The Whale Coast

Discover the Whale Coast in Style

The Whale Coast is a stretch of small towns and seaside villages along the southern coast of the Western Cape of South Africa, encompassing the town of Hermanus, Aghulas Nature reserve and onward to De Hoop Nature Reserve East of Cape Agulhas. It starts about 100km southeast of Cape Town and is connected to the Mother City by one of the more scenic drives in Southern Africa.

The Whale Coast is best known for its excellent land and boat-based whale watching of southern right whales who calf in the bay in the winter and spring months. These whales can be seen breaching from the cliff paths in Hermanus from as early as June until they depart the area, generally in early December. Aside from whale watching, with its warm-summer Mediterranean climate, the Whale Coast is best visited in the summer months from November to April, for perfectly sunny days and cloudless skies, so ideal timing really depends on your reasons for visiting the area.

The Whale Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline that offers an idylic vacation for families, couples or friends traveling together. We think it has a good selection of seaside hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts to choose from, and some excellent beaches to soak up the sun.

VARIETY OF MARINE AND CULTURAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

In addition to southern right whale viewing, you can also dive with great white sharks in this area - for the ultimate adrenaline experience - commonly on the town of Gansbaai. The annual whale festival, which is held annually in September, is also worth stopping in for, for great food, craft stalls and environmentally focused presentations.

Pay a visit to the Old Harbor Museum, which documents the history of the whaling industry and the growth of the town of Hermanus. The Whale Museum in Hermanus also houses a skeleton of a whale and you can enjoy informative presentations on the lives of the local whales and dolphins.

Slightly further afield, head out to De Hoop Nature Reserve for a true sense of untouched coastal wilderness and relaxation. The Fauna and Flora here is outstanding - colorful and unspoiled 'Fybos' really springs to life in winter, and for those that like a true getaway and to reconnect with nature along the coast, this area is hard to beat - especially for families.