What whales are in Cape Town?
Of the whale species seen in the waters around the Cape, southern right whales are the most common. However, you might also get a chance to see humpback whales and Bryde's whales.
Can you see whales in South Africa?
Nearly thirty different species of whale and dolphin can be seen off the coast of South Africa making it one of, if not, the premier destinations you can head to with a great chance of encountering these gentle giants of the oceans.
Do blue whales live in South Africa?
Two subspecies of blue whales, the Antarctic blue whale and the pygmy blue whale, occur in the southern African and associated Southern Ocean region. Growing to 30 m long and weighing up to 180 tonnes, the Antarctic blue whale is the largest animal that ever existed on Earth.
Are there any whales in Africa?
Africa is home to some of the best whale and dolphin-watching destinations on Earth, from the tip of South Africa's Cape Coast to the straits that wash Morocco's northern shores. In this article, we take a look at ten of the best cetacean-watching spots on the continent.
Are there killer whales in South Africa?
Killer whales can be seen anywhere along the southern African coast. However they tend to be seen more frequently in places of heavy boat traffic like the Cape Peninsula, Plettenberg Bay, Algoa Bay and on the old whaling grounds.
Are there humpback whales in South Africa?
Every year between June and December, southern right and humpback whales can be seen along the south coast from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this period, both species are frequently seen with calves, as they use South African waters for calving and rearing their young.
When can you see orcas in South Africa?
Southern right whales are the main attraction for whale watchers in South Africa from June to November. Most sightings happen from July to October. Occasionally, humpbacks, Bryde's whales, orcas and various kinds of dolphins can be seen, too.
Are there dolphins in South Africa?
Humpback dolphins are split into two populations in South Africa, one ranging along the Cape south coast and one on the northern KZN coast – combined there are likely only around 500 individuals of this species in the country, making them one of the rarest mammal species in the country.
Has a blue whale ever washed up on shore?
Marine Animal Response Society warning onlookers not to touch the 30-metre animal. A carcass of one of the world's largest animals — the endangered blue whale — has washed ashore near a popular white sand beach in Nova Scotia.
Why do whales migrate to South Africa?
They migrate because the water of their feeding grounds is too cold to calve, hence migrating to our warmer waters.
Do Humpback whales live in Africa?
Whaling drove humpbacks in the region to near extinction. Now new survey data suggests there are far more than anyone expected. Humpback whales in South Africa have made a stunning comeback after nearly being driven to extinction by commercial whaling.
Where do whales give birth in South Africa?
Hermanus, South Africa's whale watching capital, is home to the only whale crier in the world. From June to December, his calls echo through the small town. Each year, hundreds of southern right, humpback and Bryde's whales journey to the calm and icy waters of Hermanus to breed and give birth.
When can I see whales in South Africa?
The best time for watching the southern right whale along the Cape south coast is between June to November, with peak calving season in July and August. The curious humpback whale can be seen between May to December, moving up along the coast from Hermanus to St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.
When can I see whales in Cape Town?
It's Whale season in Cape Town, which means that the Southern Right Whales are migrating into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young. This seasonal migration takes place during June- November, every year, with September usually being the peak period.
When can you see orcas in South Africa?
Southern right whales are the main attraction for whale watchers in South Africa from June to November. Most sightings happen from July to October. Occasionally, humpbacks, Bryde's whales, orcas and various kinds of dolphins can be seen, too.
What is the best time to see whales in Hermanus?
Best time to visit Often the whales can be found off the coast of Hermanus between June and December. The peak is in September and November. The relatively warm water on the coast makes this it a perfect spot for the whales to play and mate.
Where can I see whales in South Africa?
The whale-watching territory runs from Doringbaai at the Cape West Coast, around the Cape Peninsula and up the East Coast as far as St Lucia. Hermanus in Walker Bay boasts the reputation of ...
What is the sperm whale?
Sperm Whale is the hero of Moby Dick, a popular 1851 novel which describes Ahab’s obsessive quest of the whale which has bit off his leg on the captain's previous voyage. Sperm whale has a distinct shape with a large square head accounting for nearly one third of its total body length. It’s brain, five times as heavy as that of a human, is the largest brain on Earth.
What do killer whales hunt for?
