Spend some time gazing out to see over walker bay and youre sure to spot a whale or two. Especially when we suddenly saw the sunshine on november 12th. Not strictly true, as the cape whale route stretches for over 900 kilometres, from doringbaai on the west coast, all the way to storms river mouth on the garden route. I would probably call this a place where whales come and play, and if you are not familiar with this area, you will probably miss out on an experience of a life time.
For the best hermanus whale watching experience, there is no better choice than ivanhoe sea safaris 5yrs consecutive winner of certificate of excellence, and with a proven track record since 1996, the company has established a reputation of offering an unrivaled. Combine two of south africas top activities, whale watching and winetasting, in a single 9hour tour from cape town. In cape town itself, you can see them from the road along the false bay. The high cliffs of the western cape provide an ideal vantage point for the seasonal whale watching of southern right whales and the seaside town of hermanus holds its annual whale festival in september in celebration of all things cetacean.
Here are some of our ideas for whale watching between august and november. The whales migrate annually from antarctica to the coast around cape town to calve their offspring. Ivanhoe sea safaris is universally regarded as the leading boatbased whale watching company in south africa, near hermanus and operate from gansbaai harbour. The cape whale coast is not in cape town but is certainly worth the trip. It is illegal to approach within 300 metres of whales in any craft boat, kayak, aircraft and only a few legally permitted boat based whale watching operators in south africa may. Mar 30, 2015 no trip to the table bay hotel in cape town during whale season is complete without a hermanus whale watching experience.
At 10h40, thursday, 05th march, sa whale disentanglement. South africa may be known for its big five, but the marine wildlife is just as impressive. Traditionally these connections were made and strengthened at trade shows. Every year, between june and december, southern right whales journey to our shores to mate and calve, giving us the aweinspiring opportunity to get up close with them. Only a 2 hour drive from cape town transport options are available, dyer island cruises offers our guests the potential to see more marine wildlife in one trip, than anywhere else in the country. Just a 2 hour drive from cape town to the whale capital of the world hermanus, launching from gansbaai. Sep 18, 2017 hermanus, the whale capital, was ranked in the top 12 whale watching locations in the world by the world wildlife fund. Hermanus about two hours outside of cape town along the garden route, hermanus is famous for its whale watching. Whales in july cape town central forum tripadvisor.
Aug 26, 20 the selfproclaimed whalewatching capital of the world, the small town of hermanus undeniably holds a few trump cards. A popular holiday destination for tourists and locals alike, hermanus is hailed as offering the best land based whale watching in the world. Head up boyes drive, drive along the coastal road between fish hoek and simons town, or along chapmans peak when its open again and somewhere along the route people will be standing in clumps, binoculars at the ready. Tooting the title of one of the best landbased whale watching spots in the world, our favourite contender is undoubtedly the sensational tiny town of hermanus, just 2 hours away from cape town. Hermanus whale watching is renowned for the most prolific whale viewing experience in the world. Clubhouse road, townbank, nj our biggest event of the year, it is a whale of a. From cape town and the lush rolling hills of the cape winelands, to safari. Whale tail, whale up close, southern right calf jumping.
The best time to enjoy whale watching in hermanus is between july and november either from land, by boat or from the air. Aug 29, 2017 the hermanus whale watching festival is a fun and celebratory way to immerse into the whale watching fever that takes over the town. There was a big swell on the day, as can be seen from the movement of the boat. Whale watching tour departs from cape town this guided tour. The most notable and successful of these vantage points are found in false bay, cape agulhas, and, of course, the famous whalewatching town of hermanus, which the world wildlife fund has rated. Whale watching season in hermanus cape towns unique no. Sep 06, 2012 the female southern right whale is usually larger than the male whale.
Cape town whale watching private tours, options and pricing. Cape town whale watching south africa whale watching. Cape town whale watching whale watching in hermanus. Capetourism has a collection of photos of the whales and great white sharks in false bay, cape town, south africa. From july to december the pods of whales grace the shores of southern africa. Peak calving season, and therefore viewing season, is during july and august. You can see the most amazingly majestic creatures in the world up close on your trip to cape town. Blog whale watching season in south africa hotspots2c. Sawdn volunteers including additional crew from cape town and nsri. Accommodation gordons bay, cape town whale views luxury. The best time for watching the southern right whale in south african waters is from june to november along the cape south coast, although some will already be as far north as kwazulunatal. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. Later, head out on a 2hour boat trip in search of southern right whales.
