WHALE WATCHING

South Africa and specifically the Garden Route is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals, whether from land or from boat.

Every year, southern right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June. Here they mate, calve and generally hang out, occasionally flopping a tail up, or sticking their heads out of the water.

Whale watching is generally done from June to November each year although it is not uncommon for whales to be spotted outside this period. Some 37 species of whales and dolphins are found in the South African waters, but most common is the humpback whales and southern right whales. Humpback whales are similar in size to the southern right whales (about 15m), and are often seen off the South African coast between July and November as they move to Mocambique to calve and breed.

The Garden Route, from Witsand through to Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting southern rights from June to about November every year. Other whale species found here include the humpback whales, Bryde’s whales all year round and occasionally, killer whales.

Plettenberg Bay has the most organized whale and dolphin watching industry with daily boat trips and the option of viewing from kayaks and aircrafts as well. The southern right whales can be seen for the whole season and when they are getting ready to leave in early November, the humpback whales arrive with their calves, and stay until the end of December or early January. Which ever way you choose to watch these magnificent creatures, it is an absolute must – whale watching along the Garden Route is truly and unforgettable experience.