Whale Watching Tour
Experience South Africa’s best whale watching directly from your hotel
Whale Watching Tour
Every year, dozens of southern right whales migrate to South Africa from their Antarctic feeding grounds.
The significant numbers and relative ease of spotting them makes whale watching a must-do activity for any visit to the Western Cape.
The coastline east of Cape Town is blessed with abundant marine life year-round with sharks, dolphins, penguins and sea lions all reliably present.
However between the months of June and November, they are joined by the fifth member of South Africa’s so-called ‘Marine 5’.
Whale Watching Tour
Where to go?
Southern right whales have for years chosen the waters between Cape Town and the Garden Route to calve and mate.
They can be seen anywhere along this coastline but perhaps most reliably, in the waters off the town of Hermanus.
A clifftop walk from your hotel may reveal as many as a dozen individuals, often surprisingly close thanks to the immediately deep waters.
If you’re struggling to find them, just look for Hermanus’ dedicated whale crier who will point you in the right direction.
What to do?
For a deeper insight into the lives of these gentle giants, take to the water for boat-based whale watching.
These tours usually run more reliably in the more settled conditions between September and early November.
Boat trips also offer a better chance to see other cetaceans such as dolphins and different species of whale. Sea lions can be regularly observed, occasionally with a great white shark in close company.
Who should go?
Within such easy reach of other family favourites, most South Africa family holidays will be sure to include a whale watching tour.
And with a choice of a land-based or marine whale watching available, landlubbers and salty sea dogs of all ages will be kept happy.
Accommodation
Our favourite whale watching accommodation
Accommodation
Our favourite whale watching accommodation
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for a Whale Watching Tour
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South Africa malaria-free family safari holiday
Search for the Big Five in a malaria-free private reserve, and experience the inimitable cityscape of Cape Town
More InfoGuide Price From £2,795 | $3,775 per person (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 12) Duration 8 nights Best Months June - October Region Johannesburg, Madikwe Game Reserve, Cape Town, ![shutterstock_1294063876.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale]()
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Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
Meet our founders
We believe in expert advice and exceptional service
No half measures allowed.
Over the last twenty years, we have lived and worked in the luxury African tourism sector developing partnerships across the continent.
We know what makes a memorable family experience, and as parents, we understand what’s important to you.
