Whale watching – Colour Dots

Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:36:00 +0000

Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve Agulhas National Park Nature Reserve is best known for its incredible rock formations and ancient geological wonders. The rocks jut out from the coastline. These rocks are the reason for numerous shipwrecks as vessels sought to navigate the rugged South African coast. The park stretches along the coastal plain between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai. It includes the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. The official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nearby is the Agulhas lighthouse. This is the second-oldest lighthouse in South Africa. At the lighthouse, you will find a small museum and a tearoom. You can see whales from November to January. Other animals to see include the African black oystercatcher, Damara tern, and Cape platanna. reservations@agulhasnationalpark.co.za

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Brenton on Sea

carynkaleido — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 14:12:03 +0000

Brenton-on-Sea on the Garden Route, about 15 kilometres west of Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea Beach extends for approximately three kilometres. This beach has Blue Flag status. The area is somewhat undeveloped because of the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly, which has official protection. This is most often observed from the end of October to December A lagoon separated from the ocean by cliffs is a safer place to swim than the beach. The cliffs are also a good viewing area from which to observe dolphins and whales. Three different species of whale can be seen from Brenton Beach. These are southern right whales, humpback whales, and also the lesser-known Bryde’s whale, which resides here all year round. The windy conditions are great for paragliding. There are good fishing spots here too. Mainly around Castle Rock or amid the rock pools surrounded by mussel beds. The beach tends to be popular during the season, and the car park gets quite full. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Yes, but limited Lifeguards: Peak season only Surfing: Advanced only Swimming: Not recommended Fishing: Yes, see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking: Early in the morning (before 09:00) or in the evening (after 18:00). Ablutions: Yes Picnic and braai: No Whale watching in season: Yes Check the tides here Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Buffelskop Caravan park

carynkaleido — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:07:10 +0000

Buffelskop Caravan Park is a family-friendly caravan park situated between George and Knysna in the Goukamma Marine Reserve. There are beautiful views over the ocean from all the stands, Whales are a regular sight. They be seen from your caravan or tent. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrise over the ocean from your own tents. The campsite has 48 spacious caravan stands equipped with electricity and own braai spot. George

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Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

carynkaleido — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 08:26:27 +0000

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at Cape Point is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula. It is a misconception that the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost tip of Africa. This tip is to be found at Cape Agulhas. A day trip to Cape Point is rewarded with beautiful scenery, great hiking trails, deserted beaches and plenty of photo opportunities. There is some big game in the reserve, great bird watching, and in spring, you might see whales close to the shore. Cape Point is one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula. The trails, beaches and tours are a popular way to learn about and explore the nature reserve. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is home to many bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Keep an eye out for local fauna, our Western Cape Wildlife Guide explains what animals you may see while hiking or exploring nature reserves Paulsberg cannon After a 45-minute walk up the path behind Bordjies Rif parking lot, along the Farmer’s Cliff Trail, you will see the Paulsberg cannon. It is located on the Eastern seaboard of Cape Point Nature Reserve, where a black-painted, 4-pound, Dutch cannon stands on top of Paulsberg. The cannon was once a signal cannon, created by the Dutch to warn people if an enemy ship entered False Bay and posed a threat to anchorage. Sirkelsvlei circuit hike Sirkelsvlei is the largest body of fresh water in the area. It is thought to be fed by underground springs. Reach this moderate 6.5-kilometre route by following the path near the boom at the top of the road leading from the parking lot. When the path splits, you can choose the path on the seaside, which will take you along Staavia Edge and then around to Sirkelsvlei onto a rock shaped like an arch before leading back to Olifantsbos. The circuit will take about three to four hours. Funicular railway The Flying Dutchman train is a Funicular railway, the only one of its type in Africa. It offers a smooth and vista-inspiring trip to the point’s upper lighthouse. Leaving every three minutes from the lower station, it climbs up through the dense flora of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site to the viewing area at the top. It’s a fun and unique way to experience this natural wonder that is enjoyed by young and old. of Good Hope Nature Reserve Contact Details Visitor centre: +27 21 780 9010 (operating Thursdays to Sundays ) Flying Dutchman Funicular Enquiries: +27 21 780 9010 Park entrance: +27 21 780 9526 Wild/ Green/Activity cards and permits: +27 21 712 7471 Email: info@capepoint.co.za Cape Point Lighthouses Read about the two lighthouses here Voicemap Lighthouse walk Special pensioners’ rates apply reservations@sanparks.org Cape Point Road

