Southern Right Whale Season: Where and When to See Whales Near Cape Town
Every year, from around June, the southern right whale returns to the sheltered bays of South Africa’s southern coast to mate and give birth. For several months, these gentle giants can be seen breaching, lob-tailing and nursing their calves remarkably close to shore. The coast near Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to watch them, from the land and from the water.
Southern right whale season
- June to November: the main whale season along the Cape’s southern coast.
- August to October: peak numbers, with many mothers and calves in the bays.
The whales spend the summer feeding in the cold, food-rich waters near Antarctica, then migrate north to calve in the warmer, protected bays of South Africa, Argentina and Australia.
Where to see southern right whales
Hermanus
About 90 minutes from Cape Town, Hermanus is famous for some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. The cliff path that runs along Walker Bay gives superb views, and whales often come within metres of the rocks. The town celebrates the season with the annual Hermanus Whale Festival.
Gansbaai and Dyer Island
Further along the coast, Gansbaai is home to permit-holding boat-based whale-watching operators. The waters around Dyer Island and “Shark Alley” are part of the area known for the “Marine Big Five”: whales, great white sharks, dolphins, Cape fur seals and African penguins.
De Kelders
The cliffs at De Kelders, near Gansbaai, offer excellent quiet land-based viewing.
False Bay
Closer to Cape Town, whales are regularly seen from the coastal road and lookouts at Kalk Bay, St James and Fish Hoek. It’s a great add-on to a winter getaway in Cape Town.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Remote De Hoop, east of Hermanus, has one of the most important southern right whale nursery areas on the coast.
Southern right whale facts
- Adults can reach around 15 metres long and weigh up to about 50 tonnes.
- They are baleen whales, filtering tiny crustaceans from the water.
- Each whale has unique white growths on its head, called callosities, which researchers use to identify individuals.
- Their name comes from whalers, who saw them as the “right” whale to hunt because they’re slow and float when killed. Today they’re protected, and their numbers have recovered significantly.
- Look for the V-shaped “blow” they make when surfacing.
Land or boat? Choosing your whale-watching experience
Land-based viewing is free, flexible and great for families. Boat-based trips with licensed operators can approach to a regulated distance for a closer encounter, and often include dolphins, seals and seabirds. Always choose a permit-holding operator who follows responsible viewing rules.
Visiting outside whale season? Shark cage diving at Gansbaai runs year-round, conditions permitting.
Southern right whale FAQ
What is the best month to see southern right whales in South Africa?
September and October usually offer the highest numbers and the most activity.
Can I see humpback whales too?
Yes. Humpback whales migrate along the South African coast, mainly from about May to December, and are often seen from boats.
How far is Hermanus from Cape Town?
About 120 km, or roughly 90 minutes by car. A golf round on the way makes a great combination. See our Overberg golf weekend getaway.
Explore more wildlife experiences, or contact us to plan a whale-watching trip.
