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 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 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 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 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 unrivaled service, Ellerman House offers ultimate boutique stay
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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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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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 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 ExperienceDinner at La Colombe
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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 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 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 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 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 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.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning