Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers its guests some of the best whale watching tours in the world. Guests can view the Southern Right Whales by land, off the rocks in De Kelders, by boat, or by plane flying over the spectacular Walker Bay!
The whale watching tours are all part of the Grootbos experience, so no prior arrangements or bookings need to be made.
Land-based Whale Watching Tours
Of the 350 whales that visit the southern coast, up to 160 make Walker Bay their home from June to December. The Walker Bay is the best place in the world to view these 40-60 ton creatures from land. Most commonly seen are the Southern Right Whales, that migrate to warmer waters every year to mate, calve and raise their young. Breaching, tail-slapping and lob-tailing, the whales make the bay a constant hub of activity. Grootbos specialized guides will take you down to the De Kelders rocks and give you the whale watching tour of a lifetime! You will watch spellbound as mothers, calves and energetic bulls come to within a stone’s throw of the rocky shoreline.
Boat-based Whale Watching Tours
Grootbos Nature Reserve has an exclusive boat trip, through Dyer Island Cruises, leaving every morning from Kleinbaai harbour. Besides seeing the amazing whales, this trip offers a complete experience of the Marine Big5, which includes the whales, dolphins, African Penguins, Cape Fur Seals and surface viewing of the Great White Shark. The boat comfortably accommodates 20 guests, has a toilet, upper deck, shelter from the sun as well as snacks and drinks provided onboard. The boat also has specialized guides, who can provide all the facts about the whales as well as other interesting information about the magnificent marine life. As these gentle giants are very curious, they often swim right up to the boat to get a better view of the boat and the guests. This trip takes about 2 hours and is a marine experience not to be missed!
Whale Watching Tours By Plane
During season, up to 160 whales and calves can be spotted in the Walker Bay. Only from the sky is it possible to comprehend the size of the Southern Right communities that visit our waters. The confluence of the warm Indian and the cold Atlantic Ocean creates a vibrant and colourful seascape. Teeming with wildlife, these abundant oceans often provide great ‘game viewing’ opportunities. The majestic Cape Mountains frame these perfect white beaches and rocky shorelines. When a picture speaks a thousand words. . . the actual flight will render you speechless. Whether you wish to explore your environment or simply see what’s around you - African Wings, together with Grootbos, offer you the freedom of the skies, and the ultimate whale watching tours of a lifetime.
The Whale Festival in Hermanus is comign up in September 2011. Have a look at our 2011 whale festival special!
