Humpback Whale Supergroups off South Africa
Gallery
Tour Details
Costs
EUR 3,490
per person in a double room
Group
Max. 8 people
+ German- and English-speaking guide from Moby Wildlife Tours + Local guides & crew
All dates
2 departures in 2027
2027
Sunday, January 10, 2027 – Saturday, January 16, 2027
Saturday, January 16, 2027 – Friday, January 22, 2027
Additional dates for private tours or single-day trips are available upon request
Where
Start
at Cape Town Airport or nearby
End
at Cape Town Airport or nearby
Price includes
What's included
Accommodation, 5 days at sea, all meals, snacks at sea, presentations, shore excursions, weatherproof jackets and pants
What is not included
Personal expenses, arrival and departure to Cape Town, alcoholic beverages, insurance
Physical requirements
The days at sea are long (approx. 6 hours) and the wind and waves can be quite strong.
Ready for this journey?
Check availability for your desired date.
About the trip
South Africa needs little introduction. Located at the southern tip of the African continent, the country is a true natural paradise. In addition to breathtaking landscapes, it is also home to a wide variety of animals. While lions, elephants and leopards roam the large national parks further north, the Cape region in particular is home to a wide range of marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sharks and seals as well as many different species of seabirds.
Of particular interest to us are the humpback whales, which gather in large groups (up to 150 animals!) near Cape Town every year between November and March and offer a true natural spectacle.
The Cape region boasts a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during the humpback whale season. However, it can still get chilly on the water when there is wind and waves, so appropriate clothing is required. The wind can also make it impossible to go out on the water for days at a time – on these days, we organize shore excursions.
We are located in the small coastal town of Yzerfontein, about an hour's drive north of Cape Town. The marina, which serves as the starting point for our whale tours, is also within easy reach. With a bit of luck, you can see the whales from the coast. Always keep your eyes open!
The Animals
South Africa is one of the few countries where you can spot whales all year round! While the agile Bryde's whale can be spotted every month of the year, southern right whales visit the country's coasts mainly from June to December to mate in the sheltered bays and give birth to their calves. Humpback whales are also among the visitors during this time. In the last ten years, however, an interesting phenomenon has been observed: the super-groups! Interestingly, the humpback whales seem to find plenty of food around the Cape between November and March, which can lead to large feeding frenzies of up to 150 animals in a single group! These aggregations are the largest known gatherings of humpback whales in the world, and they take place right on our doorstep. Being surrounded by blowing fountains is a truly unique experience.
In addition to the humpback whales, we also encounter other whale species, seals and a variety of seabirds.
We use a powerful RIB boat to search for the whales, which allows us to travel great distances if necessary. We also work with the only licensed operator in the region, so there will be no other commercial whale-watching boats in the vicinity.
Accommodation & Catering
During our time in Yzerfontein on South Africa's west coast, we are staying in accommodation in the beautiful dunes right on the beach.
Rustic but beautiful rooms, just a few meters from the beach, offer plenty of comfort after what can be exhausting days at sea. The beach style extends from the rooms across the entire complex and fits perfectly into this natural environment.
In the hotel's own restaurant, the catering crew serves us fantastic meals, and we enjoy breakfast with a view of the sunrise.
We also enjoy other restaurants in the area, which is known for its fish, seafood, and wine. But meat lovers and vegetarians will also find something to their liking!
Daily Programme
On the first day, after check-in, we get to know each other better over a leisurely dinner and a drink or two and give you an overview of what's in store for the days together.
On days 2-6, we set off early to spend the day looking for humpback whales and other sea creatures.
We also see other sights, such as uninhabited islands and long stretches of coastline.
In the afternoon we return to the coast to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and spend some time ashore.
These days end with a sundowner drink and the exchange of videos/pictures, as well as delicious dinners with informative lectures from whale researchers.
On the last evening we have a typical South African barbecue with seafood and the whole crew!
The next morning, after your farewell breakfast, you will have the last opportunity to take a few steps along the picturesque beaches of Yzerfontein before we take you back to the airport or another destination.
Equipment & Photography
The Cape region boasts pleasant temperatures, ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during the humpback whale season. However, it can get chilly on the water due to wind and waves, requiring proper clothing. A weatherproof jacket is provided.
For photographers, we recommend medium lenses (approx. 100-300mm), but you can often even take great videos with your phone!
Contact us
Are you convinced yet, or do you have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form below, WhatsApp (+41765811893) or email (info@mobywildlifetours.com).