Southern Right Whales
- Season:
- June to November
- Best months:
- August to October
These whales visit Plettenberg Bay to breed, calve and raise their young in the protected coastal waters.
Plettenberg Bay · Garden Route
Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching
Plettenberg Bay — affectionately known as Plett — is one of the Garden Route's best whale watching destinations. Calm bay conditions, abundant marine life and three resident whale species (Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's) make this a must-do trip on any South African coastal itinerary.
Season
June to December (Bryde's whales year-round)
Duration
1.5 to 2 hours (weather dependent)
Departs from
Plettenberg Bay Harbour, Garden Route
Plettenberg Bay Pricing
Adult
Ages 13+
R1,250
Per Adult
Child (4–12 Years)
Ages 4 – 12
R700
Per Child
Children Under 4
Under 4
Free
Free of Charge
All trips are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions and operational requirements.
Plettenberg Bay Departure Times
09:0011:0013:0015:00
Departure times are subject to weather conditions, sea state and availability.
What Whales Can You See in Plettenberg Bay?
Three whale species and a host of other marine life pass through Plettenberg Bay across the year.
Humpback Whales
- Season:
- May to June and November to January
Humpback Whales migrate along the South African coastline and are frequently seen travelling through Plettenberg Bay during their annual migration.
Bryde's Whales
- Season:
- Occasionally throughout the year
Resident along the South African coast and sometimes seen feeding inside the bay at any time of year.
Dolphins & Seals
- Season:
- Year-round
Common and Bottlenose dolphins, plus Cape Fur seals, are seen on most trips throughout the year.
When Is Whale Season in Plettenberg Bay?
Whale and marine wildlife sightings month by month in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Right Whale | ||||||||||||
| Humpback WhaleMigrating May–June & Nov–Jan | ||||||||||||
| Bryde's WhaleOccasional, year-round | ||||||||||||
| Dolphins | ||||||||||||
| Cape Fur Seals |
Peak sightings In season Not commonly seen
What Marine Life Can You See in Plettenberg Bay?
Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa's richest marine wildlife destinations. While the main focus of the trip is whale watching, guests may also have the chance to see a wide range of marine life depending on the season, sea conditions and wildlife activity on the day.
Possible sightings may include:
- Southern Right Whales
- Humpback Whales
- Bryde's Whales
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins
- Cape Fur Seals
- Great White Sharks
- Bronze Whaler Sharks
- Marine Birds
- Reef Fish and other coastal marine life
Robberg Nature Reserve and Robberg Marine Protected Area are important marine habitats near Plettenberg Bay. The area is known for whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds and sharks.
Great White Sharks and Bronze Whaler Sharks have been recorded in the waters around Robberg Nature Reserve and the wider Plettenberg Bay coastline. Although shark sightings are not guaranteed, they are occasionally seen in the area and may sometimes be encountered during boat-based marine wildlife trips.
Wildlife sightings vary by season and sea conditions. No marine wildlife sighting is guaranteed.
What You May See
- Southern Right whales
- Humpback whales
- Bryde's whales
- Common & Bottlenose dolphins
- Cape Fur seals
- African penguins
- Marine birdlife
What to Bring
- Warm windproof jacket
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Camera
- Closed shoes
Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching Experience
Experience the thrill of whale watching in Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa's premier marine wildlife destinations. Watch Southern Right whales, Humpback whales, dolphins, seals and other marine life in the beautiful waters of the Garden Route.
Plettenberg Bay in Pictures
Scenes from around Plettenberg Bay — tap any photo for a larger view.
Robberg Beach and the calm sweep of Plettenberg Bay — the kind of sheltered Garden Route water that makes whale watching here so accessible. Robberg Peninsula coastline near Plettenberg Bay — dramatic sandstone cliffs and the protected waters where Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's whales feed in season.
More from Plettenberg Bay
Another moment captured out on the water in Plettenberg Bay — calm Garden Route conditions and the marine life that makes this bay so special.
Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching Video Gallery
Watch the Plettenberg Bay whale watching experience — tap any clip to play.
On-board footage of a Southern Right whale surfacing close to the boat during a Plettenberg Bay whale watching trip on the Garden Route. A Humpback whale spotted from the boat on a Plettenberg Bay whale watching tour — Garden Route marine wildlife in action. Dolphins and other marine wildlife filmed on board during a Plettenberg Bay whale watching boat tour along the Garden Route. A short clip from a Plettenberg Bay whale watching trip showing the calm Garden Route bay conditions and on-board experience.
Trip Highlights
- Calm bay sailing for first-time boaters
- Three whale species during peak season
- Garden Route's premier marine experience
- Departures from Plettenberg Bay Harbour
Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching FAQ
When can I see whales in Plettenberg Bay?
Southern Right and Humpback whales are most common between June and December. Bryde's whales are resident year-round in the bay.
How long is a Plett whale watching tour?
Trips run approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, weather dependent.
Is Plettenberg Bay good for first-time whale watchers?
Yes — the bay is naturally sheltered, so the water is usually calmer than other coastal departure points, making it ideal for first-timers and families.
What time do whale watching trips depart in Plettenberg Bay?
Plettenberg Bay whale watching trips typically depart at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions and availability.
How much does whale watching cost in Plettenberg Bay?
Adults are R1,250 per person, children aged 4–12 years are R700 per child and children under 4 years old travel free.
When is the best time to see whales in Plettenberg Bay?
Whale sightings are possible for much of the year. Southern Right Whales are most commonly seen from June to November, with August to October considered peak. Humpback Whales are often seen during their migrations between May and June and again from November to January.
Can I see Humpback Whales in Plettenberg Bay?
Yes. Humpback Whales are regularly seen during their migration along the Garden Route coastline, particularly from May to June and again from November to January.
What marine animals can I see in Plettenberg Bay?
Depending on the season, guests may encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, dolphins, Cape Fur Seals and a variety of marine bird species.
What marine animals can you see on a Plettenberg Bay whale watching trip?
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may see Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, bottlenose dolphins, Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, marine birds and occasionally sharks such as Great White Sharks and Bronze Whaler Sharks.
Can you see sharks on whale watching trips in Plettenberg Bay?
Occasionally, yes. Great White Sharks and Bronze Whaler Sharks have been recorded around Robberg Nature Reserve and the Plettenberg Bay coastline. Shark sightings are not guaranteed, but they are possible bonus sightings on marine wildlife trips.
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Trip Summary
Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching
- Duration
- 1.5 to 2 hours (weather dependent)
- Departure Times
- 09:00 | 11:00 | 13:00 | 15:00
- Pricing
- Adult: R1,250 | Child (4–12 Years): R700 | Children Under 4: Free
- Season
- June to December (Bryde's whales year-round)
Departure times are subject to weather conditions, sea state and availability.
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