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Whale Watching in South Africa

In South Africa, a wildlife adventure need not take place in the bush. With 3000 km or nearly 1900 miles of coast, South Africa is one of the best places to observe sea life, even from shore. South Africa's coastal waters are frequented by more than 2000 species of fish including the most impending, the Great White Shark. Turtles breed on the beach. Dolphin, seals and otters frolic on or near the shore. But for many, the main attraction is likely to be the largest of the marine mammals. Humpback, Bryde's and southern right whales as well as Orcas or killer whales, can all be spotted here. Whet... Read Moreher you partake in shore or boat-based whale watching, a trip to the South African coast is unlikely to be forgotten soon.

Whale Watching

Jurie Steenekamp courtesy Hermanus.co.za

Whale Watching

Jurie Steenekamp courtesy Hermanus.co.za

Hermanus, South Africa

Jurie Steenekamp courtesy Hermanus.co.za

Hermanus, South Africa

Jurie Steenekamp courtesy Hermanus.co.za

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Whale Watching Lingo

A Southern Right Breaching

InterHabit SA

Did you know that whale watching has its own lingo? Here are few of the expressions you are likely to hear on a whale watching trip.

Breaching
A whale breaches when it leaps out of the water, twists its body and crashes back into the sea.

Lobtailing
Whales lobtail when they lift their tail out of the water and slap it down on the surface.

Blowing
A whale blows when it exhales. The spray of the Southern Right Whales is V-shaped.

Spyhopping
A whale is skyhopping when it lifts it head out of the water vertically to see what is happening above the surface.

Sailing
A whale is sailing when it lifts it tail to catch the wind. Only Southern Right Whales sail.

Grunting
The bellowing sound whales make at night.