Southern Right Charters

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Southern Right Charters Whale Watching The safety and conservation of the whales and marine life is principal.
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Experience an up, close and personal encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean by joining us on a whale watching trip that promises to be an ‘experience to be treasured.’

For the last decade, Southern Right Charters as a licensed permit holder has operated under the ethos and motto of: ‘Observing NOT Disturbing’. Under this ethos we believe it is our obligation to ensure the service offered i

s informative and educational. From June to December you will mostly encounter the Southern Right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on many of our trips. We are licensed to approach the whales up to 50m, being curious creatures they usually come right unto the vessel. Our purpose-built catamaran Miroshca, complies with all safety regulations and its configuration provides spectacular viewing and comfort. Four different viewing levels allow passengers the best viewing opportunities. The friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch to ensure an all-round great experience.

07/04/2026

Job Title: Whale Watching Marine Guide, Expedition Leader &
Research liaison.

Location: Hermanus

About the Role
We are currently looking to expand, creating an opportunity for a passionate Marine Guide and Expedition Leader to join the team for the upcoming whale watching season.
This role combines guiding eco-tourism experiences with contributing to ongoing marine mammal research projects.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in marine biology, capable at presenting and demonstrating leadership in field-based operations.

Key Responsibilities
Lead daily whale watching tours, ensuring safety, engagement, and education for all guests.
Provide informed commentary on marine ecosystems, whale behavior, and conservation efforts.
Collect and record marine mammal data, including photo identification, behavioral observations, and environmental conditions.
Collaborate with research partners and contribute to long-term monitoring programs.
Assist in developing educational materials and outreach initiatives.
Qualifications
Strong knowledge of marine mammal species, particularly whales and dolphins.

Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Comfortable working in variable weather and sea conditions.
Passion for ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.

Advantageous
Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 2 years of experience in marine guiding, field research, or expedition leadership.

What’s Offered
Opportunities for professional development and research collaboration.
Work in a dynamic, ocean-based environment with a dedicated team of marine professionals.
Exposure to various operations and international projects
Contribution to meaningful conservation and education initiatives.

How to Apply
Submit a resume & cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Marine Guide Application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

12/09/2025

2 of these this week, - here’s the first one…

This female, - a little tricky to identify but the brindle markings confirm it.

Seen in Hermanus in 2022 – with a calf, and seen here again this week, again – with a calf.
3 years is pretty much optimum for these whales to be calving – so this lady – clearly healthy.

Both the calf of 2022 & 2025 had quite a lot of brindle markings with the 2025 model – looking very dalmatian like (see picture #2)

28/08/2025

Hermanus, - is on a roll!

Well known, for attracting whale watchers from all corners of the globe, year after year.
But it’s a 2-way streak! With whales coming to do some people watching year after year too!

Here, this friendly male (yes, we saw him upside down!) was spotted out there yesterday, and – was also seen here on 15th September 2024.

Always cool to get these re-sightings in the area.
With some pretty solid weather on the forecast for the upcoming days – let's see what else happens out there.

26/08/2025

2025, has so far seen us confirm several re-sightings of whales from previous years –
This one, a clear resighting with very obvious white blaze on her back - shows multiple resighting which is always cool.

2017 – Seen 10th October 2017. – the notes in the file state that she was visibly large, and very likely pregnant at that time.
2022 – Seen 27th September 2022 – seen with a calf
2025 – Seen 25th August 2025, with a calf again.

Assuming she was pregnant in 2017, that would be a 5, and then 3-year calving gap for this lady – showing a pretty decent and healthy calving cycle.

Shes currently in Hermanus, and a good chance of spending a bit of time here over the coming weeks as her calf grows strong enough for their migration in a few weeks.

Happy Whale Watching!!

13/07/2025

12 July 2025.

The first day of watching these new season youngsters plying their trade! – and what better whale to watch than (to our knowledge) the only white calf along the SA Coastline.

Looking back on recent years, this is the earliest we have seen, calf’s exhibiting the strength and co-ordination needed to pull this behaviour off.

A great sign for them, and their strength – and showing they must have been born early, and likely, these individuals will be on their way in a mere few more weeks.

Luckily, lots of other whales moving into Walker Bay.
Season time is here!

Catch you out there.

26/06/2025

RESIGHTING

With all this bad weather at the moment – we have some time to review our encounters of the year so far, and already our first resighting.

This whale, a female we first sighted in 2018 with a brindle (white) calf.

We haven’t seen her since, - although our operating effort during 2020/21 was low (COVID limitations) so its possible she was along our coastline and not seen as we’d expect her to have been back at some point in the past 7 years.

However, on 15th June 2025, we met up again in Walker bay.

No calf with her this time (yet!) she is looking pretty large, so possibly pregnant.
Although actually seen in a surface-active group of 3 whales having a group chat!

Hopefully on the water again over the weekend – will see what's out there!

04/06/2025

4 June

Eventually - a break in the weather today- the SRC team confident, boat as new, and excitement high -
We headed seaward.

Brydes whales
Bottlenose dolphins
And 3 Southern Right Whales all in the first 90mins of the trip

- a brilliant start to June and good sign of things to come.

See you out there! !

23/05/2025

Flying high club

As we approach the weekend, and the beginning of whale season in Hermanus… we decided some team building was in order.

Adventure is in the title, SA Forest Adventures did not disappoint with their worlds Longest zipline a short 30minute drive out of Hermanus.
What a privilege to have experienced it – and highly recommend it to all thrill seekers out there.

19/05/2025

175 years old (in dog years!)

25 in 2025.
As this season kicks off later this week, we mark 2 and a half decades of Southern Right Charters operating on the waters of Walker Bay.

Bringing to life bucket list experiences with adventurers, nature lovers, and whale enthusiasts from around the world.

From humble beginnings, our journey has been one of passion, dedication, and unforgettable encounters with the gentle giants of the sea.

It's has been - and continues to be a privilege to provide responsible, conservation-minded tours aimed to educate and inspire.

Looking forward we intend to lead the standards of Boat Based Whale Watching within South Africa and beyond, strengthen ties in the cetacean research fields, providing reliable, informed & trusted updates.
While also focussing on prioritising youth upliftment within the local community.

As much as adventuring on the ocean in search of the whales is at the very core of what we do -

Ultimately, - we couldn’t have done it without you—our guests, team, and supporters.
Your enthusiasm and love for the ocean fuel our mission every day.

Thank You.

08/04/2025

Stand L25

– a powerhouse, multi-day destination…. That will be the overarching theme while we attend this year.

Teaming up with & .sa – exhibiting various activities available in Hermanus and year round whale watching around the SA coastline.

With interactive Virtual Reality whale watching on show at the stand – come visit us – lets connect and show you what we’ve got !

you beaut!

Stand L25

07/11/2024

With some bad Wx for the day, - a gap for some admin

Here's a new resighting for the season –
We visually confirmed the match using her partial grey markings on her back, as well as her callosity pattern.

Last seen here in Walker Bay in 2021 – with a fully brindle calf and now again in 2024 – this time with a ‘normal’ black calf.

A 3yr calving interval would indicate she’s one healthy mum, and – considering we’re at the tail end of the season – when looking at her – she’s still pretty fat! (a compliment in the whale world!!)

Address

The Whale Shack, Whale Road, New Harbour. Hermanus
Hermanus
7200

Telephone

+27823530550

Website

http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/

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