The closest one is false bay, hermanus, and cape agulhus. I would really like to see some whales, i was wondering if i should go on a boat trip or if walking the cliff. Combine two of south africas top activities, whalewatching and winetasting, in a single 9hour tour from cape town. It is always great to interact with our local market. Hermanus ivanhoe sea safaris, operating since 1996 is regarded as one of the leading boatbased whale watching operators near hermanus in south africa, and we are fortunate to hold the most. The western cape is one of the top whale watching destinations of the world rated number two by uks the telegraph, and we are particularly lucky to have some of the best spots. From july to november the southern right whale comes to breed in the bay near this. From july to november the southern right whale comes to breed in the bay near this seaside town, an easy and beautiful drive from cape town. You will also enjoy a wine tasting at bouchard finlayson wine estate. The day is filled with crafts, vendors, raffles and entertainment. Most whales in south africa are visible along the cape whale coast route to cape town. A popular holiday destination for tourists and locals alike. Peak calving season is july and august, but whales can be seen through september and october.
Hermanus whale watching tours the hermanus whale festival in south africa, is held annually to celebrate the return of the southern right whales to the waters of walker bay, our magnificent environment and the arrival of spring. The community gathers on clubhouse drive to shop, eat and mingle. Clubhouse road, townbank, nj our biggest event of the year, it is a whale of a day. Along the cape whale coast the area between rooiels pringle bay and pearly beach. Hermanus whale watching tours cape town private tours. As this would be one of the highlights of our trip we would really like to see. One southern right whale female whale normally has two mates to ensure pregnancy another curiosity. Toprated cape town whale watching tours 2020 dolphin tours. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa. In cape town, you can sometimes spot whales from along the road on the.
Dead whale closes popular south african beach amid shark. Cape point, at the very southwestern tip of the continent, also provides a range of perfect vantage points to experience this annual phenomenon. Only a two hour drive from cape town, this little town is the heart of the whale route. Filled with great sights, top class restaurants and friendly people. Leave from cape town for this tour, we depart from the cape town city centre at around 08. Now that you understand a bit more about the whales, where are the best places to see them during whale season. September 2019 august 2019 july 2019 june 2019 may 2019. Cape town is a good whale viewing location, but there are more spots to be found eastwards, along the southern coastline. Whale watching and marine wildlife tours cape town whale. This whale watching page is not about driving a car or joining a tour to hermanus to watch whales breach, this page is about the whale sighting right here in cape town that we have witnessed and photographed over the past few years. Where to whale watch in south africa fodors travel guide. South africa the best tips for whale watching in south. Cape town welcomed a royal visitor this past weekend when the queen mary 2 docked at the cape town harbour on friday for a onenight stay.
Hermanus whale watching best close encounters, purpose built boat. So bundle up, brave the cold, and make a plan to head out this winter. The high cliffs of the western cape provide an ideal vantage point for the seasonal whale watching of southern right whales and the seaside town of. Whale views and dolphins are the perfect exclusive getaways from where you can explore cape town. With over 12kms worth of coastal hiking trails, elevated hills and quaint seaside restaurants, hermanus offers an unparalleled whale watching experience. Eastern cape whale watching near to the fish river sun halfway between port elizabeth and east london, the. When you book a trip with us, the evening before your tour we will contact you or your accommodation to confirm. The cape whale route is a 900kilometrelong stretch of coastline that extends from strandfontein near muizenberg to plettenberg bay in the southern cape.
Cape town is blessed with being the only place in the world where one could quite possibly see a great white shark and a whale on the same boat. Whale watching day trip from cape town south africa. They usually arrive in june and stay until november. The best whalewatching spots in the cape the inside guide. The peak time, when daily sightings are virtually guaranteed, is during september and october. For the best hermanus whale watching experience, there is no better choice than ivanhoe sea safaris 5yrs consecutive winner. Dec 25, 2016 further south, the town of hermanus in walker bay on the cape south coast offers possibly the best landbased whale watching in the world. Our hermanus whale tours usually start between 8 and 9am with pickups from your hotel within cape town city centre or immediate surrounds and you can expect to be back at your hotel between 6 and 7pm. Whale watching in the western cape south africa travel news. Peak calving season is july and august, but whales can be seen. You will also have the chance to explore the fishing and. The animals can be clearly seen from a scenic clifftop walk, and the town holds a whale watching festival every september. Here is our guide to getting the most out of the whale season in cape town. Southern right whales come into the bays to breed and calve between august and november, while humpback whales can be seen in cape town in the summer months.
Download this tours pdf brochure and start tour planning offline. Here are our 5 best whale watching spots along the cape coast cape towns peninsula. From a historic point of view, cape town has played a key role in european trade links with the east since the 17th century. If you are visiting cape town between july and november and want an exciting experience, book a boatbased whale watching trip departing from simons town.
Hermanus whale watching best close encounters, purpose. Less than two hours drive from cape town on the northwestern side of. Every year, between june and december, southern right whales journey to our shores to mate and. The most notable and successful of these vantage points are found in false bay, cape agulhas, and, of course, the famous whale watching town of hermanus, which the world wildlife fund has rated as one of the top 12 whale watching locations in the world. Whale watching tour cape town hermanus gansbaai whale and dolphin watching tour. Imagine that you can do that without having to purchase a whale watching tour this type of experience is possible at stanford bay. Table mountain in cape town is an icon of south africa and its over 2. Head up boyes drive, drive along the coastal road between fish hoek and simons town, or along. Hermanus whale watching near cape town, gansbaai in south. Every year, southern right whales take a vacation in cape waters, treating cape town locals to a display of breaching, fluking, spouting, and spyhopping. At any time of year, the cape peninsula is home to a bounty of marine mammals with plentiful opportunities to go dolphin and whale watching in cape town. If you want to experience south africas incredible marine wildlife for yourself, dont hesitate to get in touch.
