During the months of June to November, South Africa sees a number of whale species cross its shores, including humpback whales, southern right whales and bryde’s whales. There are some great whale watching spots in Africa and you are likely to witness whales breaching, fluking, lobtailing, logging, spouting and spyhopping.
If you’re able to get near enough to witness a whale spyhopping, you have gained the right to say that you have come eye to eye with a whale. Spyhopping is when a whale lifts its upper body out of the water in order to see above the surface. They tend to do this when boats are nearby.
Whale breaching occurs regularly and generally in a series of three to eight times. It’s believed to be a form of communication between whales.
Where is the best places to see whales?
The Western Cape offers plenty of vantage points, particularly in the picturesque area of False Bay – a popular whale watching site. With a network of roads reaching higher grounds, opportunities for seeing whales are great.
Hermanus is internationally recognized for its land and boat-based whale watching adventures, with Walker Bay being a popular spot for breeding whales. Female whales tend to return to the same bay each year to mate and give birth.
De Hoop Marine Reserve offers an incredible 5-day whale trail walk along a pristine coastline that sees a number of whales visit each year to breed. The route spans over 55 kilometer, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and includes five overnight stops in comfortable cottages. The hike varies in intensity each day.
Garden Route destinations such as Knysna, Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay are great for whale sightings. Mossel Bay offers a boat based whale watching experience whilst a cruise past the Knysna Heads offers incredible up-close viewing of southern right whales. Plettenberg Bay sees a number of whale species all year round.
St Lucia is well-known for offering some of the best ocean adventures in the country, from scuba diving and fishing expeditions to rewarding boat-based whale watching excursions. Humpback whales appear in large numbers as they love the warmer Indian Ocean. Be sure to have your camera ready as you are sure likely to get some incredible snaps of these sea giants.
