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Whale watching

Whale watching season is prime time to visit the Overberg, and if you put a little effort in, not only can you witness some of the best land-based whale watching in the country, but you can also experience the variety of wonders that the Western Cape has to offer!

De Hoop’s marine reserve is a breeding ground for the southern right whale. About 120 whales return to these waters every year to mate and calve. The high dunes at Koppie Alleen offer an excellent vantage point for whale watching. De Mond, Robberg and Goukamma nature reserves also offer fantastic whale-watching opportunities in spring, when these gentle giants come to breed and nurse their calves.

Take a scenic self-drive along the coast in Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, and you’ll be able to enjoy a little whale watching. A beach as far as the eye can see with whales – and sometimes dolphins – frolicking in the ocean is what you will find at Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Just a few kilometres east of the popular seaside town of Hermanus, there are always plenty of whales to see along this stretch of coast during whale season from June to November.

Walker Bay is one of the best land-based areas to view whales. Take a scenic walk along the coast to see the southern right, humpback and Bryde’s whales play in the sheltered bay.

De Hoop copyright Scott Ramsay 309

The Whale Trail Visitor Centre

The Whale Trail is an unforgettable experience, taking you through one of the Western Cape’s most unique and diverse nature reserves.

The route stretches over 55km, from Potberg to Koppie Alleen, with five overnight stops (hikers spend the first night at Potberg before starting the trail). The unspoilt natural beauty on this trail is unsurpassable, leading through lush fynbos and offering stunning views of the coast.

Related Reserves

Robberg Nature Reserve copyright Scott N Ramsay 5
Robberg Nature Reserve
De Mond Nature Reserve Scott Ramsay 195
De Mond Nature Reserve
De Hoop High Res copyright Scott Ramsay 22
The Whale Trail (De Hoop Nature Reserve)
De Hoop Nature Reserve high res copyright Scott Ramsay 73
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Geelkrans two hikers on the beach
Geelkrans Nature Reserve
Klipgat Cave web
Walker Bay Nature Reserve
JL1 0447
Rocherpan Nature Reserve
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Lambert's Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve