The Majestic Southern Right Whales of Hermanus, South Africa

Every year, the coastal town of Hermanus comes alive with the arrival of the Southern Right Whales — magnificent ocean giants that transform Walker Bay into one of the world’s most spectacular natural stages. These whales are the reason Hermanus is known as the Whale Watching Capital of South Africa — and for good reason.

How to Identify a Southern Right Whale

Southern Right Whales are easily recognized by their:
🔹 Large, rounded bodies — reaching up to 16 meters in length and weighing around 60 tons.
🔹 V-shaped blow — caused by their dual blowholes, visible from great distances.
🔹 White callosities — rough skin patches on their heads that form unique patterns, much like human fingerprints.
🔹 Lack of a dorsal fin — their broad, smooth backs glide effortlessly through the waves.

These features make them unmistakable — and unforgettable.

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A Whale with a Story

The Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) was once hunted to near extinction because early whalers considered it the “right” whale to hunt — it was slow-moving, floated when killed, and produced large amounts of oil. Thankfully, with international protection since 1935, their numbers have steadily recovered. Today, seeing them up close is not only awe-inspiring but also a powerful symbol of conservation success.

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