Some of the most exciting land-based whale watching spots is located on South Africa's Whale Coast. The whales travel closer to the shore to mate and calve during the latter part of the year. This time is typically known as Whale Season. Luxury holidays along the Whale Coast are very sought after during the Whale Season, which peak between the months of June and November.
During these months, South Africa's coastal waters become home to Southern Right whales. They migrate annually from the Antarctic to Africa's most southern tip to mate and calve, using the protection of the sheltered bays to establish the bond between mother and calf.
The Whale Coast consists of almost 2000 kilometres of coastline, and holiday-makers flock to this area during the Whale Season. Seaside villages such as Hermanus and Gansbaai offer luxury accommodation including eco-reserves such as Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.
There are a variety of activities that tourists can enjoy during their stay on the Whale Coast, especially in Gansbaai. Tourists can enjoy horse-riding adventures through the Milkwood forest, Afro-Montane forests and even cave explorations along the coast.
Learn more about the fauna and flora by participating in guided fynbos 4x4 trips or follow one of the many hiking trails throughout the last of the Cape's Milkwood forests and beautiful floral kingdom of the Western Cape. The various hiking trails are guided by experts and are the perfect opportunity to keep the whole family entertained.
The Gansbaai area is a bird-watcher's paradise! Due to the number of different habitats situated locally, a large number of different bird species can be found in this area. Over 107 species have been recorded thus far, including the rare African Black Oystercatcher and Cape Cormorant. Other bird species that birding enthusiasts can expect to find are the Swift Tern, Crowned Petrel, Cape Ganet, Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Sugarbird, and Orange Breasted Sunbird to name a few.
For the adventurous at heart, shark cage diving would prove an exhilarating experience. There are numerous establishments along the Whale Coast that offer well organised excursions. A cage diving trip to Dyer Island is suggested as the area between the shore and the island has become known as "shark alley" and is one of the best known diving spots in the world for shark sightings. Tourists have the opportunity to come face-to-face with the Great White from the safety of a secure diving cage, watching these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Gansbaai Kayaking
