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If you’re looking for something different to do this winter, it’s well worth a trip to the KZN South Coast to spot some whales offshore. Every year between June and November, the waters off the KZN South Coast come alive as thousands of humpback whales make their annual migration north to warmer waters to calve before returning south with their young.
During this time, you have a rare opportunity to witness these giants of the ocean breaching, tail-slapping and swimming close to shore. This is also the time to catch the annual Sardine Run – the world’s greatest biomass migration that takes place close to the ocean shore!
Learn the Whale Lingo!
Not sure what you're looking at when a whale suddenly launches out of the ocean? South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise shared a quick guide:
1. Breaching
The whale propels itself completely out of the water before crashing back down in a dramatic splash.
2. Lobtailing
A whale repeatedly slaps its tail on the water's surface, often as a form of communication.
3. Sailing
The whale lifts its tail out of the water and holds it upright, allowing the wind to cool blood circulating through the tail.
Best Whale-Watching Spots on the KZN South Coast
One of the best things about whale season here is that you don't need a boat ticket to enjoy it. Some of the top land-based viewing spots include:
- Umtentweni Conservancy Lookout
- Ramsgate Whale Deck
- Impithi Beach Kiosk
Many visitors also enjoy spotting whales from ocean-facing restaurants, cafés and accommodation establishments dotted along the coastline.
If you want a really unforgettable experience, local operators offer:
- Whale-watching boat trips
- Microlight and scenic flights
- Ocean safaris
- Scuba diving experiences at the famous Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks MPAs
Fast Facts about Humpback Whales
- Adults can reach up to 15 metres long
- They can weigh between 35 and 45 tonnes
- Their pectoral fins can grow up to five metres long
- Mothers give birth to a single calf every one to three years
- They can live between 40 and 100 years
- Humpback whales have existed for an estimated 30 million years
Whether you're strolling along the beach, deep diving off the reefs, or sipping a cocktail on the seaside, the KZN South Coast offers front-row seats to an epic ocean show!
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