The Cliff Path provides some of the best land-based whale watching worldwide to spot southern right whale pods breaching and frolicking during whale season, from June to November. The life cycle of the humpback and southern right whales leads them north, up the southern South African coastline to Hermanus where they calve, well within reach of the shoreline and the cliff paths.

The cliffs provide a popular walking trail, visitors can choose to walk a section of the scenic path or stretch their legs over the full distance. The path runs approximately 12 kilometers along the rugged shoreline, from the New Harbour to the famous Grotto Beach. Visitors can take a leisurely hike along the clearly marked and well-kept paths stopping at leisure to enjoy the many beaches along the path, the crashing waves below and the panoramic views. Birdlife and wildlife (such as mongoose) are abundant as the paths are protected within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The trail is also lined with a rich variety of fragrant fynbos and when the flowers are out there is an array of bright colours on display. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic on one of the benches along the route, offering the perfect relaxation spot and whale watching spot! Certain parts of the path are also wheelchair accessible, especially the pathway in front of the Village Square Shopping Centre running through to the Marine Hotel.

The famous Whale Crier of Hermanus, who can be identified by the whale-tail feather in his cap and the mournful echo of his kelp horn, adds to the charm of this beautiful cliff walk. The Whale Crier walks along the pathways daily and signals that whales have arrived in the bay.

If you would like more information or sample packages showing how a the Hermanus Whale Walk can be incorporated into a package or if you would like to experience this unique walk, please contact us for more information.

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At the southern tip of Africa, where two of the world's greatest oceans converge, a total experience of land, sea and the rainbow culture of the Western Cape offer you the most exciting whale watching venues in the world! South Africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, whether from land, boat or plane you can expect spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins.

Every year, southern right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June. The country’s coastal waters teem with the giant animals, mating, calving and rearing their young, the peak calving season is July and August. The animals, often mere meters from the shore, provide unsurpassed whale watching opportunities between June and November offering spectacular displays of raw power and elegant water acrobatics. Humpbacks migrate through the region between May and December each year, while Bryde's whales are found slightly further offshore all year round.

Good land based whale spotting can be done along the entire Cape Whale Route, this 900-kilometre-long stretch of whale watching coastline starts along the south of Cape Town and extends to Durban. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park and the Transkei.

Another good spot to experience whale watching is in the 34 000 hectares De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Overberg (just three hours from Cape Town), this is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature. This beautiful reserve is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, bird or whale watching. The neighbouring marine reserve is a World Heritage Site that extends 5km out to sea and is one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa. It conserves a vast and fascinating variety of marine life. There is hike along one of the best trails in South Africa in De Hoop, the 5 Day G!ano Coastline Hiking Trail that offers coastal and mountain walking with spectacular views and of course plenty of whale watching opportunities.

If you are looking for close encounter boat-based whale watching you can choose from many options. These boat-based whale watching trips are regulated in South Africa and it is important to choose a reputable and licensed whale watching operator. Whale watching charters are available in most coastal areas, if you are visiting these areas, here are some great boat-based whale watching activities:

- Simon’s Town: Simon's Town Boat Company operating in the western half of False Bay which is one of the finest boat based whale watching sites in South Africa.

- Hermanus: Southern Right Charters, with 20 years’ experience they offer an 'experience to be treasured'.

- Gansbaai: Dyer Island Cruises a 5 Star,custom-built whale watching vessel & Ivanhoe Sea Safaris one the leading boat-based whale watching companies in South Africa.

- Knysna: Ocean Odyssey offering unforgettable marine adventures.

- Plettenberg Bay: Ocean Blue Adventures where you can experience the best the bay has to offer.

- St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal: Advantage Tours where you can get as close as 50 meters from these gentle ocean giants, the humpback whales. The curious humpback whale can be seen between May to December, moving up along the coast from Hermanus to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another option for amazing whale-watching if you are visiting Hermanus is a whale watching and photographic flight with African Wings who provide flights that will enable you to look at these marine giants from above. This amazing experience can be booked for 30, 45 or 60 minutes and will leave you in awe!

With so many whale watching activities on offer, you have no shortage of choice of amazing experiences to choose from! Please contact us if you would like some more information on a whale watching experience or some sample packages showing how this experience can be incorporated into a package.

The post Best Spots & Times to Enjoy Whale Watching In South Africa appeared first on Southern Africa 360.

Hermanus has recently had the honour of being named the top spot in the world out of 10 for whale-watching in the Telegraph’s world’s best whale-watching holidays for 2019. Hermanus is a quaint and beautifully scenic seaside town located a mere 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town overlooking the Atlantic.

Whale watching in this area has become extremely popular, attracting local and international travellers every year. Some of the whales in Hermanus are Bryde’s whales, Humpback whales or Southern Right whales. The Southern Right whale is the most densely populated of all Hermanus whales that visit the area. Every year about 100 whales gather to breed in Hermanus during the months of June to December, with as many as close to 200 whales in Hermanus spotted at one time. This year whale season started early with the first whale spotted close to the New Harbour in Hermanus on the 30^th of April.

The first lot of whales normally start to arrive at the end of May, and every week more and more of these magnificent creatures arrive. Normally by September the full number of whales for the year are in Hermanus. If you are hoping to go whale watching in Hermanus, the peak whale season is September and October.

Please contact us if you would like some more information on an amazing whale watching experience or some sample packages showing how this experience can be incorporated into a package.

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Hermanus boasts festivals such as the annual Hermanus Whale Festival so it comes as no surprise that the local destination has been hailed the best spot in the world. The international publication described the town as “a small fishing village”, noting the migration of the Southern Right whale as a must-see event. The Southern right whales come to calf and mate off this coast between June and November, performing their acrobatics incredibly close to the shore. Southern Right Whales are known for their friendly and playful nature and can weigh over 47 tones and reach a length of 18 meters.

Here are the top 10 whale watching spots across the world according to The Telegraph: 

1. Hermanus – South Africa

2. California – United States of America

3. Canary Islands

4. Vancouver Island – Canada

5. San Ignacio Lagoon – Mexico

6. Grundarfjorour – Iceland

7. Queensland – Australia

8. Cetaceans – Azores

9. Christchurch – New Zealand

10. Madeira – Portuguese Island

Hermanus is a destination we look forward to visiting every year and one we cannot recommended enough! Please contact us if you would like some more information on a whale watching experience or some sample packages showing how this experience can be incorporated into a package.

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The picturesque mountains beyond gently embrace the phenomenal, all encompassing vista of the bay. Recently Voted in the London Times as “ One of the top 20 views in the world ( with a room) “

The main house of Ocean Eleven was built with all the high ceilings, tall windows and teak floors that made colonial architecture so utterly elegant. All these features and thus the grace and style have been retained to this day.

Ocean Eleven boasts beautifully appointed rooms that have an all-embracing sea view over Walker Bay.

Luxuries include 100% cotton percale linen, tea & coffee trays, mini-bars, heated towel rails, fans as well as heating which will all ensure a comfortable stay at Ocean Eleven.

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