What to do during Whale Season in Hermanus

A Front Row Seat

The best place to view the whales during whale season? “Right here,” says Front Office Manager Nikita Du Preez. “We are so lucky – there have been whales in the bay just outside Birkenhead House this morning, so the guests haven’t needed to go anywhere!”

Whale season traditionally runs from July until November. This year, the humpback whales have been the first to arrive, followed by the southern right whales, says Nikita, and the ocean is already putting on quite a show.
When guests are not enjoying a delicious meal or cocktail on the deck while watching the whales from Birkenhead House, there are many other activities on offer to celebrate the season.

The Hermanus Cliff Path has been extended so that guests can walk along the path to the centre of Hermanus, and enjoy ocean views and sea spray along the way (previously, one had to walk up to a section of the main road). “It’s just gorgeous,” says Nikita. “You walk right along the cliff face with the most incredible views.”
This walkway is approximately 12 kilometres long, taking you from Birkenhead House along the coastline up to Grotto Beach, then through town to the New Harbour.

Ocean Adventures

Seeing these giant creatures from a boat is a wonderful experience and the Birkenhead House team recommend Marine Dynamics – their vessels are purpose-built for viewing marine animals, they are super-strict about responsible viewing practices and each trip is guided by a marine biologist.

The Marine Dynamics’ Dyer Island trip offers the chance to see the “Marine Big 5” – whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and endangered African penguins – in one of the world’s most abundant marine ecosystems. Dyer Island is a protected nature reserve eight kilometres offshore from Gansbaai, South Africa, home to African penguins and connected to Geyser Island with its 60,000 Cape fur seals via the famous “Shark Alley”.

The Royal Portfolio Foundation contributes to the Dyer Island Conservation Trust which helps to protect the largest surviving colonies of the endangered African penguin. The Foundation previously funded a bird ranger who lives on the island, monitoring the colony and ensuring injured birds recieve proper care at the rehabilitation centre before being returned to the wild. This year, the Foundation has chosen to support the new Lookout Tower, which will strengthen monitoring and research efforts on the island.

The tower hasn’t yet been officially launched, but Christine Wessels from Marine Dynamics says a “seaweed cutting ceremony” will take place soon.

Other excursions that the team at Birkenhead House recommends include a sea kayaking tour and the opportunity to head into the Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary, a marine protected area where no boats are allowed for five months of the year.

Herman de Vries from Walker Bay Adventures says the experience is educational and provides an opportunity to learn. It’s also carefully regulated to ensure the safety of both guests and sea life.

“The sea kayak tour offers possible sightings of African penguins, Cape fur seals, dolphins and even whales during the whale season,” says Herman. “If we do encounter whales while kayaking, we will maintain a respectful and legal distance from them so that they are not disturbed. No two trips are the same! It’s an opportunity to get up close to nature, experience Walker Bay, and get wet!”

And on the other end of the spectrum, there is also an opportunity to go on a helicopter tour of the coastline with NAC Helicopters. “That way you get to view the incredible Walker Bay from the air and spot the whales below,” says Nikita.

Village Life

Heading into town is always a fun adventure – with numerous restaurants, coffee shops and over 25 art galleries, it’s a great place for browsing and meandering.

The village atmosphere of Hermanus is all about celebrating the migrating whales, from murals to statues to memorabilia found in the local markets.

Hermanus is also the only town in the whole of South Africa (and possibly the world) with its own whale crier, whose kelp horn was first heard in Hermanus in August 1992. A succession of dedicated whale criers have held this position, with Silize Kuka (image below) currently carrying on the tradition. He explains, “My job is to walk along the cliff path (from Gearing’s Point to Siever’s Point) and when I see whales I blow my kelp horn to alert the people that I’m spotting something and interact with them by giving them information about whales,” says Silize.

His work is physically tiring, but he loves what he does and has some good advice for visitors: “When you’re doing whale watching on land you must be patient and at least spend 10-20 minutes in the same area and scan the water. The minute you see any unusual movement, track it because it might just be a whale.

“My message to people is that those coming to Hermanus to see whales – it’s the best decision you will make, and you will never regret it, because we’re the best when it comes to whale watching and we also offer good hospitality where everyone is friendly. It’s worth the visit.”