Bryde’s Whales quietly grace the waters of Walker Bay all year long. Sleek, swift, and a little mysterious, these ocean giants are the unsung heroes of the Hermanus coastline — and spotting one on a clear, calm day is pure magic.
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Bryde’s Whales — The Year-Round Residents of Walker Bay
How to Identify a Bryde’s Whale
If you’re lucky enough to encounter one, here’s how to tell it’s a Bryde’s Whale:
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Look for three ridges on the head instead of one.
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Spot a small, curved dorsal fin just behind the blow.
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Notice their narrow, pointed snout and smooth, streamlined body.
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Their blow is tall and thin, rising quickly before they dive again.
They often surface briefly — so have your camera ready!
What Do Bryde’s Whales Eat?
Bryde’s Whales are voracious feeders. Rather than krill, their diet consists mainly of sardines, anchovies, and mackerel — small schooling fish often found in South African waters. They use a feeding technique called lunge feeding, where they surge through dense fish shoals with their mouths wide open, gulping down massive amounts of prey.
When the sardine run reaches its peak, you might see a feeding frenzy — with dolphins, seabirds, and Bryde’s Whales all working the same bait ball. It’s a spectacular display of marine teamwork!
Where to Find Them
One of the best things about Bryde’s Whales is that they’re year-round residents in Hermanus and Walker Bay. Unlike migratory whales, they don’t travel long distances — they stay close to the continental shelf, where the food supply is rich and consistent.
That means even outside the main whale season (June–November), there’s still a chance to see these graceful giants during a boat-based whale watching tour with Hermanus Whale Watchers.
See Bryde’s Whales with Hermanus Whale Watchers
Join Hermanus Whale Watchers for an unforgettable boat-based marine adventure. Our experienced team knows how to spot and identify these remarkable whales — along with Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, dolphins, and seals that share the bay.
📍 Departures: Daily from Hermanus Harbour
🎟️ Book your trip: ONLINE TODAY
📲 WhatsApp: +27 82 931 8064