How Many Whales Visit Hermanus Year?
During whale season in Hermanus, which typically runs from June to November, Southern Right Whales are the main visitors to Walker Bay. The number of whales varies throughout the season, with the highest concentrations usually seen between September and October.
Southern Right Whales
Each year, aerial surveys conducted along the South African coastline, including the stretch that covers Hermanus, have recorded between 500 and over 1,100 Southern Right Whales. These figures include both mothers with calves and unaccompanied adults. At peak times, around 70 or more whales can often be seen in Walker Bay at once, especially during calm sea conditions and clear weather.
Hermanus is considered one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations in the world because the whales come extremely close to the shore—sometimes just a few meters from the rocks. These Southern Right Whales migrate from Antarctic waters to the warmer, sheltered bays along the South African coast to mate, calve, and nurse their young.
Humpback and Bryde’s Whales
While Southern Right Whales dominate the sightings, other species are occasionally observed. Humpback Whales pass through the area as part of their long migration route, typically appearing in the earlier part of the season (June to August). Bryde’s Whales, which are more elusive, can be seen sporadically throughout the year but are not as commonly spotted.
Best Months to see Whales
Monthly Sightings Breakdown (Example):
| Month | Whale Sightings (Average) |
|---|---|
| May | Low |
| June | Moderate |
| July | High |
| August | Very High |
| September | Peak |
| October | Peak |
| November | Moderate |
| December | Low |
Whale season and Visibility
- Whale season: June to November
- Peak visibility: September and October
- Peak count: Around 70 whales in Walker Bay at once
- Total seasonal count (coastal survey): 500 to 1,100+ whales
- Primary species: Southern Right Whales
- Occasionally seen: Humpback Whales, Bryde’s Whales
Hermanus remains a prime location for whale enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers, offering an extraordinary chance to witness these magnificent marine mammals from the shore.
Every year, Hermanus transforms from a coastal town into a globally recognized whale-watching hotspot. Between June and November, visitors flock to the cliffs, beaches, and boats of Walker Bay hoping to catch a glimpse of the Southern Right Whale—and with good reason. These majestic creatures are known to swim astonishingly close to the shoreline, often delighting onlookers with breaching, lobtailing, and spy-hopping displays.
But just how many whales visit Hermanus during the season? And which species are most commonly seen? In this article, we explore the numbers, patterns, and peak times of whale migration in Hermanus, based on aerial surveys, local research, and decades of observation.
The Main Attraction: Southern Right Whales
The star of Hermanus’s whale season is undoubtedly the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). These whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the sub-Antarctic to the warmer, sheltered bays along the South African coast to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Walker Bay, with its deep, calm waters and minimal disturbance, offers ideal conditions for these mammals.
Southern Right Whales are particularly well-suited to land-based viewing due to their predictable surfacing behaviour and slow swimming patterns. This makes Hermanus one of the few places in the world where whale watching can be enjoyed without setting foot on a boat.
Seasonal Whale Numbers: Aerial Survey Data
Each year, researchers from institutions like the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute conduct aerial surveys of the South African coastline. These surveys cover a stretch of coast from Nature’s Valley in the Eastern Cape to Muizenberg in Cape Town, which includes Hermanus and Walker Bay.
Recent data highlights:
- 2023 survey:
Approximately 1,176 Southern Right Whales were recorded along the monitored stretch, including 568 mothers with calves and 40 unaccompanied adults. - 2024 early-season survey (September):
Around 265 mother-calf pairs were counted, bringing the total to approximately 530 whales in early spring. These numbers increased toward October, which is typically the peak month.
It’s important to note that while these figures represent totals along a large section of the coast, Hermanus consistently sees one of the highest concentrations due to the geography and popularity of Walker Bay.
Local Counts in Hermanus: How Many Are Visible?
While exact daily numbers fluctuate, residents and experienced whale watchers commonly report up to 60–70 Southern Right Whales visible in Walker Bay at once during peak weeks. These whales may remain in the bay for extended periods, offering multiple opportunities for sightings.
Hermanus has even developed a tradition of employing a “Whale Crier” who alerts passersby with a kelp horn when whales are visible. This unique practice speaks to the reliable presence and high frequency of sightings that locals and tourists can expect during the season.
Whale Season Breakdown by Month
June to August
Early in the season, a small number of Southern Right Whales begin arriving. Humpback Whales, which pass through the region during their migration to breeding grounds further north, are more commonly seen during these months. Sightings are less frequent overall, but calm winter seas can make for excellent whale-spotting conditions on clear days.
September to October
This is the peak of whale season in Hermanus, with the largest number of whales in Walker Bay. Mother-and-calf pairs are plentiful, and the Southern Right Whales tend to stay close to shore. October is widely regarded as the best month for land-based whale watching, coinciding with the annual Hermanus Whale Festival.
