Cape Town doesn’t slow down when the temperatures drop — in fact, winter brings one of the city’s most spectacular natural events: whale season. From June to November, the southern coastline becomes a stage for one of nature’s greatest performances, as southern right whales, humpbacks, and even the occasional orca put on a show just offshore.
If you’re staying at O’Two Hotel, you’re perfectly positioned for incredible day trips to see these gentle giants in action. So grab your binoculars (and maybe a cup of hot chocolate), because here’s everything you need to know about whale watching around Cape Town.
When is Whale Season in Cape Town?
The best time to spot whales in Cape Town is from June to November, with the peak month being July. During this time, whales migrate to the warmer waters off the South African coast to mate, calve, and nurse their young. They often come surprisingly close to shore, making land-based viewing easy and worthwhile.
1. Hermanus: The Whale Watching Capital
Located about 90 minutes from O’Two Hotel, Hermanus is world-famous for a reason. This small coastal town is considered one of the best land-based whale watching spots in the world, thanks to its cliffside paths and panoramic ocean views.
You can take a relaxed walk along the 12 km Cliff Path, which offers multiple viewpoints perfect for spotting tail slaps and breaches. The path winds past gardens, coves, and boulders where whales often linger just offshore, so this gentle walk with big rewards. If you’re keen to get even closer, you can book a boat tour with Southern Right Charters. These boat-based tours depart regularly from the New Harbour and are led by expert guides who know exactly where to find the action.
2. Kalk Bay: Views from the Southern Peninsula
You don’t have to venture far to see whales — just a 45-minute drive from O’Two will get you to Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, or Simon’s Town, all of which offer excellent whale watching opportunities right from the shore.
In particular, the lookout point at Boyes Drive above Kalk Bay offers a fantastic elevated view of the bay, where whales are known to swim close to the shore. While you’re in the area, grab lunch at one of the harbour cafés in Kalk Bay, like Olympia Café, or take a stroll on the beach at Fish Hoek and keep an eye on the water. You might catch a whale waving back.
3. Clarence Drive: Scenic Drive, Whale Views
If you’re in the mood for a flexible, self-guided adventure, Clarence Drive — the stretch of R44 between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els — is hard to beat. Often compared to California’s Highway 1, this winding coastal road is one of the most beautiful drives in the country, with rugged cliffs on one side and the expansive blue of False Bay on the other.
It’s also a prime whale spotting route.There are several well-placed lookout points along the way, many of which offer unobstructed views of the ocean. It’s less crowded than Hermanus, which means you can take your time, pull over where you like, and just soak in the quiet view.
You’ll also find a few secluded beaches and hidden coves along the way, like Kogel Bay, which are great for a scenic snack break or a quiet walk if the whales aren’t cooperating. This route is ideal for travellers who want to combine whale spotting with an epic coastal road trip.
4. Boat-Based Whale Watching from Gansbaai
Want to get up close? Gansbaai, about 2 hours from Cape Town, offers some of the most reliable boat-based whale watching tours. Boats often encounter southern rights, Bryde’s whales, and humpbacks, along with seals and dolphins along the way.
But whales aren’t the only stars of the show here. Gansbaai is part of the Marine Big 5 territory, which includes whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and African penguins. That means your boat trip could turn into a full-blown marine safari, complete with dolphins breaching waves, seals lounging on rocky outcrops, and seabirds soaring overhead.
Tours are weather dependent, and can fill up quickly during peak months, so try to book ahead and stay flexible in case of rescheduling. Dress warmly, even on sunny days, since the sea breeze can be chilly once you’re out on the water.
5. Cape Agulhas: Where Oceans (and Whales) Meet
If you’re up for a longer adventure, a day trip to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, delivers both epic landscapes and excellent whale sightings. It’s about 2.5–3 hours from Cape Town, so plan for an early start.
The Agulhas National Park coastline offers dramatic viewpoints where you can spot whales in the deep blue, all while standing at the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Stop by the historic lighthouse, take a scenic walk, and enjoy the peacefulness of this often-overlooked destination. It’s less commercial, more raw, and absolutely worth the drive.
Whale Watching Tips
Before you grab your camera and hit the coast, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your whale watching adventure:
- Bring binoculars: They’ll make a huge difference, especially for land-based viewing.
- Time it right: Mornings tend to have calmer seas and better visibility.
- Dress in layers: It can be sunny one minute and misty the next, especially near the water.
- Be patient: Sometimes the whales make you wait. But when they breach, it’s totally worth it.
Remember that seeing whales isn’t guaranteed. But all the destinations on this list are worth it in themselves.
A Quiet Kind of Wonder
There’s something special about winter in Cape Town. The pace slows, the scenery shifts, and along the coastline, something incredible unfolds. Whale watching offers a quiet kind of wonder and an opportunity to see outside of the bustling cities and nature reserves. .
And you don’t need to go far! With O’Two Hotel as your base, each of these coastal adventures is just a day trip away. When you return from the road — windswept, satisfied, maybe with a blurry photo of a tail — the warmth and comfort of O’Two is waiting for you. A hot shower, a luxury room, and the feeling of a day well spent seeing something real.
So don’t wait for summer! Cape Town in winter has plenty of wild beauty to offer. Just keep your eyes on the horizon. There’s plenty to see.
