catamaran, wheelchair accessible, youngsters pleasant, and geared up with eco-friendly engines that decrease underwater noise. Comfortable drinks and water are included within the outing. Snug seating and an elevated deck will let you get unobstructed views of the whales. Book your trip here.
Southern Right Charters: “Observing NOT disturbing” is the motto of Southern Proper Charters. Take pleasure in your whale watching journey in consolation from Southern Proper Charters’ purpose-built catamaran, particularly designed to attenuate disturbance to marine life. Take pleasure in a cushty boat journey with seating indoors and outside, a bar (no alcohol), and trendy bogs make Southern Proper Charters an excellent selection. Book your trip here on Get Your Information or here on Viator.
Whale-watching day journeys from Cape City
If you happen to’re visiting Cape City and don’t have time to spend a number of days in Hermanus, you’ll be able to be part of a whale-watching day journey from Cape City. The journeys out of Cape City are usually 7-8 hours.
This Whale-Watching and winelands tour will take you to Hermanus out of your resort. It features a whale watching journey, a go to to a wine property, and a go to to a wine farm to do some wine tasting and chocolate pairing. When you have children, they’ll have some grape juice tasting!
This Whale watching, penguins, and wine-tasting tour begins with a resort pickup. From right here, you’ll go to the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay. After this, you’ll drive to Hermanus the place you’ll watch whales from land. In your means again to Cape City you’ll cease at a coastal wine property to take pleasure in some wine tasting.
Subsequent time you go to South Africa, be certain to not miss the whales at Hermanus!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the area with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Travel For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Truly Wild, & Our Wild Yard.
