Whales Arrive in Plettenberg Bay for Whale Season

Whales Arrive in Plettenberg Bay for Whale Season

As winter storms give way to calm, clear days, Plettenberg Bay is abuzz with excitement as the first migrating whales of the Whale Season make their grand entrance. Photos and videos are flooding social media, capturing these magnificent creatures in all their glory.

International publication *Woman & Home* recently named Plettenberg Bay among the world’s best destinations for whale watching, and it’s easy to see why. The coastline offers dramatic viewpoints perfect for spotting whales and boasts Blue Flag beaches ideal for leisurely strolls while watching these gentle giants frolic in the bay. The town is home to two licensed whale-watching boat operators, Ocean Safaris and Ocean Blue Adventures, providing visitors with safe, non-invasive encounters with the world’s largest mammals on a marine safari. Alongside the whales, you can also spot bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, the endangered humpback dolphin, and occasionally, common dolphins and orcas.

To the left early morning marine safari and also to the right Early morning marine safari bottom left Humpback Whale at dawn, and bottom Rright Ocean Calm with iconic Robberg as Backdrop – All Photos – Ocean Safaris

Dining at the popular seaside restaurant Lookout Deck offers more than just a meal; recently, diners were thrilled as a young whale breached repeatedly just meters from the rocks. Meanwhile, spotters on Robberg witnessed a heartwarming sight as a mother whale and her calf slowly swam past beneath their vantage point.

Plett Tourism CEO, Patty Butterworth, “We are pleased to see our migrating whales and other ocean guests return for another season in our sheltered bay. And, with new insights gained from marine biologists at the Plett Ocean Festival’s Marine Science Symposium, we hope that they continue to thrive. Plett is a recognised Whale Heritage Area due to responsible tourism practices, environmental awareness and community involvement in preserving our natural heritage.”

Plettenberg Bay is one of just ten sites in the world recognised as a Whale Heritage Area by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). The WCA explains on their website: “Whale Heritage Areas promote truly responsible whale and dolphin watching, supporting and promoting tourism that is sensitive to the environment, the welfare of the animals involved, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Whale Heritage Areas promote truly responsible whale and dolphin watching, supporting and promoting tourism that is sensitive to the environment, the welfare of the animals involved, and the livelihoods of local communities.”

Find out more about Whale Watching in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa