Humpback whale · South Africa
Where to see humpback whales in South Africa
About this list
A common trap when looking for places to see humpback whales in South Africa is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the humpback whale as a target species, 4 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Eastern Cape Algoa Bay, Umkomaas & Aliwal Shoal, Western Cape Garden Route and Western Cape. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, scuba diving, snorkeling and freediving. Two "humpback whale tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 3 of the 4 operators (75%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 3 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in South Africa cluster in Jun–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.
Humpback whale season in South Africa
Jun–Nov
- JanJanuary: not in season
- FebFebruary: not in season
- MarMarch: not in season
- AprApril: not in season
- MayMay: not in season
- JunJune: in season
- JulJuly: in season
- AugAugust: in season
- SepSeptember: in season
- OctOctober: in season
- NovNovember: in season
- DecDecember: not in season
The months 3 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the humpback whale season table.
4 listed operators
South Africa · Eastern Cape Algoa Bay
Raggy Charters
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Oct
- Price
- Adults ZAR 3,250 · Under 12 ZAR 2,100
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Umkomaas & Aliwal Shoal
ScubaCo Diving & Travel
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- From ZAR 700 / dive
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Western Cape Garden Route
Ocean Odyssey Knysna
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults ZAR 1,820 · Under 12 ZAR 1,430
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Western Cape
Southern Right Charters
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Jun–Apr
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Humpback whale season
Humpback whales in other countries
Other marine life in South Africa
Activities in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see humpback whales in South Africa?
4 operators name the humpback whale as a target species. Main regions: Eastern Cape Algoa Bay, Umkomaas & Aliwal Shoal, Western Cape Garden Route and Western Cape.
Do you have to get in the water to see humpback whales?
Formats on record: boat-based watching, scuba diving, snorkeling and freediving. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.
When is humpback whale season?
The 3 operators that state a season for humpback whale programs in South Africa cluster in Jun–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.
Will I definitely see them?
No. Humpback whales are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.