Best Time to See Whales in South Africa

The Whale Watching Capital of the World

Hermanus, a small town on the coast of South Africa, is known as the whale watching capital of the world. From June to November, southern right whales come to the waters off Hermanus to breed and calve. The whales can be seen from the shore, and there are also a number of boat-based whale watching tours available. Our destinations page has more on Hermanus.

The Whale Route

The Whale Route is a scenic drive along the coast of South Africa, from Cape Town to Durban. The route passes through a number of whale watching hotspots, including Hermanus, Plettenberg Bay, and the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The best time to drive the Whale Route is from June to November, when the whales are in the area. Our knowledge center has more on the Whale Route.

A Marine Big Five Safari

In addition to whales, the waters off the coast of South Africa are home to a variety of other marine life, including dolphins, seals, penguins, and great white sharks. A marine Big Five safari is a great way to see all of these incredible creatures. Our safari advisors can help you plan a marine safari that combines whale watching with other marine activities.