On the Cape Point Route you’ll see them from the roads, from the air and even the trains. But the most astounding experience of whale watching by far, is from the water.
I recently went to Cape Point on a high speed boat from Simon’s Town Waterfront on a perfect winter’s day of calm seas & a faultless azure sky. Visiting one of Cape Town’s star attractions from the water is wonderment itself. The dramatic cliffs are spectacular when viewed from below.
As we turned to head north, we saw a steam of spray in the distance and that means one thing – whales blowing! The double stream of spray was 3 – 4 metres high and is a distinctive sign of humpback whales. Lucky us, as they are less common than the Southern Right whales.
The spray was followed by a show of acrobatics – massive heads poking above the surface and a synchronized rehearsal of arched back and fins in the characteristic motion that gave the humpback whales their name. It is impossible not to awed at the sight of an enormous tail appearing out of the water and floating in the air, being swung around and slapped back down onto the surface of the water. I discovered that humpback whales have a patch of white on the underside of their flukes (tails) which are unique to each individual whale- just like a human fingerprint. A humpback whale tail is extremely good looking because of the colour contrast and the wavy shape. It must be said I was gobsmacked and it’s not often that I am speechlees.
Then these glorious creature disappeared - arched backs, tails high and Houdini-like they vanished into the ocean depths, leaving no sign of their presence whatsoever. Devastation for us boat based creatures, until WHOOSH – an extremely loud grunt, a stream of vapour and whale song right next to the boat. The songs were complex and beautiful, almost eerie with their haunting lingering squeaks and groans, clicks and moans. Humpbacks, it seems, are the most vocal of all whales and they should make a best selling CD.
So if you want theatre, a concert, a spectacle and the experience of one of the greatest shows on earth this weekend – book a whale watching extravaganza. You are likely to see Southern Right Whales (more common than humpbacks) or Bryde’s Whales. You will definitely see African penguins and Cape Fur Seals. If you are lucky you may also see bottlenose dolphins for all these creatures have chosen the Cape Point Route as home.
For more information on whale watching or activities in the area, and where to eat or stay, visit www.capepointroute.co.za or call: 021 782 9356
Whale Watching Boat Trips
Other Boat and Water Excursions
Drumbeat Charters – Seal Island, Hout Bay
Hooked on Africa Fishing Charters - Hout Bay
Bugaloo Adventures – Hout Bay
Apex Shark Expeditions –Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town Sea Kayaking
Top Whale viewing spots:
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Scarborough
Cape Point
Boulders Beach – Simon’s Town
Fish Hoek Beach or Jagers Walk
Boyes Drive – Kalk Bay
Top Whale spotting Restaurants: Harbour House – Kalk Bay
Fish Hoek Galley – Fish Hoek
Flukes Restaurant – Glencairn
Boulders Beach Restaurant – Simon’s Town
Two Oceans Restaurant – Cape Point
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