Whale watching in south africa will leave you in awe videos by ph september 12, 2017, 11. Samsa means the south african marine authority established in terms. Whale dolphin watching durban, durban, kwazulunatal. Ivanhoe sea safaris pioneered boatbased whale watching in south africa, we worked with respected scientists to set the regulations and rules of approach to ensure the animals flourish with minimal impact. Whale watching umhlanga rocks message board tripadvisor.
African wings, southern right charters and dyer island cruises in the overberg. Contact us whale watching in south africa hermanus. South africa is one of the top 10 locations worldwide for whale watching, with exceptional land and boatbased whale viewing from cape town and the garden route to the wild coast, richards bay and st lucia make your way to south africas 2000km long whale coast for a privileged encounter with the largest mammals on earth. As they usually get close to the coasts, seeing them from the mainland is possible in several places, making the western cape of south africa one of the best places in the world for mainland whale watching. South africa is one of the top 10 locations worldwide for whale watching, with exceptional land and boatbased whale viewing from cape town and the garden route to the wild coast, richards bay and st lucia. Distribution and seasonal abundance of large cetaceans in the durban whaling grounds off kwazulunatal, south africa, 19721975. Kwazulu natal whale watching south africa accommodation. Whaledolphin watchingdurban is at wilsons wharf online. Lucia tours and charters, operating from both richards bay and st. Whales and dolphins of south africa join a whale and dolphin watching tour with oceans africa whales and dolphins cetacea can be divided into two major groups or suborders. Does any one have any experience of tour operators who do this. Feb 24, 2018 the hunting and processing of whales in durban started in 1908 and finally ended in 1975. The durban whaling industry started in 1907 after the norwegian consul in durban, jacob egeland, together with fellow norwegian johan bryde, raised funds in their home country to start a processing plant. For the best whale viewing experience 2hr form cape town, close to hermanus, you find gansbaai, trust the experts operating since 1996.
Whalewatching waters off the coast of southern africa run from false bay, south of cape town, up as far as st lucia in kwazulunatal on the east coast. For more info on whale watching in mossel bay and south africa, see our newly published section here. The hunting and processing of whales in durban started in 1908 and finally ended in 1975. Hi, visiting family in november, have been lucky to see dolphins and whales off coast of durban previously but wondered if there is any specific boat trips that go from durban or thereabouts which will take me closer than watching from the. Youll journey along 170 kilometers of african landscapes, past the false bay, bettys bay and houston. Accommodation and reservations at the whales tale, in durban. The apparent suicide game made news this week with claims that it was heading to south africa. The whale s tale is situated in the picturesque town of the bluff.
South africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, including whales, whether from land or from boats, with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins yearround. Durban became a borough town in 1854 and was created a city in 1935. Hi there welcome back i enjoy video and capturing great moments just wanted to share all footage shot over this past weekend at different times of the day, not more than 400m from the shore crazy. The war reduced the level of whaling in durban with many of the newer catchers being used by the south african navy as minesweepers while hostilities lasted. South africa is wellknown as one of the best destinations worldwide for watching whales. Whale watching tours south africa best whale watching in sa. Dec 24, 2015 a south african beach popular with christmas holidaymakers has been closed until the carcass of a beached whale is removed amid concerns its blood may attract sharks, the city of cape town said. How to spend 2 days in durban how to spend 1 day in durban how to spend 3 days on the garden route how to spend 3 days in johannesburg how to spend 3. Accommodation and reservations at the whale s tale, in durban. From this mediterranean styled guest house you will be awakened to the magnificent sight of the sun reflecting on the indian ocean, with waves breaking onto the golden sands, boats and ships will be passing by and you may see the early morning surfers riding the waves alongside the dolphins while you enjoy your breakfast. Whalewatching waters off the coast of southern africa run from false bay, south of cape town, up as far as.
Humpbacks and brydes whales are mostly spotted offshore from boats, but by far the most commonly sighted species, either from land or from a boat, is the southern right whale. Whales and dolphins cetacea can be divided into two major groups or suborders. Whale watching tours south africa best whale watching in. Boat based whale watching south africa oceans africa. The centre of south african whale watching is hermanus at the walker bay, 100 kilometers east of cape town. Wed like to go on a dolphinwhale watching excursion. By the mid1960s, south africa had depleted their population of fin whales, and subsequently those of sperm and sei whales, and had to resort to hunting the small and lessprofitable minke whale. Southern right whales migrate along the kwazulunatal coastline each year between may and september, seeking out south africa s warm waters to escape the chill of antarctica. The south coast of south africas western cape, now known as the whale route, offers great whale watching by boat and from land. South africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, especially whales. Whale watching in south africa home brand south africa.
