Where to spot whales this winter in SA (without getting on a boat)
South Africa's southern coastline turns into a natural whale-viewing theatre from June through November.
Southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to the country's warmer waters to breed and calve – and they often do it close enough to shore that you can see them from your hotel balcony, a cliff trail, or even a beachside café.
Here's where to spot these marine giants, without getting on a boat…
Hotspot: Cliff Path (12 km of prime viewing)
Hermanus isn't just famous in South Africa – it's world-renowned for land-based whale watching. The Cliff Path winds along the coast and offers numerous vantage points to see whales breaching, spyhopping, or even nursing calves in the bay below. Come for the Hermanus Whale Festival each year, where the town goes all-in on its whale obsession.
Hotspot: Klipgat Caves and surrounding cliffs
Just down the coast from Hermanus, De Kelders offers equally incredible sightings with far fewer crowds. The cliffs and clear waters make this one of the best places to see whales right under your feet, sometimes just metres away. Bring a camera and settle in.
Hotspot: Boyes Drive or the coastal road near Glencairn
An hour from Cape Town, the False Bay coastline has scattered viewpoints where you can spot southern right whales without leaving the car. Take the scenic route along Boyes Drive or stop for a coffee in Kalk Bay, where whales sometimes surface just offshore.
Hotspot: Klipgat Trail
Part of the greater Walker Bay area, this reserve gives you elevated views and a peaceful escape from the tourist trail. The Klipgat Trail offers both natural beauty and consistent whale sightings – especially between July and October.
Hotspot: Dolphins Point or Knysna Heads
Driving the Garden Route this winter? Keep your eyes on the ocean between Wilderness and Knysna, where southern right and humpback whales often pass by. Dolphins Point, just outside Wilderness, is a prime lookout with sweeping views and free access.
Bring binoculars. While whales get close, details are best seen with some magnification.
Be patient. These giants don't run on a schedule – spend time at one location and scan the horizon.
Go early. Mornings tend to be calmer and less crowded.
Look for clues. A puff of spray, a fluke in the air, or a slick on the surface all signal that they're nearby.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
5 countries where South Africans get more for their money
Nedbank recently highlighted five affordable countries South Africans can travel to in 2025, where the rand will stretch. As reported by BusinessTech , there are still several fantastic destinations where the rand holds considerable power, allowing for affordable travel for South Africans. Here are five countries that are top picks for SA travellers where the rand will be stronger in 2025, according to Nedbank: 1. Thailand: For history and diversity Thailand. Image: canva 'Thailand is a popular travel spot for South Africans – the country is rich in history and diverse cultures while still offering vibrant nightlife (try Khaosan Road, Bangkok and Bangla Road, Phuket). Its main attractions are soft, sandy beaches (another Phuket speciality), sunny weather, and island hopping.' Nedbank said. Exchange rate*: 1 South African Rand = 1.85 Thai Bhat Mauritius. Image: canva 'Mauritius is a great option for a remote island vacation that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. As a South African citizen, you will need a travel visa to enter the country, but this is free, which is another plus when looking for a cheaper holiday. You'll find plenty of all-inclusive holiday packages that include flights, accommodation, and meals, to stretch your rand even further.' Nedbank revealed. Exchange rate*: 1 South African Rand = 2.56 Mauritian Rupee Turkey. Image: canva 'From the majestic Hagia Sophia mosque to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey is a melting pot of diversity. It's a feast for the eyes and the tummy, with culinary influences that blend Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian flavours.' Nedbank said. Exchange rate*: 1 SA Rand = 2.24 Turkish Lira Zanzibar, Tanzania. Image: canva 'Relax on the white sands of tropical beaches, sample multiple cultures and rich foods packed with exotic spices, or get a close-up view of jaw-dropping herds of wildlife on their great annual migration across the Serengeti. Make sure you also get to see Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Actually climbing Kili is probably more of a bucket-list item – it will involve a great deal more expense and planning with a reputable, experienced tour operator – so it's not something you can slot into a quick, cheap getaway.' the bank stated. Exchange rate*: 1 South African Rand = 148.12 Tanzanian Shilling Rajasthan, India. Image: canva 'If you're keen to discover one of the world's oldest civilisations, now a vibrant modern powerhouse, you'll be glad to know that a visit to India won't break the bank. India is renowned for its spices in a variety of dishes, from fiery biryanis and creamy kormas to sweet mango lassies. Street food is incredibly affordable. Whether your heart longs for the tranquillity of the Himalayas or the party beaches of Goa, India has something for everyone.' the bank added. Exchange rate*: 1 South African Rand = 4.86 Indian Rupee *Average rates as of June 2025. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Where to spot whales this winter in SA (without getting on a boat)
