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The whales
Whale watching:

From the rocky cliffs of Hermanus, one can view whales and sometimes they can come as close as 5 metres. It is also said that it is one of the 12 top viewing sites of the world and the only place in the world where one can hear the whale calls by means of an underwater microphone. The Southern Right whales start arriving in Hermanus from June and leave by December. Calving season is during August to September, but the peak season is during September when whales are seen almost every day.

British zoologist and whale expert Mark Carwardine says "This must be the best whale watching spot in the world, and the best place to see the Southern Right whales…around Hermanus they have been steadily increasing since I first came here in 1992."

General information:

Southern Right whales were named so because it was considered to be the ‘right’ whale to catch. The fact that it was rich in oil and baleen and floated when it was killed resulted in the Southern Right being one of the most cruelly hunted of all whale species. Since the international protection in 1935, the estimated number of Southern Right whales has increased from 4000 - 6000. Its V-shaped 'blow' can distinguish it. Whales have large brains and are very sensitive. Strong bonds exist between mother and calf. In normal circumstances they are non-aggressive and gentle towards man.

Different things whales do:

Breaching

Whales can lift their entire bodies out of the water and then come down with an enormous splash. They may do this three to five times in succession. Scientists do not know why they do this move.

Spyhopping

Whales lift their head and part of their bodies out of the water vertically so this gives them a 360— view of the world above the water.

Lobtailing

Whales slap their tails on the surface of the water making a loud clap. This is usually a sign of social communication or a warning to rival whales and sharks.

Sailing

Whales sometimes lift their tails clear of the water as a means to cool down or to 'sail’ through the water.

Blowing

Air is expelled through the blowhole together with the hollow, echoing sound and water vapour. This allows whale watchers to identify the type of whale.

Grunting

A loud, bellowing sound that is often heard at night up to 2 km away.

The whale crier: Wilson Thembela Salukazana is the world’s only whale crier. He patrols the streets of Hermanus alerting crowds as to where a whale can be spotted.

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Breaching	Whales can lift their entire bodies out of the water and then come down with an enormous splash. They may do this three to five times in succession. Scientists do not know why they do this move.
Spyhopping	Whales lift their head and part of their bodies out of the water vertically so this gives them a 360— view of the world above the water.
Lobtailing	Whales slap their tails on the surface of the water making a loud clap. This is usually a sign of social communication or a warning to rival whales and sharks.
Sailing	Whales sometimes lift their tails clear of the water as a means to cool down or to 'sail’ through the water.
Blowing	Air is expelled through the blowhole together with the hollow, echoing sound and water vapour. This allows whale watchers to identify the type of whale.
Grunting	A loud, bellowing sound that is often heard at night up to 2 km away.