Southern Right Whales

The once threatened right whale population on the South African coastline is now increasing by 7% a year, nearly doubling in 10 years.

The whales come from the cold Antarctic into the shelter of Walker Bay to mate and breed. The females produce only one calf each, born after the mating ritual of the previous year. A cow stays with her youngster for up to three months in these waters, nursing it until it is ready to make the return journey south.

There are more males than females in the spring reunion and whale watchers are privileged to see an elaborate mating game as a number of consorting males compete for a female’s attention. But the biggest creature in the world is the least aggressive lover! Rather than fighting for sexual rights, the bulls mate one after another with the same female, each trying to be the one that fertilises her.

...amongst Whales

De Kelders offers some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. The Southern Right Whales come very close inshore to the sheltered deep waters between June and December each year.

The high cliffs of De Kelders give excellent land-based sightings of these magnificent mammals as they breach, lobtail, spy hop and sail. As Cliff Lodge is located right on the edge of Walker Bay you can watch the whales from the comfort of our all-weather conservatory and sea front deck. It is an awe-inspiring experience to see these gentle giants just metres from the shore in front of the house.

If boats are your thing, unique boat based whale-watching trips will let you experience the thrill of seeing the whales up close and personal. The Southern Rights seem to be as curious about us as we are about them, and are often friendly and playful, passing under or next to the boat. The boat-based whale watching industry is strictly controlled, and the designated areas have been carefully selected so as not to interfere with whale-watchers observing from land.

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