South Africa Suggested Itinerary - Enjoy a boat based Whale Watching Trip close to Cape Town making it an ideal day tour while on your holiday - peaks between July to mid-December each year.
Booking with us funds marine scientists and saves penguins and endangered species.
The coast of South Africa is split into sections for whale watching, with one permit holder per section. The permit holder is allowed to approach the whales to a distance of 50m. While we respect the 50m limit, inquisitive whales frequently swim to the boat for a close encounter, which is allowed. We never chase or harass the animals.
This is an example of a whale watching trip:
The coast of South Africa is split into sections for whale watching, with one permit holder per section. The permit holder is allowed to approach the whales to a distance of 50m. While we respect the 50m limit, inquisitive whales frequently swim to the boat for a close encounter, which is allowed. We never chase or harass the animals.This is an example of a whale watching trip:
The trip starts from the Kleinbaai Harbour (east of Danger Point). From there we move towards the Pearly Beach area where we find our highest concentration of Southern right whales (Jul to mid-Dec).
The Southern right whales come to our calm bays every year from July to December to either, calve and nurse their young or to mate.
After spending the allowed time with these magnificent creatures we move towards Dyer Island where we view the African penguins as well as various other seabirds. Behind Dyer Island we visit Geyser Rock, which is resident to about 60 000 Cape fur seals. Between these two Islands we find ourselves in Shark Alley. Shark Alley is world famous for its Great White sharks, which makes this probably the only trip in the world where you have a chance of seeing a Southern right whale as well as an 80 % chance of seeing a Great White shark.
After this exhilarating 2 and a half hour trip we return to the Kleinbaai harbour to enjoy some refreshments.
Please note:
The Southern right whales come to our calm bays every year from July to December to either, calve and nurse their young or to mate.
After spending the allowed time with these magnificent creatures we move towards Dyer Island where we view the African penguins as well as various other seabirds. Behind Dyer Island we visit Geyser Rock, which is resident to about 60 000 Cape fur seals. Between these two Islands we find ourselves in Shark Alley. Shark Alley is world famous for its Great White sharks, which makes this probably the only trip in the world where you have a chance of seeing a Southern right whale as well as an 80 % chance of seeing a Great White shark.
After this exhilarating 2 and a half hour trip we return to the Kleinbaai harbour to enjoy some refreshments.
Please note:
All boat based whale watching trips are weather dependent.
You should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
You should dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
Bring Sunscreen & cap or hat.
Booking is essential.
Booking is essential.
Please take seasickness medication well in advance if you are prone to motion sickness.
Dyer Island Eco Marine Trips – approximately January to June
In the summer months after the Southern right whales depart, Dyer Island Cruises runs shorter trips to Dyer Island and Geyser Rock. These trips take in the sights described above at Geyser Rock, Dyer Island, and the White Shark Cage Diving boats. In addition, during this time of year we often spot Bryde’s whales and dolphins. The dolphins we most commonly see are Bottlenose and Humpback.
Eco Marine trips are about 2 hours long. These run from January to June (when the southern right whales are no longer around).
All trips are weather dependent.
Transport from Cape Town or Hermanus is available at an additional cost dependent on the number of people travelling.
Helicopter flights to whale watching and exclusive transfer rates are available on request.
We will book this whale watching tour for you when you book your accommodation and/or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with us.
