Cape Town whale watching

Picture this... ...it's pearly dawn and you are paddleskiing off Muizenberg under a winter sky. Without warning, the waters beside your craft part and an enormous, glossy whale back looms out of the waves. What would you do?

This is exactly what happened to my husband's surf partner just a few years ago!

Cape Town whale watching season

The best time for whale watching in Cape Town is between May and November. There are whales in the Cape waters all year round - mothers with young calves may stay in the more hospitable waters to give the calves time to grow up - but the largest numbers of whales are in the winter and spring months of the year.

Whale sightings start as early as April BUT to confirm my "later is better" opinion, the Hermanus Whale Festival is always held in the last week or so of September. And there are often whales to be spotted in Walker Bay right through December.

What Kinds of Whales can you see in Cape Town?

There are three different species found around the Cape - Southern Right whales, Humpback whales and Killer whales (Orcas). The Southern Rights are the most commonly seen.

Where? - Land-based Cape Town whale watching

Hermanus has long been punted as THE whale place, but it's not the only place! If you don't have the time and or budget to visit Hermanus (90 minutes drive from Cape Town) there are great places closer by.

Around False Bay is a great spot - remember to take your binoculars!

• On foot, the Catwalk between Muizenberg and St James is a lovely stroll and close to the ocean.
• Driving, Boyes Drive is a good vatage point, but too high above the waves to be my favourite.
• The road between Fishhoek and Simontown is legendary in my opinion and you can sit at Dixies and have a meal while you watch the gargantuan action.
• Misty Cliffs is another fantastic spot, the road is slightly above the shaloow andthe whales go mad literally 'frolicking' at your feet :-)

Boat-based Cape Town Whale Watching

If you want gob-smackingly impressive photos to help you brag about your whale encounters, spend some money and go the boat route.

Here are two great reasons why...

These are the best two of a series of photos I took from the shore near Simonstown. Believe me or not, there were 8 whales in this group, and every time I went *click* they were invisible!

Permits for Cape Town Whale Watching Boats

Whale watching boats need to have an official permit. This is to protect the whales from harassment by loads of us humans!

In Table Bay, the permit holder is Waterfront Boat Company.

In False Bay it is Simonstown Boat Company. I like and recommend Simonstown because it is a small, intimate harbour and the boat is owner-operated. Skipper Dave Hurwitz is interesting and personable and has years of experience in the Bay. I have done his Seal Island trip and lived every minute.

If you want to or are prepared to travel to Hermanus you will find a number of boat operators there - your best bet is to ask at Hermanus tourist information in town.

If your kids are over 12 and you are keen on hiking, consider walking the the Whale Trail, a hiking trail on the Southern Cape coast.

Several of our family members have done it now (including one of the grannies!) and all have come back raving with enthusiasm.

It's a 5-day hike, with the option of a porter for your pack.