Every year, South Africa becomes one of the best places in the world to watch whales from shore. From June to November, southern right whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer, protected bays along the South African coast to mate and calve. It’s one of nature’s most spectacular shows – and you don’t need a boat to see it! Here’s where to go for the best whale watching in South Africa, and what makes each spot special…
1. Hermanus: The whale watching capital
Location: 1.5 hours from Cape Town
Best time to go: August to October
Hermanus is the most famous whale-watching town in the country – possibly the world. Its clifftop paths stretch for 12kms along Walker Bay, offering clear views of southern right whales just metres from shore. The town even has a “whale crier” who blows a kelp horn to alert visitors when whales are in sight. For even closer encounters, boat tours operate daily during peak season.
2. De Hoop Nature Reserve: Wild and unspoiled
Location: About 3 hours from Cape Town
Best time to go: July to November
De Hoop is a remote, protected marine reserve with virtually no crowds and uninterrupted views of the bay. It’s one of the most important nursery areas for southern right whales. With dunes and cliffs as your viewing platform, you can spot dozens of whales and calves resting and playing in the shallow waters below.
3. South Africa’s Gansbaai: Adventure meets wildlife
Location: Western Cape, near Hermanus
Best time to go: June to November
Gansbaai is best known for great white shark cage diving, but it’s also a great whale watching hub. Boat tours take you right into the Dyer Island system, where southern rights often come close to the shore and mingle with dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
4. False Bay and Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula
Location: Near Cape Town
Best time to go: July to October
You can sometimes see whales from the shores of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, or Simon’s Town – all just a short drive from Cape Town. Combine whale spotting with a visit to Boulders Beach (home to a penguin colony) or a drive along Chapman’s Peak for sweeping coastal views.
5. Garden Route: Scenic drive, whale watching bonus
Location: Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River
Best time to go: June to November
The Garden Route’s dramatic coastline, from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, offers excellent whale watching from both land and sea. Mossel Bay marks one of the first points where migrating whales arrive, and Plettenberg Bay is known for regular sightings of humpback and Bryde’s whales in addition to southern rights.
Some tips for whale watching:
- Bring binoculars: Many whales come close to shore, but a pair of binoculars will bring the detail to life.
- Look for “blows”: A whale’s exhale looks like a puff of smoke on the horizon – your first clue that one is nearby.
- Stay still and be patient: These creatures are enormous but gentle and slow-moving. Give them time.
- Respect boundaries: Keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing them, whether on foot, by car, or by boat.
Have you spotted a whale in person?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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