Whale watching on the Western Cape
Southern right whales visit the Western Cape from about June to December every year. These beautiful gentle giants congregate to the shores of Hermanus all the way along the coast line towards Plettenberg Bay.
Area
Cape Town & the Western Cape
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
Half Day
South Africa has got to be one of the most incredible destinations in the world for watching marine mammals with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins year-round.
In early June, southern right whales leave their Antarctic feeding ground to frolic in the warmer waters of the Western coast. Here they mate, calve and generally hang out, occasionally flopping a tail up, or sticking their heads out of the water, much to the delight of onlookers. They are a true marvel to behold!
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationKensington Place
Cape Town's definitive boutique hotel, set on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, successfully combines European style with a dash of African flair and comprises nine individually decorated rooms.
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View AccommodationTwelve Apostles Hotel
The luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel is located within The Table Mountain National Park and fronted by a Marine Sanctuary with frequent sightings of whales, dolphins and seals. All this and just 10-minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town.
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View AccommodationCape Grace Hotel
The Cape Grace is a stylishly decorated hotel with 112 rooms, set on its own private quay within the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The hotel is surrounded on 3 sides by the bustling harbour and is in a fantastic location from which to explore Cape Town.
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View AccommodationEllerman House
Ellerman House has an enviable location looking out over the Atlantic Ocean from the foot of Lion's Head. As one of the most impressive properties in Cape Town, with unrivalled service, Ellerman House offers ultimate boutique stay
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View AccommodationCape Cadogan
The Cape Cadogan is a boutique hotel in a beautiful Cape Dutch building in the heart of Cape Town. It had a full renovation in 2022, and has a luxuriously modern feel in a characterful setting, Each room is individually decorated and boasts superb views.
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View AccommodationMont Rochelle
Mont Rochelle is a luxury wine estate hotel in the Cape Winelands and is part of the Richard Branson Virgin portfolio. This is a fantastic luxurious boutique hotel set on a wine farm offering some of the best views in Franschhoek.
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View AccommodationMorukuru Beach Lodge
Morukuru Beach Lodge is the newest member of the Morukuru family. With only five suites this intimate property is a luxury boutique eco lodge based along the pristine coast line of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, ideal for those on a self drive adventure.
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View AccommodationVictoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in the heart of Cape Town's Waterfront area, a great base in this fantastic, vibrant city. Taking pride in the quality of accommodation and service, the V&A has a reputation as one of the top Cape Town hotels.
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View AccommodationMorukuru Ocean House
Morukuru Ocean House is a four bedroom private house situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve which is often cited to be one of the most beautiful costal reserves in South Africa. It is the perfect spot for anyone seeking an exclusive and unique holiday.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceDinner at The Greenhouse
Peter Tempelhoff, executive chef at The Greenhouse, stays on the cutting-edge of South African cuisine with ever-changing seasonal menus, showcasing contemporary cooking techniques and culinary styles.
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View ExperienceCable car trip to the peak of Table Mountain
Table Mountain, at 1086 metres above sea level, forms the impressive backdrop to Cape Town. An impressive natural landmark with a 3km flat plateau at the summit, a cable car trip to the top is the best way to experience its breathtaking views.
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View ExperienceCape Point Peninsula Tour
Your driver will collect you and drive you down the west coast of the Cape Peninsula. He will introduce you to the geography and cultural history, culminating at the Cape itself. You will drive back via Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
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View ExperienceHigh Tea at The Mount Nelson
Afternoon tea at The Mount Nelson hotel is a must do whilst staying in Cape Town. The Mount Nelson Hotel serves tea from 14.30 onwards, book for a vast variety of sandwiches, pastries, and loose-leaf teas.
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View ExperienceRobben Island Trip
A short ferry ride from the V and A Waterfront in Cape Town is the famous Robben Island, a cultural must-do when staying in Cape Town, this trip gives an insight into South Africa's difficult history, as well as brilliant views across Cape Towns harbour.
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View Experience
Diptyque Fragrant High Tea
Labotessa is the only official appointed reseller of the iconic Parisian fragrance house Diptyque. The Fragranced High tea experience is a unique sensory explosion of true pleasure.
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View ExperienceLunch & Cellar Tour at Durbanville Hills
A scenic route leads you to Durbanville Hills for a tour of their cellar and lunch at their open restaurant.
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View ExperienceCape Peninsula - Family
This guided day out is perfect for the whole family with treasure hunts in Kirstenbosch Gardens, fishing in Kalk Bay, stand up paddle boarding with penguins and game viewing in the Cape peninsula reserve.
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View ExperienceRock Girl tour of Cape Town
What better way to see a city than through the eyes of a Rock Girl - a young local lady who has grown up on the perimeter of this great city.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning