Whale Watching & Marine Tours

South Africa has a long coastline where two oceans meet, and the sea life is one of the best reasons to visit. Some animals live here all year, like penguins and seals; others, like whales, arrive for a few months each year.

Whale watching

Hermanus

Southern right whales come into Walker Bay to calve and mate from about June to November, with the most sightings in September and October. You can watch them from the cliff path in town or take a licensed boat trip. Hermanus is about one and a half hours from Cape Town. See Hermanus.

Other places

Whales are also seen in False Bay, at Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, and along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, where humpback whales pass on their migration.

Sharks, seals and penguins

Gansbaai

The waters off Gansbaai are home to sharks, Cape fur seals, African penguins, dolphins and, in season, whales. Shark cage diving trips leave from here. See Gansbaai.

Seals at Duiker Island

A short boat trip from Hout Bay harbour, or a snorkel with the seals in a wetsuit.

African penguins

The colonies at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town and Stony Point at Betty's Bay. African penguins are now listed as critically endangered, so keep to the boardwalks.

Boat trips and cruises

Cape Town sunset cruises

Boats leave from the V&A Waterfront for sunset trips with views of Table Mountain.

St Lucia, iSimangaliso

Boat trips on the St Lucia estuary to see hippos, crocodiles and water birds. See iSimangaliso.

Two Oceans Aquarium

A good choice for a windy or rainy day in Cape Town, especially with children.

Best time to go

• June to November. Whale season in the Western Cape, with the peak in September and October.
• All year. Seals, penguins and dolphins.
• Summer. Calmer seas on the Atlantic coast and the best weather for cruises.

Good to know

• Boats are often cancelled or moved for wind and swell. Book early in your stay.
• Take a seasickness tablet before setting out if you need one, and bring a warm, windproof layer.
• Sightings of wild animals are never guaranteed.

For more water-based activities, see adventure activities.