Humpback whales migrate along the Western Cape coast en route to their feeding and breeding grounds off Mozambique and Angola. Bryde’s whales are found in False Bay all year round, and the orca (killer whale) is also occasionally seen. The presence of these gentle giants draws many visitors to the Cape shores every year from June to November, evidence of the fascination they have always held for people. The whales share these waters with many other marine species, such as dolphins and seals whose activities are also a pleasure to watch. Heaviside and dusky dolphins are found in the colder waters on the western side of the Peninsula, and bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins often visit the eastern (False Bay) side. Large numbers of Cape fur seals can also be seen throughout the year.
The Cape Whale Route stretches for 900 km around the southern tip of Africa. In 1998 this route won the British Airways “Tourism for Tomorrow” Award. Boat-based whale-watching is legal in South Africa, but only a few operators have been granted boat-based whale-watching permits. Make sure that you procure the services of one of these companies. The MTN Whale Route Hotline at +27 (0) 83 910-1028 has day-to-day updated information in season of where whales can be seen
