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.
-
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.
-
View AccommodationOne&Only Cape Town
The One&Only Cape Town is the largest luxury hotel in Cape Town, offering chic water-side accommodation in 78 rooms and 53 suites. The hotel is fabulously located at the heart of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
View AccommodationStrandloper Ocean Lodge
Strandloper Ocean Lodge is hidden away on the shores of the unspoiled fishing village of Paternoster. The 13 exquisite rooms are a fusion of beach style and contemporary luxury and each has its own terrace or private courtyard.
-
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.
-
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
-
View AccommodationThe Trevoyan Guesthouse
Feel at home at The Trevoyan guesthouse. The traditional Victorian style houses oozes charm for a boutique stay in the heart of the city centre. Brilliantly located to wander through the streets and indulge in many of Cape Town's culinary hot spots.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
View ExperienceDinner at Twelve Apostles Hotel
Enjoy a delightful dinner on the stunning terrace overlooking the picturesque Cape Town sunset over the ocean.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning