Whale Coast Holiday
Watch the Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay
Stretching along the Indian Ocean coastline in the Overberg against a spectacular mountainous backdrop, the Cape Whale Coast is made up of bays, coves, and river mouths. The area plays host to quaint farming towns, orchards, and vineyards. However, it’s the spectacular whale watching opportunities here that have earned the Whale Coast its name.
Hermanus enjoys its much-deserved reputation as the world’s best land-based whale-watching destination. Expect generous sightings during Whale Season, which runs from July until November (peaking in September). This is when migrating southern right whales take shelter in the warm waters of the Cape to mate and breed, entertaining onlookers with their breaching antics.
Other than whale watching, you can explore the area on long coastal drives and mountain hikes. Spend time in tranquil sandy bays, or stroll along rocky beaches. You also have the opportunity to visit the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, and the nearby charming fishing village of Arniston.
When to Go:
For whale watching, visit during Whale Season, which runs from July until November (peaking in September). If you’re looking for a beach holiday, visit Hermanus between December and February, when the weather is sunny and warm.
highlights
Hermanus offers some of the very best land and water-based whale watching in the world.
Be sure to visit the Whale Coast during September for the best chance to view southern right whales.
Visit the local fishing village of Arniston, or head inland to the quaint farmstalls of the Overberg region.
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The fertile vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley produce some of the best wines in the world, especially at the renowned Bouchard Finlayson wine estate. The cellars are open for wine tastings daily, with a selection of nine fine wines from which to choose. Don’t leave without a bottle of Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, which recently scored 100 points at the International Wine Challenge 2018.
Rediscover the wonders of the natural world at Grootbos Nature Reserve. From botanical safaris to visiting active beehives with a beekeeper, all you need to do is be still and delight in the world around you.
During whale season, enjoy views of breaching whales as their massive frames disrupt the calm waters off the coast of Hermanus. In fact, the cliffs of Walker Bay promise some of the best shore-based whale sightings in the world.
Marvel at the abundant marine life off the shores of the Whale Coast. Experience up-close encounters with Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde’s whales as well as dolphins and penguins.
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