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.

 To make the most of your whale watching experience in Hermanus with Southern Right Charters

Embarking on a whale watching trip with Southern Right Charters is an unforgettable experience. To ensure you get the most out of your adventure, here are some essential tips to help you prepare and make the most of your whale watching trip.

1. Choose the right time of year

Whale watching in Hermanus is best from June to December when Southern Right Whales migrate to the region’s warmer waters to calve and nurse their young. The peak months are between August and October, offering the highest chances of witnessing these magnificent creatures on a boat-based whale watching tour.

2. Book in advance

Whale watching tours are popular, especially during peak season between August and October. To secure your spot, it’s advisable to book your trip in advance. Southern Right Charters offers online booking, making it convenient to plan your adventure ahead of time. If you have any questions or concerns about booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

3. Dress in the right clothing

The weather on the water can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. Wear comfortable, warm clothing and bring a waterproof jacket to protect against wind and sea spray. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.

For our complete list of what to bring on a whale watching trip, take a look here.

4. Have your camera and binos ready

While the whales often come close to the boat, having binoculars can enhance your viewing experience by allowing you to see them from a distance. A camera with a good zoom lens is also helpful to capture those breathtaking moments. Ensure your camera is charged and has ample storage space for photos and videos.

5. Listen to your Guide

The guides on Southern Right Charters’ whale watching trips are experienced and knowledgeable about the local marine life. Pay attention to their commentary, as they provide valuable insights into whale behaviour and the surrounding ecosystem. Their expertise can greatly enrich your understanding and appreciation of the whales you encounter.

6. What to look for

Whale watching requires a degree of patience and whales may not appear immediately – so remain attentive and watchful! Look out for the telltale ‘blow’ – that is, the water sprayed into the air as the whale exhales at the surface. This is the easiest way to spot whales. Sometimes, you can even identify the whale species by its blow – southern right whales for example blow in a noticeable V shape. And don’t forget, some whales can dive for 10 minutes, or longer, so keep looking in the general area where you first saw the blow.

Enjoy the anticipation and the thrill of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

7. Respect the whales

Remember that you are a guest in the whales’ environment. We will always maintain a respectful distance and ask our passengers to avoid making loud noises that could disturb them. Southern Right Charters follows responsible whale watching practices to ensure minimal impact on the whales and their habitat.

8. Stay Safe

Listen carefully to the safety instructions provided by the SRC crew. Keep a firm hold on your belongings and be cautious when moving around the boat. The crew is there to ensure your safety, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek assistance if needed!

9. Extend Your Adventure

Consider extending your stay in Hermanus to explore the town’s other attractions. From scenic coastal walks where you can enjoy more whale watching from on-land and charming seaside cafes to birding, hiking, kayaking and shark cage diving, Hermanus offers a wealth of activities to complement your whale watching experience.

10. Share Your Experience

After your trip, share your whale watching adventure with friends and family. Post your photos and stories on social media and tag Southern Right Charters. Your experiences can inspire others to embark on their own whale watching journeys!

Follow these tips and you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your whale watching trip with Southern Right Charters. Enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of whales breaching, spy-hopping, tail-slapping and more and create memories that will last a lifetime.