5 Days / 4 Nights

The Trip of a lifetime

Experience the largest gathering of Whales in the Southern Hemisphere Lower Latitudes. With a maximum of 10 guests per expedition, an intimate & immersive experience is guaranteed.

This is a phenomenon rarely seen worldwide. The West Coast offers vast open spaces and is home to spectacular nature reserves and seascapes that appear to extend further than the horizon, it is the perfect backdrop in which to experience the Humpback Supergroup with the Only Permitted, Licensed Whale & Dolphin operator in this region.

The Expedition crew is well versed in Whale Approach and Behaviour with over a decade of whale-watching experience in various locations worldwide.

The Itinerary

Day

Arrive, settle in and meet your dedicated crew.
Welcome & Orientation session with Skipper & Guide.
Welcome Dinner with fellow guests & crew.

Day

02 - 04

We set off early on sea days – to spend the day in search of Humpback whales and the myriad of marine life the ocean has to offer, with points of interest, uninhabited islands, long stretches of coastline to explore it’s all out there to be found. Returning to shore in the afternoon, for a lunch and some down time.
These days end with sundowners & sharing of videos/pictures, as well as prepared suppers with educational talks from Whale research colleagues, and marine photography experts.
The last night includes a seafood braai, with expedition crew.

Day

Farewell Breakfast followed by a day at Leisure, explore the West Coast fishing villages or simply relax on the beach. (Reserve day in case of inclement sea conditions)

ACCOMODATION

Strandkombuis

Strandkombuis is nestled in the dunes between a nature reserve and the longest beach in South Africa.

This is a magical place in a world of its own, offers a perfect setting for your expedition and perfect base to explore this spectacular coastal region from.

Accommodation is private & the onsite restaurant caters to all your needs.
Here, off the beaten track, a place less known and untouched, it’s raw nature that sets the tone.

Location

Yzerfontein

Yzerfontein, +/- 1Hr from Cape Town – known as the Pearl of the Cape West Coast.

Literally translated, Yzerfontein is “Iron
Fountain” deriving the iron deposits found in grazing water for cattle in the 1700’s.
This small town is envied for its pristine 16-mile beach and adjacent West Coast National Park that borders the town.

It is here, where wide open skies & untouched nature are the backdrop to an experience deeply connecting with nature and all within it.

This region, is regarded as some of the most rich in marine life and positioned perfectly to access the nutrient rich waters of the west coast region that attracts the Humpback Whale Supergroups annually.

INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
WHAT TO BRING
FAQs

4 nights’ accommodation, (All rooms private, with en-suite facilities.)
Boat based Whale Watching
Talks by Whale Specialist, Whale Research teams & photography.
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Selection of drinks
Snacks whilst at sea
Shore Based activities
All transfers during expedition program
Welcome Pack on Arrival

Transport to/from West Coast
Video/Photographic equipment
Travel/Medical insurance
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities

Warm jacket
Extra clothing
Camera / video camera
Motion tablets if necessary

When is the best time of year? Peak Season: November - January.
This is the time we regularly see Humpback whales in large groups, aggressively feeding.

Rest of the year:
Whale watching along the south African coast is however possible year-round.
The west coast region has a wide range of marine life and regular sightings of whales occurs year-round.
Weather & clothing? "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!"
You are about to embark on an expedition on the Atlantic Ocean - so dress appropriately!
The Cape weather is famously unpredictable, our peak season falls within South African summer, so we can be at sea in 30 degrees +, but other days mist, rain or wind can make the conditions colder
We will provide you with a rain/splash suit for a protective outer layer., however - layers are key.
Where do you launch from? We follow the whales - so our launch sites can vary. However, our base is in Yzerfontein, a small town +/- 1Hr North of Cape Town.
There are several harbours within our permitted area, if the launch is changed to any of these we will notify you prior.
What can we expect to see? Nature is never a guarantee - we all understand that.
Choosing to come with us is you, putting yourself in the best possible position to witness unbelievable whale sightings.
During peak season we regularly see Humpback whales, - at times in groups of 200+
However, we also see dolphins, seals, penguins and sunfish.
We have multiple islands we can visit which offer great birding opportunities & chance to see several shipwrecks.
Whale expedition vs whale watching trips? Our whale Expeditions are the only experience like this in South Africa, we focus on giving an unparalleled in-depth whale experience to small groups.
Additionally, we are in one of, if not the best location to witness supergroups of whales at the right time of year.
What happens if the weather is too bad? When booking, we strongly advise for you to have a few days either side of your chosen date available, so we can shift your booking if needed.
- 1 day expedition: if cancelled and you can't move to a suitable day - you will receive a full refund.
- Multiday Expedition: These are designed with the weather in mind, we have several days to work with. Should any of the days be non-sea going, provisions are made for alternative activities, (please see expeditions page for more information)
Are Children Allowed? Children under 12 are unfortunately not allowed, unless a private charter is booked.

Contact

+27 (0)82 353 0550 info@whaleexpedition.co.za

Stay up to date

WhaleExpeditionSA is operated in partnership with Southern Right Charters under permit No: BBWW108/202025_A Aguela Bounty

Website by Focus Online Travel