November
Whale activity begins to taper off by mid-November as most Southern Right Whales start their return journey to colder southern waters. However, sightings are still possible, especially early in the month.
Other Whale Species Seen in Hermanus
While Southern Right Whales are the most frequently spotted, Hermanus waters also play host to a few other species throughout the year.
Humpback Whales
Humpbacks are most often seen during the early part of the season (June to August) as they migrate past the South African coast. Known for their acrobatics and long pectoral fins, they are a thrill to spot but less predictable in terms of timing and location compared to Southern Rights.
Bryde’s Whales
These sleek, fast-moving whales can be seen sporadically throughout the year. Unlike the seasonal visitors, Bryde’s Whales are thought to be present year-round in smaller numbers. They are harder to spot and tend to stay further offshore, but boat-based trips occasionally encounter them.
Land-Based vs Boat-Based Whale Watching
One of Hermanus’s unique strengths is the quality of its land-based whale watching. Clifftop paths, benches, and purpose-built lookout points offer panoramic views of Walker Bay, often with whales just meters away. Popular spots include Gearing’s Point, Siever’s Point, and the Cliff Path stretching from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach.
For those wanting a closer look or a different perspective, boat-based whale watching tours operate under strict guidelines to minimise disturbance. These tours can bring you within legal limits of the whales, often enhancing the opportunity to witness breaches and tail slaps up close.
What Affects Whale Numbers Each Year?
Annual whale counts can vary based on a number of environmental and biological factors:
- Breeding cycles: Southern Right Whales do not breed every year. Females generally calve every three years, which influences the number of mother-and-calf pairs seen.
- Sea temperature and climate: Oceanographic conditions, including sea temperature and currents, affect whale migration timing and destination.
- Food availability: Whales feed in colder regions and may delay or skip migration if food supplies are poor, as seen in years with lower krill populations.
Despite these fluctuations, Hermanus remains a consistently reliable location for whale viewing, and population numbers of Southern Right Whales have been gradually increasing after decades of conservation efforts.
So how many whales can you see in one day?
So how many whales visit Hermanus each season? The short answer: hundreds, with up to 70 or more Southern Right Whales visible in Walker Bay at once during peak season. While precise numbers vary from year to year, Hermanus continues to offer one of the best land-based whale watching experiences in the world. Whether you’re an early riser scanning the waves from the cliffs or booking a boat tour during festival week, the magic of seeing these giants up close is something every visitor should experience at least once.
Annual Whale Visits & Peak Seasons in Hermanus
Subtitle:
Discover the average number of whales visiting Hermanus each year, the typical arrival and departure months, and the best time to spot them.
Section 1: Average Whale Counts by Year
| Year | Average Whale Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 700 |
| 2019 | 850 |
| 2020 | 900 |
| 2021 | 950 |
| 2022 | 1000 |
| 2023 | 1100 |
Note: Counts are approximate and based on local whale-watching reports.
Section 2: Whale Sighting Intensity by Month
| Month | Sightings Intensity |
|---|---|
| May | Low |
| June | Moderate |
| July | High |
| August | Very High |
| September | Peak |
| October | Peak |
| November | Moderate |
| December | Low |
Section 3: Arrival and Departure Months by Species
| Species | Arrival Month | Departure Month |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Right Whale | July | November |
| Humpback Whale | June | October |
| Bryde’s Whale | Year-round | Year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many whales can be seen in Hermanus at one time?
During peak season (September to October), as many as 60 to 70 Southern Right Whales can be seen in Walker Bay on a single day.
When is the best time to see whales in Hermanus?
The best time is from mid-September to late October, with October being the peak for sightings and whale activity.
What types of whales are seen in Hermanus?
Primarily Southern Right Whales. Humpbacks are seen occasionally from June to August, and Bryde’s Whales may be spotted year-round offshore.
Can you see whales without a boat in Hermanus?
Yes. Hermanus is known for its excellent land-based whale watching. Many vantage points along the Cliff Path offer clear views of whales near the shore.
Why do Southern Right Whales come to Hermanus?
They migrate to the warmer, protected waters of Walker Bay to mate, give birth, and raise their young before heading back to Antarctic feeding grounds.
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Sources for this article
Southern Right Whale Project – Official data on Southern Right Whales in South Africa
CapeNature – Marine Species – Information on whale species and sightings in the Western Cape
Hermanus Whale Festival – Annual festival site with whale watching info and statistics
https://www.whalefestival.co.za
Whale Coast Conservation – Local conservation initiatives and whale info
https://www.whalecoastconservation.org
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (South Africa) – Official marine biodiversity info
https://www.environment.gov.za
WWF South Africa – Whales – General whale conservation info in SA
https://www.wwf.org.za
Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI) – Research on whales and marine life in South Africa
https://www.ori.org.za
Hermanus Tourism – Whale watching season and guides
https://www.hermanustourism.co.za/