So, What's Your Next Move?

Whale watching is best along the Cape Whale Coast from Pringle Bay to Pearly Beach during the months of June to December, with notable mentions of the towns of Hermanus, which boasts the only whale crier in the world, and Walker Bay, the whale nursery of South Africa.

Remember:

• You can spot whales by looking for white patches in the ocean where the waves break on their bodies. When they breach they also cause a huge white splash.

• Whales are along our coastline during the months of May to December. Contact the local tourism bureau to enquire whether they have arrived. They are more prolific between August and November.

• Be patient – seeing your first whale is an experience you will never forget.

• Whales can be seen from land, but there are also many boat-based tours available.

• The migratory Humpback Whale, which has the longest flippers of any whale species, can be seen briefly from May to June and again on their return journey between November and January. Brydes Whales and Orcas (Killer Whales) are seen only occasionally. Dolphins are in residence throughout the year.

Whales have a variety of ‘moves’ recognisable from shore:

• Breaching is when a whale leaps out of the water, sometimes twirling around. This action may be done purely for play, or may be used to loosen skin parasites and other irritations the whale might have. Breaching is also believed to be a means of communication with other whales and is usually done in sets of between four and six.

• Fluking is when a whale raises its tail out of the water as it begins a dive.

• Lobtailing is an activity in which the whale sticks its tail out of the water, swings it around and then slaps it onto the water's surface. This produces a loud sound which is believed to be a means of communication between whales.

• Logging is when the whale is merely lying in the water, with its tail hanging down. Part of the head and back are exposed.

• Spouting is when whales blow water out of the blowholes located near the top of the head. Southern Right Whales have two blowholes which act as nostrils. When they blow water out of their blowholes a distinctive V-shaped cloud of vapour is produced largely by condensation when warm breath comes into contact with cooler air.

• Spyhopping is an activity in which the whale pokes its head out of the water, possibly to take a look around.