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 AccommodationHog Hollow Country Lodge
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is situated in a private nature reserve in close proximity to Plettenberg Bay. The lodge comprises 15 luxurious suites close to the Tsitsikamma Forest and is in a great place to explore the area.
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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 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 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 AccommodationMosaic Private Sanctuary
Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is a peaceful retreat set amongst the natural setting of Walker Bay and the Overberg on the Mosaic Private Sanctuary reserve, offering a great introduction to the botanical splendours of the Cape floral kingdom.
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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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 while taking in the breathtaking views all around you.
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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 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 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 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 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 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