Whale Watching in the Garden Route

Southern Right Whales visit the area from about June to November, and migratory humpback whales can also be briefly seen from May and June and then, on their return trip, from about November to January.

Bryde's whales or orcas are occasionally seen, and bottlenose and humpback dolphins are in residence all year. A breeding colony of Cape fur seals completes Plettenberg Bays' impressive array of marine mammals. It is in Plettenberg Bay that the dolphin and whale-watching industry is most organised, with trips in boats, kayaks and aircraft on offer. Viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference. Boats are big, comfortable and moderately dry. Boarding is easy and people in wheelchairs can be accommodated. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you could paddle out in a sea kayak and the whales or dolphins may surface near you - they often do.

The Garden Route generally, from Stilbaai through Mossel Bay and on to George, Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting southern rights in their season, humpbacks between May and December, Bryde's whales all year round - and, occasionally, killer whales.

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