The fivebedroom mediterraneanstyle guest house has magnificent sights of the sun reflecting off the indian ocean and the sound of waves breaking onto the golden sand. By the mid1960s, south africa had depleted their population of fin whales. The whale route starts along the south of cape town and extends to durban, 1,200 plus miles of whale watching coastline. They can be viewed from cliffs and beaches, with boat operators offering trips out to. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights. A carcass of a humpback whale calf has washed up on kwadukuzas blythedale beach, north of durban, paramedic services said on thursday. A south african beach popular with christmas holidaymakers has been closed until the carcass of a beached whale is removed amid concerns its blood may attract sharks, the city of cape town said. Planning a whalewatching route south african whalewatching territory runs from doringbaai, south of cape town, all the way east along the coast as far as durban. There is a company called advantage tours in durban that runs whale watching trips out of the harbor otherwise if you want more adventure or some of the party scuba dive try agulhas house in umkomaas 50 km south of durban. Thousands of whales were slaughtered whilst the whaling station was in operation. Sep 18, 2017 whale, whale, whale, what have we here. Distribution and seasonal abundance of large cetaceans in the. There are at least 28 species of cetaceans seven baleen whales and 21 toothed whales in the gulf of guinea, of which ghanas coast covers 550 km from aflao to axim.
Please kindly note that our company, whale and dolphin tours durban will be closed for this period from the 26th march 2020 until the lockdown is completed. You can download the full, legible version of the infographic as a pdf document for your personal use right here, with our compliments this is a larger, high quality. The high cliffs of the western cape provide an ideal vantage point for the seasonal whale watching of southern right whales and the seaside town of hermanus holds its annual whale festival in september in celebration of all things cetacean. How to best enjoy whale watching in durban oyster box hotel.
Catch histories of the migration stream at durban are markedly different to those of. If you are considering visiting kwazulu natal or have already booked your kwazulu natal accommodation, then you are probably keen to see what activities are available and what there is to do in the area. Whale watching waters off the coast of southern africa run from false bay, south of cape town, up as far as st lucia in kwazulunatal on the east coast. The south african whaling company founded by two norwegians in 1907 processed 106 whales in 08, and within a couple of years there were half a dozen companies competing in durban. After the safety briefing and launch you should remain dry. It was founded in 1835 on the site of port natal and was named for sir benjamin durban, the governor of the cape colony. Hi my husband and i are doing a two week selfdrive tour of kzn in july and will be in umhlango rocks for a couple of days. Cape town whale watching south africa whale watching. Hermanus whale watching best close encounters, purpose. Winter in south africa is an exceptionally special season for wildlife lovers. Minke whales continued to be caught and brought to the durban whaling station. The whales tale is situated in the picturesque town of the bluff.
The whales tale, durban accommodation south africa. The two men formed the south african whaling company in the same year, and brought two whaling ships to durban from sandefjord in norway. These 23 hour boat based whale watching charters are available from plettenberg bay, knysna, hermanus, gansbaai and durban. The route traverses several famous protected areas, including the garden route, tsitsikamma national park, and the transkei. Southern right charters offers boatbased whale watching tours from the new harbour in hermanus, the capital of. Southern right whales, humpback whales, orca and brydes whales can all be seen here between july and december.
South east african coastal migration corridor imma marine. If you want to experience south africas incredible marine wildlife for yourself, dont hesitate to get in touch. Our photo of the day is two photographs, both of which are of southern right whales taken near hermanus, south africa. Snorkel with whale sharks shark cage diving in south africa.
Brush up on your lingo, and watch several different types of whales showing off their breaching. Whales washing ashore may be due to ship strike, population dynamics, or an increase in human coverage and reporting. The whales tale durban south africa accommodations. Cetacean strandings in ghana appear to be becoming more common.
Experience the thrill and the wonder of whale watching along south africas scenic coast during this whale and wine tasting tour to hermanus. Whales and dolphins of south africa join a whale and dolphin watching tour with oceans africa. The east coast of south africa is utilised by humpback whales megaptera. Only a 2 hour drive from cape town transport options are available, dyer island cruises offers our guests the potential to see more marine wildlife in one trip, than anywhere else in the country. Whaling in durban stopped in 1975 but older residents wont have any problem remembering those days and, in particular, the very bad smells which wafted from the whaling stations on the seaward side of the bluff and made the lives of people living nearby a misery. Jun 19, 2006 planning a whale watching route south african whale watching territory runs from doringbaai, south of cape town, all the way east along the coast as far as durban. Jul 31, 2014 the remains of a juvenile humpback whale thought to be a female washed up on a beach near the town of amanzimtoti on south africa s eastern coast early this morning. Whaletrips south africa the best tips for whale watching. Minke whales continued to be caught and brought to the durban. Where to whale watch in south africa fodors travel guide.