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Cliff Path Hiking Trail

carynkaleido — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 13:39:21 +0000

The cliff path hiking trail at Hermanus is along one of the town’s most beautiful features. Originally crafted by the Hermanus Botanical Society,it winds its way through the protected Fernkloof Nature Reserve, and meanders for 11 km along the rugged coastline, between the New Harbour to the west, and Piet-se-Bos, just beyond Grotto Beach, to the east. 9 kms of the Hermanus Cliff Path are wheelchair-friendly, including the stretch in front of the Village Square Shopping Centre that stretches from the Marine Hotel to the Village Square. It offers scenic views over Walker Bay and superb whale watching in season..(June to November) It is on the Hermanus cliff path that some of the world’s best land-based whale watching occurs (August/September. Great places to spot whales.great places to spot whales are etween Gearings Point and Roman Rock, Mickey to Kraal Rock, Sievers Punt and Kwaaiwater. At Fick’s pool, you may also spot the dassies, see public art at Gearing’s Point, and visit Grotto Beach. Hermanus

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Dyer Island Cruises

carynkaleido — Wed, 25 May 2022 14:07:18 +0000

Dyer Island Cruises is a boat-based whale watching. Our boat trips out to sea will give you the best opportunity to see the Marine Big 5 in their natural habitat. The Marine Big 5 includes whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and African penguins. You are also likely to see some fabulous seabirds such as albatross, petrels and skuas. Join us on the “Dream Catcher which is powered by four large four-stroke 250 hp outboard engines. On the excursions to Dyer Island, we have an onboard biologist and a very experienced crew to keep you safe, entertained and informed. The Western Cape coast supports many seabird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Dyer Island Cruises Whale viewing season can start as early as June and sometimes continues till January. Added to the sea adventure you will get a chance to visit the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) We cater for up to 40 passengers 5 Geelbek St Kleinbaai

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Elands bay beach

carynkaleido — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:42:16 +0000

Elands Bay beach is a must-visit if you’re a keen surfer. The beach is locally known as (e-bay ) It’s such a great surf area as the waves are left breaking on an often semi-deserted beach. The Baboon Point cliffs are interesting too, and the Bobbejaanberg Cave features shell middens and rock art dating back hundreds of years Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide With a license to dive for crayfish, there are wonderful diving opportunities during the season. The town is small, and the locals are friendly. The beach at Elands Bay is also a great location for whale watching and fishing. The Point surf report Check the sea temperature here Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Flat rock beach

carynkaleido — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:04:37 +0000

Flat Rock Beach is accessible via a steep climb down a wooden boardwalk. The beach is very protected. However, swimming is not advised, and there are no lifeguards. The beach is a good location for whale watching between July and November. You can see dolphins year-round. Flat Rock is a popular fishing spot. See the illustrated guide to sea fishing Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Street parking Lifeguards: No Surfing: No Swimming: Not advised Fishing: Yes see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking; No Ablutions: Yes Beach type: Rocky Whale watching in season Yes Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Giraffe Horizons

res@giraffehorizons.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:43:28 +0000

Giraffe Horizons is a registered Cape Town tour operator offering private and small-group tours across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Explore Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach penguins, the Cape Winelands and Big Five safari experiences.

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Grotto Beach

carynkaleido — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:15:02 +0000

Hermanus has some great beaches. Grotto Bay is certainly one of the greatest. 18 kilometres of white sand stretch past the backdrop of the Hermanus mountains. Situated on the outskirts of Hermanus, Grotto Beach is a great family beach. This Blue Flag beach is also dog-friendly as long as the dogs are on leashes. Watersports such as stand-up paddle-boarding, kite surfing, and traditional surfing are popular here. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the season. Whales are known to swim off the coast at Hermanus, and these Southern right whales can often be seen breaching from the beach during the season (July and December). See the full guide here Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Grotto Beach is equipped with eco-friendly facilities. Recycling bins, energy-efficient lighting Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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