South Africa’s coastline transforms into a magnificent theatre of marine life each year as majestic whales journey to our waters. At Perivoli Lagoon House, we’re privileged to offer our guests front-row seats to this breathtaking natural spectacle. If you’re planning a visit to witness these gentle giants of the ocean, here’s everything you need to know about whale watching season in South Africa.
Prime Whale Watching Season in South Africa
The main whale watching season in South Africa runs from June to November, with peak activity between August and October. During these months, the Southern Right whales are most abundant along the coast, having migrated from the Antarctic to our warmer waters to mate and calve.
Different whale species follow slightly different patterns:
- Southern Right Whales: June to November (peak: August-October)
- Humpback Whales: May to December (migrating along our coast)
- Bryde’s Whales: Year-round residents, though less commonly spotted
The Remarkable Journey of Southern Right Whales
Each winter, Southern Right Whales make an awe-inspiring journey from the icy feeding grounds of Antarctica to the calm, sheltered bays of South Africa, including Walker Bay near Hermanus. These gentle giants, weighing up to 50 tons and stretching over 15 meters in length, arrive to mate and give birth after gorging on up to 1.5 tons of tiny zooplankton (copepods) daily in Antarctic waters.
What makes their visit even more remarkable is the sacrifice these mothers make. Nursing mothers can lose up to a third of their body weight during the season, as they feed very little while nurturing their calves in our warmer waters. This extraordinary dedication to their offspring makes witnessing these magnificent creatures all the more meaningful.
With no dorsal fin, a distinctive V-shaped blow, and rough white callosities on their heads that are unique to each individual like fingerprints, Southern Right Whales are easy to spot and identify from land-based viewing points.
First seen returning to Hermanus in the 1960s after nearly being wiped out by whalers in open boats between 1790 and 1825, their comeback has been slow but steady since South Africa’s last whaling station closed in Durban in 1975. Today, watching one breach against the backdrop of a sunset, sundowner in hand, is one of the most unforgettable coastal experiences imaginable
Image credit: WWF
The Western Cape: South Africa’s Whale Watching Haven
The Western Cape, where Perivoli Lagoon House is situated, is considered one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. Our location near Walker Bay and Hermanus (known as the “Whale Capital of South Africa”) places our guests in an ideal position to witness these magnificent creatures.
Best Viewing Spots Near Perivoli Lagoon House
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve: Just a short drive from our property, offering spectacular clifftop vantage points. Our guests can enjoy whale watching while sipping their favourite sundowner drink as the sun sets, which is included in your stay.
- Hermanus Cliff Path: The famous 12km path offers multiple viewing points where whales often come within 50 metres of the shoreline.
- De Kelders: Known for its caves and cliff views, this spot near Gansbaai offers intimate whale watching experiences.
What to Expect During Your Whale Watching Experience
Southern Right whales are particularly active during their time in our waters. Look out for these spectacular behaviours:
- Breaching: The whale propels itself out of the water and falls back with a tremendous splash.
- Lobtailing: Slapping their flukes (tails) on the water surface.
- Spy-hopping: Rising vertically out of the water, exposing their heads.
- Blowing: Exhaling through their blowholes, creating a distinctive V-shaped spray.
Whale Watching Activities when staying at Perivoli Lagoon House
- Land-Based Viewing: Comfortable and convenient from our Walker Bay shoreline viewing areas. This experience is quite special, as it’s away from the hustle and bustle, typically from De Kelders or Hermanus, and enjoyed at your own pace with your chosen sundowner in hand.
- Boat Tours: We can arrange boat-based whale watching excursions with responsible operators who maintain respectful distances from the whales.
- Aerial Tours: For the ultimate experience, helicopter tours offer a breathtaking perspective.
- Kayaking: During calm weather conditions, guided kayak tours provide an intimate experience with these gentle giants.
Photography Tips for Capturing the Perfect Whale Moment
- Bring a camera with a good zoom lens (at least 200mm).
- Pack polarising filters to reduce glare from the water.
- Be patient and keep your camera ready – whale activity can be unpredictable.
- For boat-based viewing, use a fast shutter speed to compensate for movement.
- Consider the lighting: early morning and late afternoon typically offer the best conditions.
Conservation and Responsible Whale Watching
At Perivoli Lagoon House, we’re committed to sustainable tourism and conservation. South African law requires boats to maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from whales. We support only eco-friendly operators who adhere to these regulations and prioritise the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
The increasing numbers of Southern Right whales visiting our shores each year is a testament to successful conservation efforts after they were nearly hunted to extinction in the early 20th century.
Planning Your Whale Watching Stay at Perivoli Lagoon House
To maximise your chances of witnessing these magnificent marine mammals during your stay with us:
- Book your visit between August and October for peak whale activity.
- Plan a stay of at least 3-4 days to allow for optimal viewing opportunities.
- Join our morning guided nature walks, which often include whale spotting.
- Speak to our concierge about arranging specialised whale watching excursions.
The Perfect End to Your Whale Watching Day
After a day of whale watching, return to the comfort of Perivoli Lagoon House to unwind. Enjoy a sundowner on our deck as you reflect on the day’s sightings, followed by a locally-sourced gourmet dinner prepared by our chef.
Experience the magic of whale season from Perivoli Lagoon House, where tranquil lagoon luxury serves as your perfect base for ocean adventures. Our unique location offers the best of both worlds – the peace and serenity of our lagoon retreat combined with easy access to world-class whale watching just 30 minutes away. Contact our reservations team today to plan your whale watching getaway.
Note: Whale sightings are natural occurrences and cannot be guaranteed, though our peak season offers excellent viewing probability. Our team is always happy to provide the latest whale spotting updates prior to your arrival.
