Whale Watching and Shark Cage Diving in South Africa...  Situated only an hour outside of Cape Town, the areas commonly known as Whale Coast and Shark Alley are the best locations for whale watching and shark cage diving in South Africa. While the Whale Coast's Hermanus is known to be the whale watching capital of the world, it is Gansbaai located further up the coast that is renowned for excellent shark cage diving - the area has been nicknamed Shark Alley.

Whale Watching in Hermanus... 

There is no better time for a whale watching in South Africa that during breeding season (September), when whales come in close to the shore to give birth to and nurture their young and in doing so provide visitors with unmatched views of these gentle giants, often directly in from of your whale route accommodation. Low cliffs line the sea in Hermanus allowing for excellent whale watching as visitors can get within metres of the whales and present excellent photo opportunities of them breaching and playing in the ocean.

The most common species arriving here to mate and calve are the Southern Right Whales, they are amongst the biggest whales in the world, measuring 11-18 metres in length and weighing between 30-80 tonnes. Hermanus has an annual whale festival in September when the whale season is at its peak, although the season can stretch from June to late November. Combine the best of whale watching, the Cape Winelands and Cape Town with our 7 day self drive Whale Route and Winelands Tour.

On a whale watching holiday in this town you'll often hear the sound of a seaweed horn being blown by the local whale crier, which signifies yet another whale sighting. It is not uncommon to lose count of the amount of whales you see in a day of whale watching in this glorious seaside town - an attraction no other town in the world can boast.

Apart from whale watching you can spend your days here taking boat trips, kayaking, exploring the various hikes and beaches and once you've had you fill, a trip into the harbour for some freshly caught seafood is a must.

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai... 

For the more adventurous, a visit to Gansbaai will place you in the heart of Great White territory. Shark cage diving in South Africa is unrivalled in this area commonly known as Shark Alley. Shark cage diving is a safe yet terrifying way to come face to face with the most successful predator on earth. Nothing can quite describe the primal fear that surges through you as you witness the sheer power and savagery of a shark attacking its prey.

In this case, visitors watch as huge chunks of meat are thrown into the water and with a flick of the tail and snap of the head, the shark's wickedly curved razor sharp teeth slice through it as though it were butter. Shark cage diving in South Africa is definitely not for the faint-hearted or any nervous water sportsmen.

Booking a whale watching and, or, shark cage diving trip to South Africa is as easy 123; simply enquire with one of your dedicated travel consultants for a tailor made whale watching or shark cage diving vacation to the Whale Coast and Shark Alley or click through to our page of South African tours and safaris.