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 AccommodationBirkenhead House
Perched on a cliff top in Hermanus, Birkenhead House provides a haven of luxury for those travelling along the Garden Route. Only an hour and a half from Cape Town, this boutique hotel offers 11 beautiful rooms.
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View AccommodationThe Plettenberg
Built on a dramatic rocky headland that separates the two main swimming beaches, the Plettenberg is a elegant hotel with just 37 individually furnished rooms, located at the heart of the picturesque 'Garden Route'.
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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 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 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 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.
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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 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 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 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 ExperienceDinner at La Colombe
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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 ExperienceDinner at Twelve Apostles Hotel
Enjoy a delightful dinner on the stunning terrace overlooking the picturesque Cape Town sunset over the ocean.
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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 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 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 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.
Call us on 020 8682 5068 to start planning