Experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Southern Right whale’s epic annual migration during our prime whale-watching season from June to December by helicopter with Moya Aviation. Witness these gentle giants as they journey to our shores to mate and calve, offering breathtaking displays of blowing, breaching, and bellyflopping.
Prime Whale-Watching Season: June to December
The prime whale-watching season typically peaks between August and October, coinciding with the calving period in August and September. However, sightings can start as early as July and extend beyond December, providing you with ample opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in action.
Discover the Whale Route: A 900-kilometer Coastal Wonder
Embark on a coastal adventure along the Whale Route, a 900-kilometer stretch from False Bay to Plettenberg Bay, teeming with Southern Right whales. Marvel at their annual migratory patterns and discover the best whale-watching spots in the Western Cape.
Best Whale-Watching Spots in the Overberg
Hermanus: The Whale-Watching Capital of the World
Hermanus, known as the whale-watching capital of the world, offers various ways to witness these magnificent creatures. Take a stroll along the 12-kilometer cliff path with informative signage or opt for a boat tour or guided sea-kayaking trip to get up close (within 300m, with a special permit).
Don’t miss the annual Hermanus Whale Festival in late September, a festive celebration attracting whale enthusiasts and visitors for a weekend of fun, food, and live entertainment.
Top viewing spots:
- Voelklip and Grotto beaches
- Gearing’s Point (overlooking Old Harbour)
- Dreunkrans (towards New Harbour)
- Siever’s Point (closest to where the whales frolic)
Gansbaai + De Kelders: Up-Close Eco-Adventures
Gansbaai, a working fishing village, is a hub for marine enthusiasts. Experience the marine big five – great white sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins, and whales. Explore the area’s cliffs and inlets for breathtaking views of Walker Bay and Pearly Beach or join a boat-based tour. De Kelders, a scenic village, is renowned for its limestone caves, providing remarkable viewing spots to observe whales up close.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: Land-Based Whale-Watching Paradise
Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of De Hoop Nature Reserve, a haven for land-based whale-watching. In August 2018, a record-breaking 1,116 whales were spotted in a single day. With its diverse landscapes and varied activities, including hiking, mountain-biking, and guided nature walks, De Hoop offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Best Whale-Watching Spots in Cape Town
False Bay Coast: Cape Town’s Whale Central
Experience the rich history and spectacular whale-watching spots along the False Bay Coast, once home to thriving whaling stations. View these magnificent creatures from shore or book a whale-watching boat ride or sea kayak adventure.
Top viewing spots:
- Boyes Drive
- St James
- Kalk Bay
- Cape Point’s Rooikrans
- Clarence Drive
Best Whale-Watching Spots on the West Coast
Yzerfontein: Pristine Beaches and Whale Lookout Points
Yzerfontein, a small fishing town famous for its pristine beaches, offers numerous lookout points for whale-watching. Visit the West Coast National Park and Postberg Flower Reserve during spring, to witness the blooming indigenous flowers, adding to the coastal beauty.
Lambert’s Bay: Seafood Mecca with Whales and Flowers
Lambert’s Bay, a picturesque town on the West Coast, offers the unique blend of Namaqualand flowers and whale sightings. Enjoy local seafood, visit Bird Island, and don’t miss a careful walk along the breakwater wall to see the blue-eyed Cape gannets, cormorants, and Cape fur seals.
Strandfontein: A Peaceful Coastal Gem for Whale Watching
Experience peaceful whale watching in Strandfontein, a serene coastal town perfect for a relaxing getaway. Witness whales from sandy cliffs and indulge in various activities like hiking, kayaking, and bird-watching.
Best Whale-Watching Spots on the Garden Route
Witsand: Whale Nursery by the Breede River
Visit Witsand, a significant whale nursery situated at the Breede River mouth, for an opportunity to observe these behemoths from as close as 100 meters from the shore. Learn about their history with the first whale-watching tower on the Garden Route.
Mossel Bay: Beaches, Surf, and Whale-Watching
Mossel Bay, known for its great beaches and warm hospitality, offers fantastic whale-watching opportunities. Take a boat tour to Mossel Bay’s Seal Island, home to over 3,000 Cape fur seals, or hike the St Blaize Trail for dramatic sea views and potential whale and dolphin sightings.
Wilderness + Knysna: Coastal Beauty and Whale Watching
Explore the gems of the Garden Route – Wilderness and Knysna – boasting secluded beaches, lakes, rivers, and a thriving whale-watching scene.
Witness whales along the coast and don’t miss visiting the 800-year-old Outeniqua Big Tree in Knysna Forest, if you are lucky you might even spot the lone female elephant, who still lives there.
Top viewing spots:
- Dolphin’s Point
- Map of Africa viewpoint
- Myoli Beach
- Gericke’s Point
Plettenberg Bay: A Hub for Whale Enthusiasts
Plettenberg Bay, the St Tropez of the Garden Route, is famous for its long beaches and vibrant whale-watching scene. Enjoy whale-watching by boat, kayak, or aerial trips, and don’t miss the daily sightings of dolphins and Cape Fur seals.
Recommended viewing spots:
- Robberg Peninsula and Nature Reserve
- Beachy Head
- Look-out Deck and Beach
Discover More Whale-Watching Spots
South Africa’s coastline is dotted with many other great whale-watching spots. Grab your binoculars, camera or video recording device to witness these magnificent creatures up close. With stunning aerial views and the flexibility to fly to different locations, experience the best whale watching by helicopter charter in the Western Cape, with Moya Aviation.
Did You Know!
Charter Services are also available to various destinations of your choice. Moya Aviation are flexible with their packages, and eagerly await to speak to you about their Whale Watching, Wine Tasting in the winelands, Snow Experiences, Fly Fishing and Scenic Helicopter Charter experiences, or custom make your own package to wherever your imagination can take you.
For more information on Charter Services and the exciting packages on offer, contact Moya Aviation today, after all, making memories is what Moya Aviation does best! 082 500 8963
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