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 traveling 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 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 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 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 vacation.
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View AccommodationEllerman Villa One
Ellerman Villa One in Bantry Bay, offers a self-contained home of exceptional exclusivity and unrivaled privacy just 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town. Stylish and chic, the villa is effortlessly comfortable with a modern minimalist design.
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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.
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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 center. Brilliantly located to wander through the streets and indulge in many of Cape Town's culinary hot spots.
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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 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.
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 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 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 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 harbor.
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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 ExperienceHigh Tea at The Mount Nelson
Afternoon tea at The Mount Nelson hotel is a must do while 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 ExperienceDinner at La Colombe
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View ExperienceUthando
Uthando South Africa is an award winning, international and innovative Non Profit and Fair Trade certified organization which raises funds for community development projects in Cape Town and South Africa.
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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 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 212 372 7009 to start planning