​Whale Watching​
Whale watching is one of the big attractions for those visiting the South Coast of the Western Cape. The months during September and October offers the most sightings and Humpbacks and Bryde's whales may be spotted offshore from boats. The most commonly sighted species along the whale coast remains the Southern Right whale, with sightings from either land based vantage points, or from boats.

These gentle giants migrate to the warmer South African waters from the Antarctic Ocean to calf from June, and begin the long journey back again at the end of November or beginning of December. The Old Harbour wall at the village centre, and the 12 km long winding cliff path offer good look out points from where you can watch the whales frolic and play a mere 100 meters away.





The Southern Right

The Southern Right whale migrates from the icy cold Antarctic Ocean to the warmer waters off the south coast annually in June - a journey of over 10,000 kilometres - and returns again in December.  The migration during these months facilitate their mating, calving and the rearing of their young.

These wales grow to about 18m in length (60ft), and can weigh up to 80 tonnes, their primary diet is plankton which they filter from the water, slowly swimming through drifting shoals with their mouth wide open to catch them.  They have an approximate life expectancy of about 50 years. Their name is derived from its history of being the 'right', or correct whale to hunt and catch, due to it being so rich in oil and a slow-swimmer. There are only about 4,000 - 6,000 Southern Right whales left in the world today.

Taking a closer look the Southern Right can be easily identified from other whale species by the absence of a dorsal fin on its back. Most notable is the V-shaped cloud above the water when it exhales air - other whale species all exhale in a single column. If you’re close enough you can hear the “pffeww” sounds from these lovely creatures.  Southern Right whales also have a unique pattern of characteristic pale callosities (outgrowths of tough skin) on their heads - making it possible to actually identify one from the other!  Similarly, certain white markings on their bellies or tails are also distinct enough for the animal to be identified by careful observation.



What to look for when watching Southern Right whales are

Blowing:

The sound made when exhaling air through the blowhole when breathing normally. This is accompanied by a spout of V-shaped condensed water vapour.
 

Breaching: 

Breaching is when whales lift their bodies out of the water in a massive, graceful leap. This is truly spectacular and one of the most inspiring whale habits to witness. Whales will normally breach 3-5 times in succession, and can lift three quarters of their body out of the water in one leap, falling back into the water with a mighty crash. ( While a student at BI in Kalk Bay in 1997 I personally witnessed a Southern Right breaching seven times in a row from a vantage point just above the Kalk Bay harbour in False Bay near Muizenberg.)
 

Lobtailing:

Slapping their tails on the surface is known as lob tailing, and is thought to be a form of communication or a warning message to sharks and other whales.
 

Spy hopping:

The head and body are lifted vertically, as far as the flippers, above the surface. This enables them to see what is happening around them above water.



Locations from where Southern Right Whales may be observed

Whale watching and Whale spotting locations includes the following areas all along the Cape Whale Coast stretching from False Bay to as far as Struisbaai along the Western Cape South Coast. The list below is by no way comprehensive, but gives a good indication of recorded sightings and frequent spottings.



Rietvlei (Table Bay)​

Hout Bay​

Noordhoek​

Kommetjie​

Castle Rock Marine Reserve​

Glencairn​

Fish Hoek​

Kalk Bay​

ST. James​

Muizenberg​

False Bay​

Gordon's Bay​

Rooiels Bay​

Pringle Bay​

Betty's Bay​

Wild Vlei Horses​

Hermanus

Walker Bay

Gansbaai Area

Arniston​

Struisbaai











































 Whale  Watching and  Whale  Spotting