Are you one of those weirdos who loves spying on whales? So are we! Here’s where we like to go watch them
Have you ever seen a whale up close in its natural habitat? And no, your uncle flopping onto the beach during last August’s holiday, with belly rolls spilling out of his swimsuit like a Shar Pei, does not count.
Well, if you haven’t, let’s fix that right away: among the wildest experiences on our 13-day expedition in South Africa, we can proudly boast (modestly, of course!) a killer ocean safari in search of the whales that gather along the country’s coastline every year.
It’s absolutely incredible, one of those experiences that stays with you forever. But it’s something you can only fully enjoy if you know a few little tricks about it—and, believe it or not, we know them all.
Here’s what you need to know if you want to head to South Africa for whale watching.
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The best places to spy on whales in South Africa
There’s no doubt about it: Hermanus is the best place in South Africa for whale watching, both from the sea and from land—perhaps from the famous Hermanus Cliff Path, which offers breathtaking panoramic views and, of course, spectacular whale sightings.
This little town, once known as Hermanuspietersfontein but later renamed because just trying to pronounce it practically guaranteed a nasty seizure, lies on the coast, just east of Cape Town.
It’s a lovely seaside town off whose shores, every year, loads of whales gather—especially the southern right whale, along with several other species.
What are they doing here, exactly?
Well, the local coastline is one of these giant creatures’ favorite places to mate... Ah, love!
Life in Hermanus revolves so much around whales that since 1992 the town has appointed a sort of official town crier, the whale crier, who uses his horn to announce the arrival of the cetaceans. How cool would that job be?
Another pretty great spot for whale watching is Plettenberg Bay, located along the Garden Route. From July to December, southern right whales and humpbacks make their annual pit stop here, putting on a show with jumps and splashes that would put even the rowdiest school trips at a water park to shame.
And for true nature reserve lovers, there’s the amazing De Hoop Nature Reserve: pristine beaches, spectacular dunes, and whales galore! In particular, southern right whales come here in winter to give birth and raise their calves, offering enthusiasts a truly unique sight.
What is the best time for whale watching in South Africa?
These whales are fantastic—we really do love them a lot! But if you want to see them in person, you need to catch them at the right time, because they’re not exactly homebodies: they travel thousands of miles throughout the year and stay off the coast of South Africa only during certain periods.
Wondering when?
Well, if you want to see them up close, you’ll need to choose the colder months: from May to November.
And yes, we know what you’re probably thinking right now: what on earth are these people talking about?
You see, the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere: when it’s summer for us, it’s winter for them, and vice versa. And since whales don’t like water that’s too warm, during the summer they gorge themselves in polar regions, moving to more temperate areas only during the colder months.
So, winter and early spring in the Southern Hemisphere are the best times for whale watching in South Africa. In particular, if you want to see southern right whales, July and August are the very best months. Humpbacks, on the other hand, hang around a bit longer, so you have a chance to spot them from late May through November.
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Useful tips (maybe yes, maybe no) to get ready for whale watching
Now for the practical part: how to prepare for a whale watching experience worthy of the name without turning into a popsicle or getting soaked as if there were no tomorrow.
First of all, dressing in layers is the key. Remember, we’re talking about South Africa in winter, so wear several layers, especially if you decide to watch whales from a boat like a real pro rather than from the shore: fleece, windproof jackets, and maybe a nice beanie to keep your thoughts warm. And don’t forget a waterproof jacket! Because whales don’t just love swimming—they seem to take particular pleasure in making sure anyone who gets close during whale watching gets wet too.
Then there’s binoculars: if you’re going on a boat excursion, you might be able to do without them, but if you plan to watch from land and actually want to see something, don’t forget to pack them in your backpack.
Finally, here’s a tip that could be very valuable: the sea can be unpredictable. If you have a sensitive stomach and decide to go whale watching by boat, bring something for seasickness. You definitely don’t want your most vivid memory of the experience to be last night’s dinner!
