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 AccommodationSea Five Boutique Hotel
Sea Five is a small boutique hotel situated just 300 metres from the beach in Camps Bay, Cape Town, and has fantastic sea views. Each of the seven suites has been individually decorated in a modern, beach-chic style.
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View AccommodationGrootbos Private Nature Reserve
Just 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is a superb family-run nature reserve set on the fynbos-clad hills above Walker Bay. 27 luxurious suites are divided between two lodges, set amongst ancient milkwood trees overlooking a majestic sweep of coastline.
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View AccommodationEllerman Villa One
Ellerman Villa One in Bantry Bay, offers a self-contained home of exceptional exclusivity and unrivalled privacy just 20 minutes from the centre of Cape Town. Stylish and chic, the villa is effortlessly comfortable with a modern minimalist design.
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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 AccommodationEmily Moon
Emily Moon has eight luxury rooms, all with fabulous views over the sweeping river valley and wetlands. It is a small, intimate lodge set in a beautiful location and a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the area, just outside Plettenburg Bay.
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View AccommodationCoot Club
Situated between the Maanschynkop Nature Reserve and the Walker Bay Nature Reserve , Coot Club looks over the Klein River Lagoon an important estuary, rich in bird life and endemic plant diversity. A simple, uncomplicated retreat with style.
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View AccommodationFour Rosmead
Built in 1903, Four Rosmead is a classified monument that has been sensitively and stylishly refurbished, and has just ten rooms. The result is a chic contemporary classic small boutique style hotel, with a rich history.
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View AccommodationMount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is an elegant hotel with 197 rooms and suites and is situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of Cape Town. The hotel is fantastically located to explore the attractions in and around Cape Town.
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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.
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 ExperienceWoodstock, Bo-Kaap & Bree for the Foodie
From artisan coffee and craft beer to traditional food, chocolate and cheese, taste your way around the city as you explore the backstreets and secrets alleys where the locals like to go.
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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 ExperienceHike or Climb Table Mountain
Why not do something a bit different during your stay in Cape Town, get outdoors and experience some of the best climbing and hiking in the world? Take a hike or rock climbing trip up Table Mountain whilst taking in the breathtaking views all around you.
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View ExperienceCape Peninsula - Active
Explore the Cape Peninsular with its local fishing villages and surfing beaches. Snorkel or stand up paddle board in rock pools near penguin colonies before venturing deep into the Peninsula reserve to discover the rich wildlife inhabiting this area.
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View ExperienceUthando
Uthando South Africa is an award winning, international and innovative Non Profit and Fair Trade certified organisation which raises funds for community development projects in Cape Town and South Africa.
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View ExperienceDinner at La Colombe
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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 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 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.
Call us on +852 3579 2478 to start planning