Off the coastlines of South Africa marine enthusiasts have an abundant array of creatures to spot. Two of these incredible creatures that can be spotted are the Southern Right Whale and the Humpback Whale. Known for their massive sizes and majestic behaviour these creatures are among some of the favourite for whale enthusiasts as well as other beach-goers.
Getting the chance to spot either of these whales is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you need to know what time of the year to visit the coastlines.
When to Spot the Humpback Whale
In South African the prime time of the year to spot the Humpback Whale is during their yearly migration from KwaZulu-Natal to the Eastern Cape. This 800-kilometer journey takes place between May and December. There may be peak sightings of these whales from August to October.
During this yearly migration the best locations for South Africans to spot them are the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, ad other areas such as Hermanus, which is a famous area for spotting many kinds of marine life, and the Garden Route.
When to Spot the Southern Right Whale
This species of whale can be seen in many countries during their migration such as Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. For the people living in South Africa this incredible creature travels to our coastlines during the winter, from June to November, so they may settle in their breeding grounds. During the summer, so from December to May, they can be seen in their feeding grounds in the colder Southern Ocean.