Orca or Killer whale is no chooser – it will hunt for fish as eagerly as for penguins, sea lions, squid, sharks and other kinds of whales. A seal lying on ice will be knocked off into the sea and become an instant meal.
How deep can a sperm whale dive?
Sperm whales are famous free-divers capable of visiting depths of over 3,000 meters and remaining underwater for more than two hours before surfacing.
What is the killer whale's number one enemy?
Killer whale is its number one enemy which, apparently, has a particular liking for Minke tongues and lower jaws. When they see the predator approaching, Minke whales will try to escape rather than engage in a fight.
How big are Bryde's whales?
Bryde’s whales may not be the biggest ones around but they’ll still grow 14m long and 20 tons in weight. Their sleek, elongated bodies carry an upright dorsal fin up to 46 cm in height, and like with other rorquals, their mouths hide two rows of baleen plates instead of teeth.
What do humpback whales do?
Humpback whales seem to have been born for the stage – you’ll see them use their huge tail fins to leap from the water and then land back with a terrific splash. Male whales produce varied sounds, singing long, complex songs to attract females and communicate to each other.
Where is the whale nursery in Africa?
St Sebastian Bay, and the waters off De Hoop Nature Reserve, are known as the whale nursery of southern Africa there is such a high concentration of southern right whales during their annual winter migration. The bay is relatively solitary, with little ...
How are Bryde's whales named?
Pronounced broo-duhz, these large baleen whales were named after a Norwegian whaling entrepreneur almost a hundred years ago, even though they were seldom targeted as they lacked thick layers of blubber. Bryde's whales, or Balaenoptera edeni, can dive to a thousand feet, travel alone or in small pods and are distinguishable by the three distinct notches on their dorsal fins.
Why do whales float when dead?
Historically they were the 'right' whale to kill for their abundance of blubber, they floated when dead and because they prefer the shallow, coastal waters, swim slowly, stay close to the surface and generally made it easier for whalers to kill them.
When do whales come to South Africa?
Southern right whales are the main attraction for whale watchers in South Africa from June to November. Most sightings happen from July to October. Occasionally, humpbacks, Bryde’s whales, orcas and various kinds of dolphins can be seen, too. Most of all, it’s the bulky, playful southern right whales that attract the whale watchers.
Where can I see white sharks in South Africa?
A lot of white sharks live in the waters along the coasts of South Africa , the biggest and most dangerous animals next to orcas. Cage Diving with them is one of the main attractions of South Africa. If you’d rather not get into the water with them, you can also watch them from boats. Problem: The animals are often baited to get close. Main season is from May to October, there are half-day tours in the False Bay or from Gansbaai starting at about 150 Dollars.
How many crocodiles are there in South Africa?
All the way east in South Africa from Santa Lucia, you can do boat trips to crocodiles and hippos to the lake of the same name. About 800 hippos and 1.000 crocodiles live here. They might look friendly, but hippos are some of the most dangerous animals of Africa.
Where do whales breach?
The mightiest and fattest of all whales. See them joyfully breach in the southern oceans.
Where do fur seals live?
If you are not into swimming with sharks, why not give fur seals a try? Over 100.000 of them live on Duiker Island in Hout Bay, about 20 kilometers from Cape Town. They are very curious about humans, playful and not dangerous.
What are the big 5 in South Africa?
Often, there is talk about the “Big Five” in South Africa, meaning elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards and lions. There are numerous camps in the park, where you can spend the night during round trips, but you can also book guided tours.
Where to see whales in South Africa?
Hermanus: South Africa’s whale-watching capital. Southern right whale, Hermanus. Set on Walker Bay just a couple of hours southeast of Cape Town , this small seaside town is renowned for being one of the best places in the world to see whales. The surrounding waters remain deep close to shore, so migratory southern right whales, ...
When is the best time to see humpback whales in South Africa?
The best months are August to October, with the Hermanus Whale Festival taking place in late September or early October. As the whales are around during South Africa’s winter, it can be cool and rainy at times. As with most wildlife experiences, whale-watching success is never guaranteed, with some years seeing more whales migrating South Africa’s coast than others.
What to see in Plettenberg Bay?
