WHALES
Southern right whales migrate into the coastal waters off the Western Cape each year to carve, nurse their young and mate. Our coastline offers excellent viewing of these whales from the shore or licensed boats between June and November. Once hunted extensively for their oil and blubber, their numbers are now increasing due to conservation and an international ban on whaling.
Humpback whales may be seen as they migrate along the coast between May and November en-route to their feeding and breeding grounds of Mozambique and Angola.
Bride's whales are found further offshore all year round and the orca ("Killer' Whale) is also occasionally seen.
DOLPHINS
Heaviside and dusky dolphins are found in the colder waters on the western side of the Peninsula, and bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins on the eastern side all year round.
SEALS
Cape Fur seals can be viewed throughout the year. The remains of seals are common archaeological diggings, indicating that they were a ready source of food. Robben Island was named after the Cape Fur seal. Specific colonies of seals exist on islands along our coastline and are best seen from boats. (Need picture)
PENGUINS
The African (Jackass) penguin.
The African penguin is one of the most threatened bird species in the region. Some fifty years ago, numbers were estimated at 3 million. Today less than 3% of these remain. They are found in colonies at specific places along our coastline and can be viewed all year round.
SHARKS
The Great White is a notorious predator but is today regarded as threatened due to inappropriate negative publicity and indiscriminate killing. Recently the viewing of sharks from a boat and cage diving has become a major attraction at specific locations along our coast.