Travel to hermanus to see right whales off the coast or upgrade your tour with. Take this opportunity to go whale watching from one of the best landbased viewing spots in the world, hermanus. Whale watching in cape town can be enjoyed at various times of the year. Cape town is a dynamic and beautiful city that is consistently named as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. This year, the festival takes place over three days from 29 september to 1 october 2017 and as always promises good food, live entertainment and awareness of all things cetacean. Aug 27, 20 these southern right whales were filmed on a whale watching trip with simons town boat company in false bay. Cape town getaway at lourensford estate, somerset west from 1 3 april. Accommodation gordons bay, cape town whale views luxury bed. Occasionally, humpbacks, brydes whales, orcas and various kinds of dolphins can be seen, too.
Cape town whale watching whale watching in hermanus, cape town. As this would be one of the highlights of our trip we would really like to see some. Whale watching is one of the major attractions of the western cape. Distance from cape town around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Spectacular coastline, impressive mountain ranges and an abundance of good wine all lead to the onceina lifetime sighting of southern right whales basking in the warmth of walker bay, between july and november this is hermanus, and there is no better way to experience this than via our private hermanus tour. The hermanus whale festival have a whale of a time at this fun, familyfriendly fiesta. Most of all, its the bulky, playful southern right whales that attract the whale watchers. This whale watching page is not about driving a car or joining a tour to hermanus to watch whales breach, this page is about the whale sighting right here in cape town that we have. Sawdn yzerfontein and oudekraal 3 whales assisted in 3. Board dreamcatcher our 5 star, custombuilt whale watching vessel.
Whale watching in hermanus or simons town close to cape town. Beached pilot whales kommetjie cape town south africa. Join us on a wonderful cape town day trip marine safari that takes us to see the mighty southern wright whale. Whale watching hysteria in hermanus on the atlantic ocean in south africa. Southern right whales are the main attraction for whale watchers in south africa from june to november. Occasionally, humpbacks, brydes whales, orcas and various kinds of dolphins can. The best whalewatching spots in the cape cape town. Hello can anybody tell me the likelihood of seeing whales in july. Hi i am going to have a day in hermanus travelling through in 2 weeks time. Hermanus whale tours, cape town day tours seasonalgroup and private tours available from july to novemberfull day tourpickups and dropoffs at central hotelsviews of false bayexplore the. Watch as whales come within metres of the shores, and join in on the festivities of the annual hermanus whale festival this year held on.
Enjoy a scenic 2hour drive from cape town as you explore the beautiful coastline on the way to gansbaai. July is the coldest month of the year in cape town, but for northern hemisphere visitors the cold days may not seem as cold as winters in europe and the us. Sometimes they arrive earlier and stay later, with prime whale watching. A daytrip out of cape town to the seaside town of hermanus is definitely. Hermanus is listed among the worlds top whale watching destinations and in late september, they host the annual whale festival. Approximately an hour and a half away from cape town is the seaside town of hermanus. This has not changed and the cape whale coast participated in three trade shows from april to june. Where to go dolphin and whale watching in cape town 12. Apart from the spectacular whale watching near cape town, you are also very likely to spot sharks, seals, penguins, and dolphins too. Whales in july cape town central message board tripadvisor. When it comes to whale watching tours, cape town has some of the very best sea safaris, big 5 boats and opportunities on offer to see whales up close.
Whale views gordons bay cape town nestling at the foot of the beautiful hottentot holland mountains where they tumble into the sea at gordons bay, whaleviews offers two self catering. Watch the worlds gentle giants of the deep frolic in waters of walker bay. Travel to hermanus to see right whales off the coast or upgrade your tour with an optional whale watching cruise. Only a 2 hour drive from cape town transport options are available, dyer island cruises offers our guests the potential to see more marine. You can see whales in simons town false bay in july, august, september, october and november. Whale watching and marine big 5 tours in south africa. Wedged between the mountain and the sea, the quaint hamlet of hermanus has been rated by the. Whale and bird watching what you can expect a typical trip with dyer island cruises. Spectacular coastline, impressive mountain ranges and an abundance of good wine all lead to the onceina lifetime sighting of southern right whales basking in the warmth of walker bay, between july. We share news and blog articles from across our various wildlife tours and marine big 5 adventures. Here are some of our ideas for whale watching between. For the 26th year south africas first and only enviroarts extravaganza, the hermanus whale festival, celebrates the. Southern right whale calves are 46 meters long and weigh 1. Hermanus whale festival cape town in colour page 7.