Make your way to south africas 2000km long whale coast for a privileged encounter with the largest mammals on earth. Aug 26, 20 theres no better place than south africa to witness the seas most awesome creatures in action, and its topnotch restaurants, hotels, and culture round out the experience. I vanhoe sea safaris is regarded as one the leading boatbased whale watching companies in south africa, we operate just a 2 hour drive from cape town near the whale capital of the world hermanus and launch from the quaint fishing harbour of gansbaai. From this mediterranean styled guest house you will be awakened to the magnificent sight of the sun reflecting on the indian ocean, with waves breaking onto the golden sands, boats and ships will be passing by and you may see the early morning surfers riding the waves alongside the dolphins while you enjoy your.
The best whale show ever, durban south africa, epic. Aug 01, 2014 umhlangas distinctive whale bone pier is the worlds most beautiful, say proud tourism experts, from left, peter rose, chairman of umhlanga tourism, briony smith, tkzn manager for africa and the. As long as you are comfortable in the water and can snorkel, then this is easy and safe. We share news and blog articles from across our various wildlife tours and marine big 5 adventures. Here is our list of recommended whale watching companies in south africa. They can be viewed from cliffs and beaches, with boat operators offering trips out to sea for an even closer encounter. Baleen whales mysticetes are distinctive for having two blowholes and whalebone baleen plates hanging from the roof of the mouth to filter food. A stretch of golden sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, all year round warm indian ocean, sunny clear. Whale and dolphin watching durban posted in interactive advantage tours was succesful in obtaning the boatbasedwhaledolphin watching governmental permit in durban were here now to be an asset to this city. Explore our growing selection of things to do in kwazulu natal, or view the events that are taking place in kwazulu natal during your stay, or.
Following our south african presidents call for a national lockdown. Whale watching is one of the major attractions of the western cape. Volunteer at a marine conservation project in south africa study whales, dolphins and inspire local communities about the marine environment. The popular resort town of hermanus has gained worldwide recognition as the worlds foremost land based whale watching destination so if you are planning to visit south africa and want to see the whales, head to hermanus for a front row seat. While the cape coast receives the most hype, the kzn coast boasts the highest number of sightings. For people who have not snorkeled then you can just hold onto the boat when in the water and watch the whale shark go by. Hermanus is well known for whales, and november is end of season as per above post. The whales migrate along the east coast of south africa through the coastal waters of durban and through to the warmer waters of mozambique and madagascar.
At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off south africa. The peak time, when daily sightings are virtually guaranteed, is during september and october. The best time for whale watching in south africa is during our winter months from july to november. Whale watching and marine big 5 tours in south africa. Marine conservation volunteering in africa african. Beached humpback whale near durban, south africa youtube. Dec 25, 2016 south africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine wildlife, including whales, whether from land or from boats, with spectacular annual visits from southern right and humpback whales and enormous pods of dolphins yearround. Whale watching in south africa southern right charters. Whale oil rendered from the blubber was the most important product in those days, but just about every fragment of the huge creatures was used up in one way or.
Contact us ivanhoe sea safaris, south africas oldest boat based whale watching and eco marine tour operator since 1996. The practice of whaling in south africa gained momentum at the start of the 19th century and ended in 1975. Whale and dolphin watching durban showme south africa. Dead whale closes popular south african beach amid shark. Boat based whale and dolphin watching charters are available daily in most areas. Whale watching in south africa will leave you in awe. Blue whale suicide game hits sas shores south africa news. Watching as a humpback whale breaches the ocean surface just a few metres from your research boat is a sight thats sure to take your breath away. Best time for whale watching in south africa rhino africa. The company bought an exfactory ship called the empire victory in 1949. Hermanus whale watching near cape town, gansbaai in south africa. The remains of a juvenile humpback whale thought to be a female washed up on a beach near the town of amanzimtoti on south africas eastern coast early this morning. The ocean safari is a trip to snorkel with whale sharks, this is for everyone with no experience necessary.
Seasonality of blue, sei and humpback whales was bimodal. Durban, largest city of kwazulunatal province and chief seaport of south africa, located on natal bay of the indian ocean. With landbased, boatbased and aerial whale watching options, south africa offers some of the most accessible and rewarding whale and. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off south africa, and is. Beached humpback whale near durban, south africa video. Dolphin watching excursions durban forum tripadvisor. Whale watching south africa humpbacks, southern rights, bryde. Yes the big 5, table mountain, and a spectacular flower season, but this month we celebrate the whale season in south africa and the gentle giants of the sea as they grace our coastlines with their presence.
Yes the big 5, table mountain, and a spectacular flower season, but this month we celebrate the whale season in south africa and the gentle giants of the sea as they grace our coastlines with their. Experience the thrill and the wonder of whale watching along south africa s scenic coast during this whale and wine tasting tour to hermanus. Compilation of footage taken during the 2017 whale season in hermanus, south africa. Whale watching blog, south africa dyer island cruises.