By the mid 1960's many species of whale had been hunted to the brink of extinction. Today the conservation status of most species must still be regarded as vulnerable, however populations have since increased dramatically and the migratory species now provide an annual spectacle that is never be forgotten - see migration calendar.

Southern right whales are most commonly encountered whales during the winter months from July to October. Coming close inshore to calve and mate, they were once considered the 'right' whales to kill - see whaling history. They must now be considered the right whales to watch as they often lie just behind the breakers and are easily observed from the shore.

Humpback whales are also seasonal visitors to South African waters. As they pass us on their migrations to and from the tropics, they can often be sighted offshore in all regions east of Cape Town - see whale and dolphin watching tours.

The high cliffs of the Western Cape afford ideal vantage points for the seasonal shore-based watching of southern right whales - notably Hermanus, the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its whale trail and the Knysna to Plettenberg Bay area. Boat based whale watching can be even more rewarding as your chances of encountering different species, such as humpback and Bryde's whales, are considerably increased... more about whale watching in South Africa.

Oceans Africa is the only South African tour company that specialises in whale and dolphin encounters throughout southern Africa. Our staff and guides are amongst the best in the local industry and are always on hand to ensure that you experience the best and most informed whale and dolphin encounters possible.

Dolphins are to be found throughout the year in all coastal areas. Bottlenose dolphins are probably the most frequently observed, whilst large numbers of common dolphins (groups of between 50 - 5000) are periodically encountered offshore as they follow and feed on shoaling fish - see sardine run.

Close to shore and in most coastal regions east of Cape Town, you may be lucky enough to find small groups of the elusive Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, and although they're an endangered species, the Garden Route supports one of the healthiest populations in southern Africa - see whales and dolphins.