Plett as it is locally known, runs a very close second to Hermanus in popularity, and offers a most attractive package. It is here, where both of our charismatic marine mammals, whales and dolphins can be regularly observed on a single trip. Both may also be seen from the shore, but the proximity synonymous with Walker Bay is the exception rather than the rule. High speed beach launches at the start and end of each boat trip add extra flavour. Southern right whales are not as plentiful here as in Walker Bay either, but as humpback whales make their way up the east coast to mate and calve in the tropical waters off  Mozambique, they pass Plett in fair numbers and are regularly encountered. Every trip includes a visit to the seal colony on the Robberg peninsula. Plett also offers motorized glider flights, which provides a most unusual but thrilling vantage point for whale watching. The magnificent, endless beaches and unsurpassed beauty of the locale, together with the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean and the kinder weather, make this a great venue for spending a few days. For the more adventurous, the highest commercial bungy jump awaits at Bloukrans.

 

Mossel Bay

The beginning of the Garden Route, site of Bartholomew Diaz’ epic landing after the first European rounding of the Cape of Good Hope in 1488, major fishing port and LNG extraction capital. Whales visit here in numbers and great white sharks are resident to the seal island in the protected bay. Boat trips for both species can be arranged, but good land based viewing of whales is also rather the exception than the rule. The proximity of the ostrich farms and the world famous Cango Caves at Oudtshoorn, plus another wonderful wildlife experience at the game farm Bottlierskop provide extra incentive to make this a stop-over.

Witsand

One of the least spoilt and remotest destinations for the discerning visitor. Great whale watching from shore, albeit not from as close as in Hermanus. Situated on the magnificent Breede River estuary, with unparalleled views of the tranquil river and beautifully protected bay, the visitor is treated to some rare moments. Great angling experiences can be enjoyed, both along the coast and on the river, with some really big fish being taken regularly. No boat based whale watching is allowed here.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

The highest number of whales anywhere along our coast congregate along this stretch of pristine coves and beaches. Dozens of whales can be observed simultaneously, as they indulge in mating, calving and nursing. However here too the whales lie beyond the reefs, and the close proximity which makes Hermanus so special, is not part of this package. A number of endangered, terrestrial mammal species like the eland, bontebok and Cape mountain zebra can also be encountered here. Wonderful snorkeling in the numerous rock pools is possible, when the sea is calm. Overnight facilities exist and hiking trails can be booked.  No boat based whale watching is allowed here.

There are fewer whales to be seen in the inshore waters around Cape Town, but a number of operators conduct boat based whale watching trips here. For the visitor who wants to remain within the general confines of the Cape Town metropolitan area, both False Bay and Table Bay can produce some classic moments, with the added bonus of a spectacular backdrop. The Muizenberg to Simon’s Town stretch is well known for fairly regular, close encounters with whales from shore. False Bay really comes into its own with its "flying sharks". Seal Island, a pinnacle harbouring a huge seal colony and surrounded by deep waters, appears to be ideally suited to this peculiar hunting style of the great white sharks. As rubber decoys are trawled along the water’s surface, the shark stalking deep, identifies it as a seal and attacks from below at such a fast pace, that its body is projected clear of the water with the seal or decoy in its mouth. This behaviour has produced some of the worlds best known shark images. Deep sea angling certainly is worth the mention here, as both False Bay and the "canyon" off the Cape Peninsula are most productive waters, with particularly good catches of various species of tuna, Atlantic broadbill, yellowtail, snoek, kabeljou (white sea bass) and a variety of sharks and bottom feeders.

Two concessions are worth mentioning here. The Langebaan Lagoon/Saldanha Bay and St. Helena Bay areas lend themselves well to boat trips, as these waters are relatively protected from stormy seas. Numerous southern right and humpback whales visit these areas each year. Being only around 100 km north of Cape Town and sporting South Africa’s most productive paleontological  sites, this area is also blessed with a spring flower display that is legendary. Several islands in the Langebaan Lagoon are home to seals and a large variety of pelagic bird species such as gannets, penguins, gulls, cormorants, turns and many more. Dolphins are also regularly encountered.

Boat based whale and dolphin watching is available here too and can be great, but both geographical constraints and fewer whales generally limit encounters somewhat when compared to the other destinations. However, all three are on the Garden Route and certainly well worth a visit, offering magnificent parks, beaches and a great variety of tourist attractions. Two of South Africa’s most famous wild life sanctuaries, the Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari are two of the Cape Province’s most popular destinations.

Whale watching is not really as large an industry on the South African East Coast, but if it were humpback whales that are sought, this would be the place. Humpback whales migrate up the eastern and western seaboard to mate and calve in tropical waters off Angola and Mozambique. A number of boat based whale watching operators are taking trips along the Kwazulu-Natal coast, while superb game fishing and reef diving may be enjoyed at the same time. Humpbacks are sighted mostly between June and November. The Lake St. Lucia wetland and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi game parks are most prolific wild life sanctuaries. They play host to a large number of rare and endangered species such as both hook-lipped and square-lipped rhino, nyala, buffalo, hippo, elephant and many lesser species of mammals, birds and reptiles and are well worth a visit.