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COMMON WHALE WATCHING FAQ

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Robin Appleby

1. What other sorts of whales may you encounter on a typical trip, or can we only see the Southern Right whale?

We mostly encounter southern right whales. But your whale watching trip can often extend into a marine safari. We can often encounter the humpback & Bryde’s whales, seals, dolphins and a variety of marine birds including the African penguin.

2. Is it easy (for you) to distinguish between the different types of whales?

Yes, and by the end of the trip it should be easy for you too, as each of the whales we have the possibility of spotting has their own clear characteristics, our whale specialist guide has been watching whales for more than a decade and is only too eager to impart his knowledge onto you. The tour starts with an on-land briefing about the whales and during the trip, the guide will keep you informed via our PA system of all sightings and behaviour ensuring your experience is informative and educational.

3. How far is Hermanus from Cape Town? Is there public transport?

Hermanus is roughly 1h30 drive from Cape Town, making it perfectly located for a whale watching day trip or better yet, as there is lots to do, a 2 night stay. There are two routes, the highway with mountain passes, vineyards and forests or the R44 Coastal route which has been praised as one of the best scenic drives in South Africa.

Unfortunately, there are no scheduled public buses or trains to Hermanus. If you are not self-driving and require transport please do contact us and we can book this for you, see our Cape Town Shuttle & Private Transfer prices for 2015.

4. Will we see sharks?

This would be a rare sighting, the great white shark hub is in Kleinbaai, and this is where the world famous Shark Alley is located. There are a number of operators that are licensed Shark Diving & Viewing companies. All of these companies offer Shark cage diving as well as surface viewing.

Both the Shark cage diving and whale watching operations are highly regulated by local authorities and operate on separate permits, each animal needs a separate viewing permit, respectively.

5. What can we do in the area if the boat based whale trip is cancelled?

Hermanus is the ‘playground’ of the Western Cape. Escape to Nature! This once small coastal fishing village has advanced as the Eco-tourism hot spot in South Africa.

If your whale watching trip is cancelled due to the sea conditions, Never Fear! There is more than enough to keep you entertained:

Visit our acclaimed R320 Wine Route, enjoy sipping on the finest Pinot Noir and experience the finest wine and food pairing at many of these award winning wineries.

Still looking for your whale fix! Book a Whale Walking tour that includes a visit to the small but informative, modern Whale Museum. If you looking for a more relaxed version of Whale watching many restaurants have a warm fireplace and pristine views over the bay- Just take your Binoculars!

Book a guided tour or self drive the scenic routes of the Cape Whale Coast and visit the African Penguin Colony or head to the Big cat sanctuary just outside Standford .

Feeling active? Escape to the forest for Zip-lining & Quad Biking or hike the circular path at Fernkloof nature reserve, not only will the views impress you but Fynbos will surround you.

With world renowned golf courses and more than 100 adventure activities, we would recommend for you to extend your day tour to a 2 night stay! This will also come in handy if your whale watching trip is cancelled due to weather then you have the following day as an option to re-book, see: Frequently Asked Questions for more whale watching booking information.

WHALE WATCHING | 7 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Robin Appleby

1. Is there a better time of day to see the whales, or when they are more active?

No two trips are alike and every day we have a trip that is the best but there is no way to know which one it will be before the time, it is all up to nature. We offer daily trips, weather permitting, which depart at 9h00; 12h00 and 15h00. No time of the day is better or worse for the whale sightings; it’s best to choose the trip time based on weather and what suits your travel plans best. If you are staying in Hermanus overnight then it is best to join on the 9h00 departure as then it leaves the rest of the day for other activities or traveling and the sea can often be calmer in the mornings.

2. Would we need to book a whale watching boat trip in advance or can we turn up on the day?

It is always better to book in advance as that secures your trip, payment is only required upon departure, as all of our trips are weather permitting. You can confirm your booking by completing our whale watching enquiry form or call us +27 823530550.

3. Are we guaranteed to see the whales?

We never like to use the word ‘guarantee’ as it is nature but with that said it is very rare that we do not encounter whales. Hermanus is lucky, as the bay is much loved by the Southern Right whales and in peak season there is easily 100+ whales in the area. If by some chance you do not see whales on your trip we do offer a 50% refund on your ticket price paid or the opportunity to join us on the next available trip for free.

4. What is the duration of the boat trip and whale watching tour?

We do not cap our trip time as it all depends on the traveling time to the whales. The trip itself can be 1hr 30m – 3 hours maximum. The trip time averages at about 2hours.

5. What happens if the trip is cancelled due to weather?

We only cancel on the day if the weather is poor, as the forecast can often be wrong. We would call you to let you know and then based on availability will re-book you for when suits you best. We always have a watchful eye on the forecast so feel free to call us a day or two prior to your trip for an update and possible re-shuffle of your booking. For direct bookings you only pay on arrival so that eases the hassle of refunds in case your trip is cancelled due to weather. Any tickets booked directly and paid for prior will be refunded in full if we cancel the tour.

