FALSE BAY

This large bay is flanked on its Eastern side by Cape Town's most southerly suburbs, extending along the western side of the Cape Peninsula to the naval town of Simonstown. The metropolitan train line runs from the city terminating in Simonstown, offering a scenic trip through seaside villages like Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek, characterised by their colourful fishing communities. The north side is encompassed by a 35km long stretch of sandy beach reaching from Muizenberg right around to Strand and Gordon's Bay on the western end of the Bay. Baden-Powell Drive follows this shoreline.

Marine Animals you are likely to see:
Southern Right Whale, Humpback Dolphin, Dusky Dolphin

Whale Watching Spots:
1. Good whale watching areas along the watchway between Muizenburg and St. James.
2. Good viewing points on Boyes Drive, between Kalk Bay and Lakeside.

Boat Based Whale Watching:
Ocean View and Masiphumilele, telephone 021 783 5016

HOUT BAY

Hout Bay ('Wood Bay') was named after the thick forest that once grew along the mountain's south- facing slopes. Little evidence remains of this today, however - the slopes being covered now in luxury homes while the village below boasts a plethora of restaurants and shops.

Marine Animals you are likely to see:
Southern Right Whale; Killer Whales (Infrequent) ; Heaviside Dolphin; humpback Dolphins; Cape fur Seals (Duiker Island).

Whale and Dolphin Watching Spots:
Best viewing along the various rest spots along Chapman's Peak Road, a meandering cliffside drive about 600m above the sea

Our Whale & Dolphin Expert's Comment:
"Whales and dolphins can sometimes be seen in the wider Chapman's Bay, best viewing is from Chapman's Peak drive."

TABLE BAY

Cape Town's Table Bay with its backdrop of Table Mountain is familiar around the world, a popular international tourist destination - and often a favourite place for whales to frolic. The city hugs the shoreline from Llandudno round to Bloubergstrand, before sprawling across the vast Cape Flats.

Whale-watching Spots:
Vantage points along the winding Victoria Drive between Camps Bay and Llandudno, Sea Point Esplanade, Mouille Point Lighthouse and Blouberg Beach.

Boat Based Whale Watching:
Bruce See, Waterfront Expeditions
telephone 082-573-3633 or 021 418 5806

HERMANUS

Known as the "heart of the Whale Coast", Hermanus is arguably the best Whale Watching area in the country. Built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa, magnificent mountains watch over this town which is home of the Southern Right Whale. About 60 -100 whales visit Hermanus between July and December every year and come to within 10 meters of the shore. Walker Bay is recognized by the WWF as one of the world's top twelve whale viewing locations.

Climate:
Hermanus enjoys a mild climate. Winter, although the rainy season, has nonetheless many sunny days and is generally mild, with occasional gales. Summer is dry and sunny, with extreme heat tempered by sea breezes. Early autumn in March is idyllic, with balmy days and late afternoon mists.

Whale Season:
July-November (Peaking in July and August)
Marine Animals you are likely to see:
Southern Right Whale; Bryde's Whale; Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin

Whale Watching Spots:
1. Gearings Point (near Old Harbour)
2. Die Gang (North East along Main Road)
3. Kwaaiwater
4. Voelklip & Grotto beaches.
Click here to see an interactive 360 degree pic of Hermanus's most famous whale watching spot.

Boat Based Whale Watching:
Hawston Vissersmaatskappy, telephone Phillip May 0283 51406
Ivanhoe Safaris, telephone 082 926 7977
Walking Whale Tours:
Christine Lambrecht: Tel 083 658 2418.
Rock angling and whale watching tours: Tel (028) 312-2629; Fax (028) 313-0305

Our Whale & Dolphin Expert's Comment:

"Between June and November. one of the world's premier land based whale watching spots for southern right whales. Although the precipitous cliffs bordering the coast provide excellent viewing, Dreunkrans,, the cliff-top pathway between Fick's Pool and the New Harbour and the terraces above the old harbour are excellent whale and dolphin viewing vantage points. Much of the Bay is closed to BBWW."

BETTY'S BAY

This was the historic site of a whaling station, dating back to the 1930's. It was named after the daughter of a property developer.

Marine Animals you are likely to see:
Southern Right Whale, Bottlenose Dolphin

Whale Watching Spots:
Stoney Point

Our Whale & Dolphin Expert's Comment:
"Seasonally good for southern right whales, particularly from Stoney Point."

For more information on Whales click here

De Kelders

De Kelders, meaning 'the caves', is a small seaside town between Gansbaai and Hermanus. There are two caves in the area with the Klipgat (meaning 'stone hole") on the eastern edge of town showing evidence of Stone Age occupation. .

De Kelders is attractive to travellers not only because of its wondrous setting, but also because it offers a myriad of activities all year round.

The sun and pristine beaches in summer and land-based whale watching in the green months; fishing, diving, hiking, cycling, fly-fishing, boating, bird-watching, paragliding, golf, bowls, riding, there is always something to do