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The Best Time to Go Whale Watching in South Africa

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WHALE WATCHING TIPS

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THE BEST TIME FOR WHALE WATCHING IN SOUTH AFRICA & LEARNING THE LINGO

We’ve already spoken about our top spots for whale watching in South Africa, but we thought we’d give these gentle giants a bit more attention. Here is our breakdown on when to go and what your guide means when he says ‘lobtailing’. 

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When to Go

All year round, South African waters are home to dolphins, whales, seals and African penguins, but if you want to see whales, you need to be a bit more careful with your dates. During ‘whale season’ is the ideal time to explore the South African coasts, taking in its spectacular views and quaint little towns, and witness the migration of the Humpback, Brydes and Southern Right whales. Here is the best time to go whale watching in South Africa for each of the different whale species. 

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Southern Right Whales 

June to November is whale season for the Southern Rights. If you’re on the look out for baby whales, July and August is peak calving season.  

Humpback Whales

The Humpbacks tend to arrive a little bit earlier. From May through to December they’ll move along the coast from Hermanus to their breeding grounds in  Mozambique and Madagascar

Brydes Whales and Orcas

Both of these species can be spotted year around. However, they are more difficult to spot – so be on the lookout!

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Breaking Down the Lingo

If you’re going to do whale watching season in South Africa, why not embrace your inner marine biologist and throw around some whale-watching lingo. It’s a surefire way to become your guide’s favourite.

Breaching

Rising and breaking through the water’s surface.

Blowing / Spouting

Exhaling air and blowing water through the blowhole.

Fluking

Lifting the tail above the water before diving.

Lobtailing

Lifting the tail vertically above the water and then slapping it on the water’s surface.

Spyhopping

Lifting the head out of the water to look around.

Logging

lying in the water with the back and head above and the tail below.

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Discover more whale watching info here.

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