Due to the whale season in Hermanus occurring during South Africa’s winter months, cancellation can often occur so we would always recommend booking your trip for your first available day so that if it is cancelled, then you have the next day as an option during your holiday.

6. What time must I arrive for my whale watching trip?

Arrival time is 30 minutes prior to departure time, as we have an on-land briefing prior the trip.

Confirmed bookings will be released and can be sold on if you have not arrived 15 minutes prior to departure, so please call to let us know if you are running late. (Cancellation terms apply)

7. Are there any age limits for children?

There is no age restriction but adult supervision is a must and it is regulation for all children under 12 years old to wear a life jacket at all times. If you child is an infant, chat to us prior to your trip about what is best to bring a long and life jacket sizing.

Also see: What to bring along for your whale watching trip

The 5 best whale watching points on the Cape Whale Coast

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Robin Appleby

Whether you’ve already arrived or still on your way to Hermanus, the Cape Whale Coast one of the country’s best places to participate in on-land whale watching. Here are our top-five must-stop spots.

1. Clarens Drive (R44)

Self-drivers should seriously consider taking the scenic coastal route from Cape Town to Hermanus, or vice versa. This scenic route offers spectacular views across the bay and can easily be compared to the famous Chapman’s Peak route for its beauty. Leave Cape Town on the N2 then turn right towards Strand on the R44, which you’ll follow all the way. After Gordon’s Bay is Stony Point Penguin Colony – don’t miss this African penguin breeding spot. Then enjoy lunch and a walk through the cultivated fynbos gardens of the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. After Kleinmond, the R44 will merge with the R43 – turn right towards Hermanus.

2. Rotary Way

Take the mostly-tarred road less travelled to the summit of the mountain range that welcomes you to Hermanus. From Cape Town, approximately 2km before Hermanus town centre turn left into Malva Road before the Gateway Shopping Centre, and follow the Rotary Way signs. You’ll want to stop at various points along Rotary Way for views of Vermont, the Hemel and Aarde Valley, Hermanus’ harbours and, of course, the whales. Rotary Way ends at a parking lot that overlooks the spectacular scene of Hermanus and its southern right whales in Walker Bay. Bring refreshments and prepare to spend a long time taking in the unbeatable sights.

3. Gearing’s Point

It’s from Gearing’s Point at Hermanus’ Old Harbour where people looked out for the fishermen who came in with their catch of the day. Its orientation offered a great view of incoming boats, and today it is one of the ideal spots from where to eye the southern right whales. Should the point get crowded, walk along the paths or relax with a picnic basket on benches and patches of grass. When gazing out at the bay, to the left you will see the New Harbour in the distance, here you can join one of our boat based whale watching trips to get a closer look at these gigantic mammals.

4. Sievers Punt

Sievers Punt is in Hermanus at 306 Main Road and right next door to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Ask locals how to get there, and you won’t be sorry. This is one of the most fruitful whale-watching spots. Sievers Punt is right next to popular fishing spot Kraal Rock and other whale hotspot Die Gang. It’s an easy amble from Hermanus’ town square, but if you’re pressed for time you can quickly drive there, too.

5. De Kelders

De Kelders is about 40km east of Hermanus, past Stanford. The seaside village is named after the numerous caves that have been carved into the high sandstone cliffs. During season, southern right whales swim just metres from the rocky shore, and your vantage point is world-class. While here you should visit the Walker Bay Nature Reserve with its +20km trail along the coast. You could be lucky enough to spot the Cape clawless otter, bushbuck, duiker, and steenbok.

Meet our whale watching crew

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Robin Appleby

Hermanus Whale Season: When, why & what are southern right whales up to?

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Robin Appleby

Hermanus on the south coast of South Africa is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. From June to December every year, southern right whales congregate here to deliver one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles. Hermanus’ shallow, sandy coves and warmer, calmer waters provide whales with the ideal environment to start and eventually complete their up to three-year-long reproductive cycles.

The majestic southern right whales have travelled a long way to get here – thousands of kilometers – on a journey that starts in June. Then by early Decemberll head in the opposite direction again, back down south to fill their mighty bellies until the following year, when they do it all again. But why do southern right whales undertake these grueling distance migrations?

southern right whales

Southern right whales are seasonal feeders, and during the Southern Hemisphere summer months they spend their time feeding in the far Southern Ocean, a cold and seemingly inhospitable place that is nonetheless rich in microscopic marine animal life, known as zooplankton, such as krill – the main element of the southern right whale’s diet. This makes the Antarctic region ideal for fattening up before embarking on the incredible journey north, towards Hermanus and other places along South Africa’s south coast.

It’s not exactly known how far these marine mammals travel. Distances can vary according to where they feed in the summer, and that in turn can vary according to the distribution of their prey (the krill and other zooplankton we mentioned earlier). While the location of feeding grounds is uncertain and changeable, scientists have positively identified the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and areas south of the 50-degree latitude.

