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
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 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 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 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 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 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 Accommodation
Ellerman 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 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 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 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.
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 ExperienceDinner at The Greenhouse
Peter Tempelhoff, executive chef at The Greenhouse, stays on the cutting-edge of South African cuisine with ever-changing seasonal menus, showcasing contemporary cooking techniques and culinary styles.
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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 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 - 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 ExperienceCable car trip to the peak of Table Mountain
Table Mountain, at 1086 meters 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 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.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning