Grab a front-row seat to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows as Southern right whales arrive along the Cape’s shores from June until November. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of breaching, fluking, spouting, and spyhopping, either from designating whale-watching locations or during a boat tour.
Here’s what you need to know about whale watching in Cape Town:
What You Can Expect to See
Of the whale species seen in the waters around the Cape, Southern right whales are the most common. However, you might also get a chance to see humpback whales and Bryde’s whales. Long before they became a protected species in 1935, Southern right whales were considered the ‘right whales’ to hunt because of their slow swimming speeds and the fact that their carcasses float. These days, their population has grown again, and they’re common to spot off the coast of Cape Town.
Southern right whales can be distinguished by the callosities (rough patches of skin covered in barnacles) on their heads as well as their long arching mouths and characteristic double blowholes. They average 15m in length and can weigh a whopping 60 tons! The whales migrate annually from Antarctica to the coast around Cape Town to calve their offspring. They usually arrive in June and stay until November.
Humpback whales, with their obvious humps, knobbly heads, and long pectoral fins, can also be seen in Cape waters during their migration from the polar regions to Mozambique and Madagascar where they breed and give birth. You are most likely to catch a glimpse of them between May and November. They’re also a friendly species and can sometimes be seen interacting with southern right whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Although they are the only species of whale that is present in South African waters all year round, Bryde’s whales can be tricky to spot because they tend to dive for long periods of time before resurfacing only briefly. You are most likely to spot these shy whales between the West Coast and Port Elizabeth. Look out for a large, sleek, dark grey body with white on the underside, and three ridges near the blowhole.
Best Places to Watch the Whales
False Bay
False Bay is the best place closest to the city for whale watching. Opt for the higher vantage points along the False Bay coastline such as Cape Point, Boyes Drive between St James and Kalk Bay, and Clarence Drive between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els. During the whale-watching season, you might even be lucky enough to spot them up close if you take the train trip from Muizenberg to Simon’s Town.
Hermanus
Rated as one of the top 12 whale-watching locations in the world by the World Wildlife Fund, Hermanus offers some fine land-based viewing opportunities because the whales often come within metres of the shoreline. There are viewing terraces at the Old Harbour, and Gearings Point is a popular spot. During the whale watching season, a Whale Crier alerts watchers to whales by blowing on a kelp horn. To fully immerse yourself in the whale experience, visit Hermanus during the first week of October when the seaside town hosts an annual Hermanus Whale Festival from October 3-5, 2025.
The West Coast
This beautiful stretch of coastline provides plenty of opportunities to spot whales. There are many small, coastal towns along this stretch that are havens for fishing, hiking, and adventure sports. During the spring flower season, they are also covered in carpets of Namaqualand wildflowers that are an attraction. Try Langebaan, Paternoster, Lambert’s Bay or Yzerfontein for a unique whale-watching experience away from the crowds.
Gansbaai
Known for its sharks and is one of the best places in the Cape to try shark-cage diving, at Gansbaai, you can also enjoy whale watching.
Cape Agulhas
Up to 50 pairs of southern right cows and calves have been known to frolic in Cape Agulhas.
The Whale Trail
The Whale Trail takes you through one of the Western Cape’s most unique and diverse nature reserves. The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with five overnight stops (hikers spend the first night at Potberg before starting the trail). De Hoop is also world-
renowned as one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations. The coastline is transformed as southern right whales migrate here to breed and look after their young. The route is strenuous, varying in intensity.
Getting Up Close and Personal
While the Cape coastline offers many fantastic land-based viewing opportunities, it is an entirely different experience to get close to these magnificent creatures in the ocean.
Marine Dynamics
Set out on an ocean adventure and explore the incredible Dyer Island ecosystem with Marine Dynamics. Operating all year round, this marine safari introduces you to the legendary Marine Big 5: whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and the endangered African penguin. Depending on the season, you’ll encounter different whale species. Spot Humpback and Bryde’s whales from January to May, and the Southern Right Whales from June to December. The two-and-a-half-hour guided trip offers a unique, close-up look at marine life in one of the world’s richest ocean environments.
Website: www.whalewatchsa.com
Simons Town Boat Company
Get ready to encounter majestic whales and playful dolphins on this unforgettable tour- and if luck is on your side, you might even spot the ocean’s giants, the Killer Whales! Guests enjoy a rare chance to get up close to these incredible creatures in their natural home, all while being guided by friendly experts who share fascinating stories and insights about marine life and whale behavior.
Tours depart daily from Simon’s Town at 10:30am and 2pm.
Website: www.boatcompany.co.za