From its hills and clifftops you can potentially see humpback, southern right and Bryde’s whales, as well as Cape fur seals and bottlenose dolphins riding the waves. I’d say the best viewpoints are Signal Hill, the Robberg Peninsula and Beachy Head. Alternatively, boat trips regularly head out to give you closer encounters, with kayaking also an option.
Why are whales called "right whales"?
Their name stems from the days of whale hunting: they were seen as the ‘right’ whales to kill because they came in close to shore and tended to float when dead. While this ease of hunting led to near-extinction, their protection since 1937 has seen a significant revival in numbers.
What is the name of the whale that stays in warmer waters?
Bryde’s whales. Closely related to minke and fin whales, Bryde (pronounced ‘broo-dess’) whales are the only baleen species that stays in warmer equatorial waters year-round rather than migrating, so can be seen off South Africa’s shores at any time of year.
How long do whales live?
Individuals can grow up to a length of around 15 m (49 ft), weigh the same as ten African elephants and live for up to 60 years in the wild. Inquisitive and acrobatic, the whales can often be seen doing ‘head stands’, lobtailing (slapping their flippers and tail against the water) and breaching.
When is the Hermanus Whale Festival?
The annual Hermanus Whale Festival is held at the end of September. The event features interactive exhibits educating people about the local marine life and local conservation efforts, as well as live music, food trucks, art and craft stalls and a lively street parade.
Where to whale watch in South Africa?
Frequently rated as one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations, the Western Cape town of Hermanus is located approximately 1.5 hour’s drive from Cape Town.
Where to see humpback whales in West Africa?
The easternmost island of the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista puts West Africa on the whale-watching map. Between March and May, island cruises offer the opportunity to see humpback whales; however, these are not the same humpback whales that one might see at some of the other destinations on this list. Instead of migrating northwards from Antarctica, the Cape Verde humpbacks spend their feeding season in the cold waters of Iceland - as such, they are entirely distinct from the southern hemisphere humpbacks. They come to Boa Vista’s warm waters to breed and give birth, and are just as acrobatic as their southerly relations.
What whales are in Walvis Bay?
From July to October, humpback and southern right whales can be seen in the bay; however, the focus here is undoubtedly on dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted, while the endemic Heaviside’s dolphin is the top prize in Walvis Bay. This small, elusive species is found only in Namibia and off the west coast of South Africa.
What are the best places to see whales in Namibia?
Namibia ’s Walvis Bay may be better known for its outstanding birdlife, but it is also a great place to spot cetaceans and Cape fur seals. Harbour cruises around the bay offer visitors the opportunity to whale-watch in style, serving champagne and fresh oysters en route. From July to October, humpback and southern right whales can be seen in the bay; however, the focus here is undoubtedly on dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted, while the endemic Heaviside’s dolphin is the top prize in Walvis Bay . This small, elusive species is found only in Namibia and off the west coast of South Africa.
Where do humpback whales migrate?
At this time, large numbers of humpback whales move northward from their feed ing grounds in the frigid waters of Antarctica, to their breeding and calving grounds in the tropical Indian Ocean. Several operators offer dedicated whale-watching cruises, allowing guests to get a closer look at these magnificent leviathans.
Where can I find spinner dolphins?
Near the town of Marsa Alam in southeast Egypt lies the Red Sea’s Samadai Reef, an offshore lagoon inhabited by a pod of around 100 spinner dolphins. Although the dolphins are wild and sightings are therefore not guaranteed, Samadai Reef is commonly acknowledged as one of the best places in the world for natural dolphin encounters. The water is typically crystal clean, giving visitors an unclouded view; while the spinner dolphins’ characteristically playful and inquisitive nature means that they often come within touching distance. However, as with all wild animals, it’s best to respect their space and keep one’s hands to oneself.
Blue Whale – The Largest Animal on Earth
Humpback Whale – A Singing Showman
Bryde’s Whale – Shy and Unpredictable
Minke Whale – An Underwater Houdini
Sperm Whale – The Elusive Moby Dick
Orca – A Fearsome Predator
Southern Right Whale – A Social Giant
- Southern Right Whales have large rotund bodies and are easily recognised by their V-shaped spouts. They are social animals willing to interact with humans, humpback whales and dolphins.Tail sailing is a unique behaviour consisting of catching the wind with their elevated flukes which enables these whales to remain in the same position for a longer ...