That’s a long way to go, but considering that southern right whales grow to be up to 17m long and can weigh more than 50 tons, these colossal beasts are well equipped for the long- distance challenge.

Once in our relatively warm and calm waters, the whales then undertake the important task of mating and calving (giving birth). They don’t eat while they are here; instead surviving on the ample blubber (fat) they’ve built up during their time in the south.

Places like Walker Bay offer the perfect conditions for breeding in peace. For us land dwellers, it also offers the perfect location from where to view this spectacle of nature. Of course, you needn’t stay on land. With Southern Right Charters, you can get as close as 50m to the visiting whales, and because they are naturally curious, they are likely to swim up to our boat to say hello. Our on-board specialist whale guide will shed light on all the marine life encountered (which certainly doesn’t end with whales) and also explain the southern rights whales’ peculiar behavior: find out what breaching, spyhopping, lobtailling and fluking means, then see it happen first-hand.

Did you know?

More than 100 southern right whales spend their “winter holidays” in the Hermanus area every year.

A Dolphin’s Tail…

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Robin Appleby

Dolphin- a small, toothed whale

Usually whilst boat based whale watching, everyone’s eyes & cameras are set firmly in the direction of the whales, everyone amazed at these giants of the ocean. With this extraordinary viewing of whales up close why move your attention elsewhere? Not one reason we can think of!

EXCEPT: When in the distance you see an array of movement & splashes swiftly moving towards the boat. As the splashes come closer someone will shout out: “its dolphins, hundreds of them!”

As they move closer, you start to get a sense of their sociable personalities. This is magic! These minutes that the dolphins choose to be with us is breathtaking. Sightings of dolphins in Hermanus are frequent – particularly of the Bottlenose and Common variety. Earlier this month, we encountered Common dolphins in their hundreds, and our underwater camera was ready!

“When the dolphins are around us everbody is happy & smiling from ear to ear! They bringout the best in people, simply by their presence!”-Hannie Euser- Interpreter guide at Southern Right Charters

First Whales for 2013 in Hermanus!

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Robin Appleby

On Tuesday, 11th June, Southern Right Charters encountered our first southern right whale for the 2013 Hermanus whale watching season.

Southern Right Charters officially began our Hermanus whale watching trips last week and have been seeing mostly Humpback & Brydes whales during our trips. But on Tuesday, we had a noteworthy, fantastic trip for this time of the year, as not only did we see Humpback whales actively fin slapping, showing tails & breaching we also spent some time with our first southern right whale for 2013.

Continue reading “First Whales for 2013 in Hermanus!”

Hermanus Wine and Food Fair

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Robin Appleby

When?
9-11th August

Where and when is the Fair?
From the 9-11 August, visitors will be warmly welcomed to the

Hermanus Wine and Food Fair. Surrounded by the areas beauty, you will be encouraged not only to taste the country’s top wines, but also to indulge in a number of food tastings from a selection of local chefs eager to show off their culinary skills, off-set by regions finest grape cultivars.

A Fair for everyone
The Overberg region has boasted more 4 and 5 star wines than any other region in the country, and the Hemel and Arde Village in Hermanus plays perfect picturesque host to those eager to sample the award-winning wines of over 50 winemakers, stretching from Elim to the Elgin Valley. Wine farmers delight at the opportunity to discuss viticulture and their wines with both connoisseur and novice tasters alike, and because this may not sound like fun for younger visitors to the show, the organisers of the event have arranged for them to be kept busy with face-painting, jumping castles and entertainers.

From small beginning to award winning
The three day festival in Hermanus has grown remarkably each year, starting from a modest launch in 1997 with a mere ten wine producers, now in its 16th year it proudly boasts over 1600 labels showcased for tasting, as well as a shipment having been sent to every single continent in the world.

Environmental Awareness
An eco-conscious vision for the fair has seen energy efficient lighting being used wherever possible, as well as gas cooking by the Village chefs and a strong emphasis is placed on recycling of many materials but in particular glass.

The Western Cape region is well known for its award winning wines and lively wine festivals, and so it is a notable achievement for the Hermanus Wine and Food Fair to be nominated as one of the top ten wine festivals in the country and with its current growth rate it is expected to soon be the very best festival of its kind.

The world’s only ‘Whale Crier’ enjoys whale watching with Southern Right Charters

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Robin Appleby

On Wednesday, 25th July, the world’s only ‘Whale Crier’ joined us on our morning whale watching trip.

The Whale Crier arrived at the Whale Shack, our booking office, with a feather in his cap, a sandwich board proudly perched on his chest and a curly piece of dried kelp- his horn, which makes a sound that has become famously renowned for alerting visitors on the cliffs of Hermanus to whales in the bay.

With spectacular weather conditions our boat, Miroshca headed off along the coast in search of the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean. The guests not only enjoyed having the Whale Crier on board but also enjoyed close encounters with Southern right whales and Humpback whales too!

Take a look at the mini video clip of the Whale Crier enjoying boat based whale watching, be sure to see him in awe as the southern right whale came millimeters from our boat!

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