Listen closely as we embark on a journey into the deep blue, right here at Whale Watch in Cape Town. South Africa’s marine life is as impressive as its famed Big Five land animals. I want to tell you a bit about these giants. They were once endangered, but conservation efforts have helped their populations thrive.
Each year, southern right whales take a vacation in Cape waters. From June to December, these whales migrate from Antarctica to the coast around Cape Town. They treat us locals to displays of breaching and fluking. Spouting and spyhopping are common sights too.
Southern right whales are easy to identify. Look for rough patches on their heads. Barnacles often cover these patches. They also have long mouths and double blowholes. These giants can grow up to 15 meters long and weigh up to 60 tons. They come here to calve.
Humpback whales also visit Cape Town. We often see them between May and November. They migrate to warmer waters near Mozambique and Madagascar to breed. Humpbacks have obvious humps, knobbly heads, and long pectoral fins. They sometimes interact with southern right whales and bottlenose dolphins. Humpbacks can be seen in super-groups of as many as 150 from December to mid-February on the west coast.
Bryde’s whales live in South African waters all year. But, they can be tricky to spot. They dive for long periods. They resurface only briefly. Bryde’s whales have a large, sleek, dark grey body with white on the underside. Also, three ridges near the blowhole help to recognize the animal.
False Bay is a great whale-watching spot near Cape Town. High vantage points offer the best views. Cape Point, Clarence Drive, and Boyes Drive are popular. You might even spot whales from the train between Muizenberg and Simon’s Town. Simon’s Town is only 45 minutes away from Cape Town.
Hermanus is one of the world’s top 12 whale-watching spots. The whales often come very close to the shore here. Hermanus hosts an annual whale festival in late September or early October. This attracts over 150,000 people.
Dyer Island, located 8 km from shore near Gaansbaai, is another popular destination for Whale Watch. A boat trip to Dyer Island offers the chance to see various bird species. You’ll also see African penguins and Cape fur seals. The best time to visit is between July and December.
Dreamcatcher was the first boat in South Africa designed specifically for whale watching. It is comfortable and spacious. There is an observation deck and a PA system. It even has a hydrophone.
Please remember that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, we will give you realistic expectations. Whale watching in Cape Town gives you a unique chance to witness the incredible marine life. So, embrace the beauty of these gentle giants.