South Africa's southern coastline turns into a natural whale-viewing theatre from June through November. Southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to the country's warmer waters to breed and calve – and they often do it close enough to shore that you can see them from your hotel balcony, a cliff trail, or even a beachside café. Here's where to spot these marine giants, without getting on a boat… Hotspot: Cliff Path (12 km of prime viewing) Hermanus isn't just famous in South Africa – it's world-renowned for land-based whale watching. The Cliff Path winds along the coast and offers numerous vantage points to see whales breaching, spyhopping, or even nursing calves in the bay below. Come for the Hermanus Whale Festival each year, where the town goes all-in on its whale obsession. Hotspot: Klipgat Caves and surrounding cliffs Just down the coast from Hermanus, De Kelders offers equally incredible sightings with far fewer crowds. The cliffs and clear waters make this one of the best places to see whales right under your feet, sometimes just metres away. Bring a camera and settle in. Hotspot: Boyes Drive or the coastal road near Glencairn An hour from Cape Town, the False Bay coastline has scattered viewpoints where you can spot southern right whales without leaving the car. Take the scenic route along Boyes Drive or stop for a coffee in Kalk Bay, where whales sometimes surface just offshore. Hotspot: Klipgat Trail Part of the greater Walker Bay area, this reserve gives you elevated views and a peaceful escape from the tourist trail. The Klipgat Trail offers both natural beauty and consistent whale sightings – especially between July and October. Hotspot: Dolphins Point or Knysna Heads Driving the Garden Route this winter? Keep your eyes on the ocean between Wilderness and Knysna, where southern right and humpback whales often pass by. Dolphins Point, just outside Wilderness, is a prime lookout with sweeping views and free access. Bring binoculars. While whales get close, details are best seen with some magnification. Be patient. These giants don't run on a schedule – spend time at one location and scan the horizon. Go early. Mornings tend to be calmer and less crowded. Look for clues. A puff of spray, a fluke in the air, or a slick on the surface all signal that they're nearby. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
20 hours ago
- IOL News
No slacking off for overseas-based Springboks as 'Big Brother' is always watching, says Tony Brown
Springboks attack coach and former All Blacks flyhalf Tony Brown has lauded the Springboks depth. Image: Ryan Wilkisky / Backpagepix It's not a case of 'out of sight, out of mind' when it comes to South African players playing abroad. Nobody can even think of slacking off when it comes to Springbok selection. This was the message from Springboks attack coach Tony Brown ahead of their season opener against the Barbarians at Cape Town's DHL Stadium on Saturday. Many of the Springboks' stalwarts ply their trade in places like Japan and Europe, where they earn a lot more money than what they would be earning in South Africa. Many of those playing abroad are experienced campaigners who have been part of coach Rassie Erasmus' two Rugby World Cup-winning squads in 2019 and 2023. But that doesn't mean they get a free ride into the Bok team. They have to maintain the same sort of levels for their club teams that they do when getting together for the Boks, because 'Big Brother' is always watching. 'We track every player around their work-rate and skillset and everything else around their performance,' Brown told the media in Cape Town on Monday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'We know what every franchise player is doing, we even track Cheslin in Japan and guys who play overseas. Every player is being tracked and we are really aware of who is playing well and who is a little off the pace. 'We know who are the young guys coming through who can play Test match rugby. We are well aware of that. There are not many players we miss around the world.' However, most of the youngsters coming through and who have been added to the squad play their rugby in South Africa. Erasmus has been forced into a gradual rebuild of the Boks, with many stalwarts expected to pack it in after the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Many of the double Rugby World Cup-winning Boks will be in their mid-30s by the time the next tournament comes around, which has necessitated the injection of new blood. Erasmus rotated heavily in 2024, picking 50 players for the Boks and handing a dozen new players their first Bok starts. Only once did Erasmus go into a Test with an unchanged starting line-up, and that was in the Test series against Ireland. With 14 matches confirmed for 2025 and another Test also on the cards, Erasmus is likely to again rotate heavily again as they look forward to defending their title at the 2027 showpiece event. 'With every Test side, young players come in and get an opportunity to be selected for the Springboks. It's a special moment for all of those guys,' Brown said. 'It's been a good two, three weeks. The young guys definitely keep the older guys on their toes and the competition is strong amongst the squad. It can only enhance Springbok rugby.' Replacing some of the greatest rugby players to ever play the game is bound to be a tall order. The current Boks are the golden generation, players who have won two World Cups and everything else in between.
