PORT
BEAUFORT / WITSAND
Take the R322 from the N2 between Swellendam
and Heidelberg. The mouth for the Breede River at Port Beaufort
is well-known for fishing and six months of whale watching
between May and November. From Witsand whale watchers can
expect an unobstructed view of these gentle giants.
STILBAAI
Scores of Southern Right Whales in young
enter the placid waters of The Bay of Sleeping Beauty to bear
their calves. The new-borns can be spotted frolicking with
their attentive mothers from Lappiesbaai Restaurant (Stillbaai
East) adnd the parking area about the harbour. At the jetty
wall close encounters (only a hundred meters offshore) with
whales can be experienced, whilst water fills the ancient
fish traps adjacent to the harbour, GOURITZMOND/VLEESBAAI
The mouth of Gouritz River serves as a mecca
for anglers and boasts lovely beaches and tidal pool. This
placid coastline offers exciting whale-watching opportunities.
DANA BAY
Take the turn-off from the N2 between Albertinia
and Mossel bay and observe whales from unspoiled beaches.
MOSSEL BAY
A bustling holiday resort embraced by a spectacular
sun-washed peninsula and the warm Idian Ocean, lies halfway
between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. From Bat's Cave and
the St. Blaize Lighthouse at The Point the views of waves
crashing against the rocky shoreline and the natural pool
amongst the rocks is a delght at low tide. Whales, Dolphins
and seals entertain onlookers fro many an hour. For a unique
experience walk the St. Blaize hiking trail and play hide-and-seek
with passing whales. Whilst relaxing on De Bakke Beach,with
the stunning setting and the view from the north-facing beaches
you can experience the care-free playing of whales and dolphins.
Regular boat trips to Seal Island give you the best chance
to spot whales, dolphins, jackass penguins, seals and sharks.
HARTENBOS
Situated on route from Mossel Bay to Oudtshoornm
boasts with one of the longest walking beaches in the Southern
Cape. You can experience marine life in every form.
LITTLE BRAK RIVER, REEBOK and TERGNIET
Catch lowtide and walk along the beach from
Hartenbos to Tergniet where whales are often spotted.
GREAT BRAK RIVER
Females come close to the beach to calve
- just behind the surf. Spectacular views can be found from
the sand dunes. Excellent whale watching and very recommended
site
BALLOTS BAY, HEROLD'S BAY and VICTORIA
BAY
Are also cosy bays where these giant mammals
frolic at close proximity to whale watches.
WILDERNESS
The small seaside resort lies at the very
heart of the Garden Route. It is 15km east of George and an
ideal whale watching destination. Dolphin's Point, at the
east end of the spectacular Kaaiman's Pass (part of the N2
highway), overlooks some 20km of beach and the bay. It si
a breathtaking viewpoint from where whales can often be seen
swimming just behind the breakers. Leentjies Klip is at the
west end of Sands Road, and Flat Rock Beach is below the Holiday
Inn Garden Court. Both are much favoured for whale and dolphin
watching. Kleinkrans is three kilometers to the east of Flat
Rock Beach, Whales are often seen from the parking area, while
the beach itself is easily accessible to those who want to
watch the dolphins from there.
SEDGEFIELD
Nestling between pine covered hill sand beautiful
unspoiled beaches you will find this tranquil village situated
on the banks of the Swartvlei Beach area. (take the turn-off
from the N2 at the Fynbos Restaurant 3 km west of Sedgefield.)
Both these venues offer great opportunities for whale and
dolphin watching. There is a rich marine life around Gericke's
point - keep in mind that this viewpoint can only be reached
from two hours before adn two hours after low tide. The Fynboskruin
Eco-Tourism Centre, on the Swartvlei Beach turn-off, provides
guided 4 wheel drive tours through sepctacular fynbos to the
Fynboskruin viewsiteThis viewpoint, overlooking Swartvlei
Beach and Gericke's Point, gives whale watchers a spectacular
view of the sea, lakes, forest and mountains. Sedgefield Beach
offers a variety of view sites and can be reached by taking
Kingfisher Drive at the only traffic light in Sedgefield.
Take the Lake Pleasant trun-off from the N2 east of Sedgefield
- stay on the gravel road until you reach Groenvlei Beach.
with its neatly situated viewpoint., BUFFALO BAY
Situated 21km west of Knysan is worth visiting. Viewers can
relax in the restaurant or do their whale watching from the
beach. The turn-off to Buffalo Bay is signposted from the
N2 on the western apprach to Knysna.
KNYSNA
Affords excellent opportunities for viewing
these magnigicent seasonal visitors. Perhaps the best viewing
is from Brenton-on-Sea; either from next to the hotel or from
the wooden boardwalk on the dunes of the new Brenton extension.
In order to get there take the Brenton-on-Sea turn-off from
the N2 west of Knysna. The huge rock promontories know as
The Knysna Heads guarding the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon
are the best-known viewpoint, offering an unfrogettable view
of the rugged coastline and tranquil lagoon. Whales have even
been known to enter the lagoon for some peace and quiet, much
to the delight of visitors and and residents. To reach the
Heads take the George Rex Drive from the N2 which runs through
Knysna. Noetzie, a small beach resort just a few kilometers
south east of Knysna is also a popular viewpoint. (Noetzie
castles overlook the sea.) Noetzie is signposted from the
N2.
PLETTENBERG BAY
Offers outstanding whale watching facilities
with ideal viewpoints along the coastline and a "Whale
Hotline" (Tel: 04457 - 33743 for any information about
the whales and their whereabouts). The Southern Right Whale
was harvested in this bay between 1913 and 1916. The area
between the wreck of the Athene (at the soutern end of Lookout
beach) and Keurbooms River is especially favoured by the Southern
Right Whales. This magnificent, mountain encircled bay offers
the whales the undisturbed peace they seek when courting and
calving. The Robberg Peninsula, looms protectively over its
nursery and provides a granstand of incomparable beauty and
viewing pleasure. Should you wish to go to Robberg take Odland
Drive down towards the Beacon Isle, turn right at the circle;
the first road to yur left is Robberg Road. Follow the signs
to the airport. Drive approximately 4-5 km along this road
untilyou come to the sign which directs you to the Robberg
Nature Reserve. Other whale watching points are from Beachy
Head Road at Robberg Beach, and Signal Hill(in San Gonzales
Street past the Post Office and Police Station.) From the
windows of the Beacon Islespectators once witnessed the birth
of a calf. This must be one of the most spectacular views
sites, as well as from the Look-out Deck on Look-out Beach.On
route from Plettenberg Bay to Knysna is the Harkerville turn-off.
Continue along this road for 7km until you reach the Kranshoek
viewpoint and hiking trail. There are also wonderful whale
watching points along this route.
NATURE'S VALLEY
Approximately 20 km from Plettenberg Bay
(R102). Occasionally one or two pairs (consisting of a mother
and her calf) will take up "residence" in the vicinity
of Nature's Valley.Continue along the Bloukrans Pass until
you reach the Tsitsikamma National Park, at the Storms River
Mouth.The National Paark offers excellent whale watching opportunities.
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