Whale watching in Cape Town

Cape Town is renowned for its breathtaking whale watching opportunities, offering a unique coastal experience from the city’s vibrant shores all the way along the peninsula and out to Hermanus. The region’s high vantage points, rich marine life, and accessible viewing spots make it ideal for both visitors and locals eager to see Southern right whales and other remarkable species during the season.

In this blog about Whale Watching in and around Cape Town, we cover:

• Best Time for Whale Watching in Cape Town
• Camps Bay & Atlantic Seaboard
• Boyes Drive and False Bay
• Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach
• Cape Point
• Hermanus

Best Time for Whale Watching in Cape Town

The prime season for whale watching in Cape Town is from July to December, when Southern right whales migrate to the region’s sheltered bays to mate and calve. During these months, visitors can also spot Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, and occasionally pods of orcas along the coastline. The calm winter waters and clear days provide excellent opportunities not just for viewing whales, but for witnessing dolphins, seals, and even penguins.

Image by David Cantelli

Camps Bay & Atlantic Seaboard

The Atlantic Seaboard’s glistening stretch, home to Camps Bay, offers the perfect blend of dramatic ocean views and convenient city access. Whales can sometimes be seen from the beachfront or while relaxing at one of the many luxury apartments and villas facing the sea. The area combines the best of Cape Town’s sophisticated lifestyle with the exhilarating possibility of seeing a whale breach close to shore.

If you're interested in a real adventure, book a kayak tour with Atlantic Outlook along the coast.

Boyes Drive and False Bay 

Boyes Drive is renowned for its elevated perspective running between Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, giving unrivalled panoramic views across False Bay. This route is particularly popular for land-based whale watching, as visitors frequently spot whales frolicking in the clear, sheltered waters below. The quaint seaside villages along this stretch also offer charming cafés and lay the perfect foundation for a winter’s whale watching excursion.

Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach 

Just past the naval base at Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is famous for its penguin colony, but in whale season, its calm inlets become a haven for Southern right whales. Simons Town’s blend of history, marine adventures, and guided boat trips makes it an ideal spot for those wishing to get closer to these gentle giants, while also enjoying encounters with dolphins, seals, and local birdlife.

Cape Point

Cape Point, at the dramatic tip of the peninsula, is one of the most captivating locations to watch whales. With its towering cliffs and endless ocean vistas, visitors can scan the waters for breaching whales from a network of hiking trails and lookouts. The sense of wilderness and the beauty of the reserve make every sighting memorable, offering an awe-inspiring perspective at the very edge of Africa.

Hermanus

Regarded as one of the world’s best destinations for land-based whale viewing, Hermanus is just over an hour from Cape Town. The town’s cliff paths allow for close-up encounters, while the annual Hermanus Whale Festival attracts both tourists and locals to celebrate these magnificent creatures. With numerous tour operators offering boat-based excursions, gourmet restaurants, and luxury stays, Hermanus stands out as a must-visit destination for any whale watching itinerary.

Stay with us on the Atlantic Seaboard.

We've got something for everyone, from solo-travellers to generational family groups, you should find the perfect place for your stay in Cape Town.