Whale Season: Top spots to catch sightings

Every year, from June to December, the Western Cape experiences whale season as southern right whales migrate to Cape Town to give birth or find a mate. Here’s a guide to the best spots for a chance to see them.

Whale capital of the world

Hermanus, along the shores of Walker Bay in the Overberg, is a popular holiday destination and also the official whale-watching capital of the world, according to Africa Blue Tours. It offers both spectacular scenery and many activities.

So far this whale season, 265 whales and their young have been spotted near Hermanus.

Between New Harbour and Grotto Beach, the best whale-watching points are along cliff paths that line the coast. Spectators often see up-close views of the whales. Markedly, sightings can occur within 10 metres of the coast.

Hermanus Whale Festival

Hermanus is so synonymous with whale-watching that it hosts an annual Whale Festival in September. The festival is undoubtedly very popular and attracts an estimated 75 000 to 130 000 visitors each year.

Markedly, the Hermanus Whale Festival is the only eco-marine festival in the world.

Visitors have the opportunity to get up close with southern right whales as they make their annual migration to the coastal waters of Hermanus. In addition, the festival includes markets, marine and nature talks, a street parade, and live music.

The 2024 Whale Festival takes place from 27 to 29 September.

Top spots for whale-watching

Dr Els Vermeulen of the Whale Unit of the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) at the University of Pretoria says the 2024 numbers are lower than 2023.

“This [lower numbers] indicates that it takes whales longer to produce a healthy baby, which could be attributed to a drop in food availability.”
Dr Els Vermeulen

In addition to Hermanus, there are many other spots you can make your way to if you are hoping to see some whales. As published by capetownetc, following is a list of where to go:

• Boyes Drive
• St James
• Kalk Bay
• Clovelly Corner
• Jager’s Walk in Fish Hoek
• The coastal road between Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town
• Cape Point’s Rooikrans
• Baden Powell Drive
• Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay
• Betty’s Bay
• Kleinmond
• Struisbaai
• Arniston
• Stilbaai
• Nature’s Valley
• Elands Bay
• Saldanha Bay
• Langebaan
• Paternoster
• Doringbaai
• Llandudno
• Hout Bay
• Melkbosstrand