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 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 centre. Brilliantly located to wander through the streets and indulge in many of Cape Town's culinary hot spots.
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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 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 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 AccommodationCape Grace Hotel
The Cape Grace is a stylishly decorated hotel with 112 rooms, set on its own private quay within the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The hotel is surrounded on 3 sides by the bustling harbour and is in a fantastic location from which to explore Cape Town.
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View AccommodationStrandloper Ocean Lodge
Strandloper Ocean Lodge is hidden away on the shores of the unspoiled fishing village of Paternoster. The 13 exquisite rooms are a fusion of beach style and contemporary luxury and each has its own terrace or private courtyard.
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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 AccommodationVictoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is set in the heart of Cape Town's Waterfront area, a great base in this fantastic, vibrant city. Taking pride in the quality of accommodation and service, the V&A has a reputation as one of the top Cape Town hotels.
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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.
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 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 ExperienceCable car trip to the peak of Table Mountain
Table Mountain, at 1086 metres above sea level, forms the impressive backdrop to Cape Town. An impressive natural landmark with a 3km flat plateau at the summit, a cable car trip to the top is the best way to experience its breathtaking views.
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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 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 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 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 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 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 ExperienceDinner at La Colombe
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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 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 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.