Home » Safari and holiday destinations in Africa » South Africa Holiday Destinations » Western Cape Accommodation » Whale Coast Accommodation & Packages
The Cape Whale Coast is a 130km stretch of pristine coast in South Africa’s Western Cape province. It includes the poplar towns of Hermanus, Gansbaai, Kleinmond and Stanford and offers some of the best land whale watching in the world literally right from the cliff side although you can also get up close and personal by boat and even watch them frolic from the air via helicopter.
Each year a large number of southern right whales migrate from the icy Antarctic to mate and calf in the warmer waters of the Cape. The whale season usually starts in July, peaking in September and tailing off in November. The little towns of Hermanus and De Kelders are at the epi centre of the whale experience. Listen for the unmistakable sound of the world’s only Whale Crier as he blows his kelp horn when the whales are close.
The Cape Whale Coast is part of the International Group of Hope Spots. The Hope Spot movement was started by world-renowned oceanographer Dr Sylvia Earle to unite global efforts to protect the sea by raising public awareness. Hermanus is renowned for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world and Gansbaai is recognised as the Great White Shark capital of the world.
There is so much more! A Whale Coast holiday offers beautiful coastal drives and mountain hikes, tranquil sandy bays and exploring blue flag beaches. Visit the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas and the nearby charming fishing village of Arniston with its thatched and white washed fishermen cottages or take a trip to Gansbaai, the Great White Shark capital of the world, and get as close as you dare to the feared predator of the ocean the Great White shark while on a shark-cage diving adventure.
In addition adventure options on offer in the area are zip lining, quad biking, white water rafting and kloofing, hiking the floral fynbos kingdom in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, playing golf at the 27 hole Hermanus Golf Club, tasting locally produced Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and many more fine wines, craft beers and locally made gin in the beautiful Hemel and Aarde (heaven and earth) valley.
The region has a wonderful range of fine restaurants, luxury hotels and guest houses.
