Every winter, Southern Right Whales make an incredible journey to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay – here’s why Hermanus becomes one of the world’s best places to see them.
Every winter, something remarkable happens along South Africa’s southern coastline. As the temperatures cool, thousands of visitors make their way to Hermanus hoping to catch a glimpse of one of nature’s greatest migrations. But they’re not the only ones travelling long distances.
Each year, Southern Right Whales return to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay, transforming Hermanus into one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. It’s an extraordinary journey spanning thousands of kilometres, driven by instinct and one simple goal – to give birth and raise their calves in calm, protected waters.
So why do whales come to Hermanus every winter? Let’s take a deep dive.
A Journey of Thousands of Kilometres in the Making
Southern Right Whales spend much of the year feeding in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Southern Ocean near Antarctica. These icy waters are abundant with krill and other tiny marine organisms, allowing the whales to build up the energy reserves they need for the months ahead.
As winter approaches in the Southern Hemisphere, they begin one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, travelling thousands of kilometres north towards the South African coastline.
From around June until early December, Walker Bay becomes a seasonal nursery where mothers can give birth in safer, warmer waters, nurse their calves and prepare them for the long journey back to the Antarctic.
Why Walker Bay?
Not every stretch of coastline is suitable for raising newborn whales. Walker Bay offers a unique combination of natural features that make it an ideal nursery.
Its sheltered waters provide protection from the powerful swells of the open ocean, creating a calmer environment for young calves that are still learning to swim and surface.
The bay is also relatively shallow compared to the surrounding ocean, allowing mothers and calves to conserve energy while remaining close to the coastline.
This is one of the reasons Hermanus enjoys such exceptional whale sightings each winter. In many cases, the whales come remarkably close to shore, making them visible both from the famous Cliff Path and from Southern Right Charters’ boat-based whale watching tours.
A Safe Place for Mums and Calves
A newborn Southern Right Whale calf weighs around one tonne at birth and can grow by more than 40 kilograms every day thanks to its mother’s rich milk.
During these first few months, the calf is completely dependent on its mother for nourishment and protection.
Walker Bay offers a peaceful environment where mothers can focus on nursing their calves while conserving the energy they built up during months of feeding in Antarctic waters.
It’s not uncommon to witness tender moments between mother and calf, from gentle swimming alongside one another to playful breaches and curious spy-hops that delight passengers on board.
Why Winter Is Whale Watching Season
Although Southern Right Whales can begin arriving as early as June, sightings become increasingly frequent as winter truly sets in along the Cape.
The peak whale watching season generally falls between August and October when the greatest number of mothers and calves are present in Walker Bay.
During this time, visitors may witness a fascinating range of natural behaviours including:
- Breaching
- Tail slapping
- Spy-hopping
- Social interactions between whales
- Mothers teaching calves important survival skills
Every trip is different, making each whale watching excursion a unique experience.
A Wildlife Success Story
Southern Right Whales were once hunted to the brink of extinction during the commercial whaling era. Their slow swimming speed, tendency to stay close to shore and thick layer of blubber made them easy targets. Fortunately, international protection has allowed populations to recover steadily over the past century.
Today, seeing these magnificent animals in Walker Bay is not only an unforgettable wildlife encounter but also a reminder of how conservation efforts can make a real difference.
Responsible operators like Southern Right Charters follow strict marine wildlife guidelines, ensuring every encounter is conducted with the utmost respect for the whales and their natural behaviour.
Experience the Whale Migration for Yourself
There’s something truly special about seeing a Southern Right Whale surface alongside the boat, hearing the unmistakable blow of its breath and watching a calf stay close to its mother as they navigate the calm waters of Walker Bay.
It is a wildlife experience that photographs can never quite capture.
If you’re planning a visit during whale season, join Southern Right Charters for an unforgettable boat-based whale watching adventure and experience one of nature’s greatest migrations from the heart of Walker Bay.
To find out more or book your whale watching tour, contact our friendly team on Mobile: +27 (0)82 353 0550 or WhatsApp: +27 (0)82 353 0550.
We’d love to welcome you on board this whale season.
