Whale Watching

The De Kelders coastline is undoubtedly the prime spot in the world to sit and watch whales from as close as 10 metres away. Imagine taking a walk along the coastline, walking down the road and casting your eyes across and bay to see 20+ Whales only metres away. This sounds unreal but this is reality here in Gansbaai. Gansbaai is known worldwide for its population of Great White Sharks but many people who come to the area only find out about the Whales when staying here for the sharks or passing through. We see many people daily go away disappointed for not booking a couple of nights stay in De Kelders during their stay in South Africa. The majority of travelers stay in Hermanus because it is famed for its Whales due to extensive marketing and money that has been spent promoting the town. There are many Whales in Hermanus but the reality is that for a majority of the time there are many more Whales on the De Kelders side of the bay. We do not know why this is the case, perhaps it is because it is much quieter? Or more sheltered from the swells for the months approaching summer?

Last year there was one day when a local counted 80 Whales in view in the bay. The Whale season is from July to early December but the best time to come and see the Whales is in October & November. You will witness Whales mating, breaching and perhaps even a birth. It is common to see in November Mother and calf Whales breaching together which is an amazing site.

Boat Based Whale Watching

Many people are happy viewing the Whales from the shoreline and cliffs but you can also book on a boat to travel to see them in Walker Bay.

The boat can travel up to 50 metres away from the Whales and then it is up to the Whale to swim to the boat to check you out in more detail. The Southern Right Whales are extremely inquisitive and will most of the time approach the boat as you can see in the pictures below. To have a Whale approach you that is bigger than the boat is something special! Southern Wright Whales are approximately 15 metres in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes. They are more short and stumpy than Hump Back Whales but they are extremely lively and enjoyable to watch from both boat and shore.

If you would like to know more about the Whale watching on our coastline or Boat Based Whale Watching please contact us