11/08/2022
“World’s Best Whale Watching.”
At this time of year, hundreds of Southern Right Whales gather close to land along the coast of Hermanus in the Western Cape, South Africa, the world's premier site for witnessing these mysterious and magnificent ocean creatures. Now an endangered species and protected under strict international laws, the Southern Right Whales arrive in large numbers to breed, give birth and frolic joyfully in the sea. Encouragingly, they are now recovering at a birth rate of between 7% and 10% each year, with their numbers doubling every decade thanks to outstanding conservation efforts.
Whales are one of the most enigmatic and beautiful creatures in the ocean, with many travelling hundreds of miles in the hope of spotting one of these gentle giants. That being said, the whales in Hermanus do indeed love to play and put on a show for spectators on the cliff paths. Catch them only a short distance away maneuvering their flukes, (tails) to catch the prevailing wind and "sail" along in the water just for fun and jumping right out of the water, (breaching), to crash back down into the sea with an almighty splash. Fantastic to see surrounded by landscapes of incomparable beauty.
Take a boat tour for an even closer look and with a bit of luck, find other species of whales, (like Humpbacks & Bryde's Whales), as well as African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and maybe even a pod of dolphins along the way. The Whale Festival also attracts over 150 000 enthusiasts annually, celebrating the whales' arrival with all manner of Arts & Crafts markets, large stages for music bands and DJs, Eco-marquees showcasing the diverse marine life, cuisine and food stalls and much more.