When
Southern right whales come into the bay to calve from about June, with the best numbers in August, September and October, and stragglers into November. Humpbacks pass on migration in the same window. Bryde's whales and dolphins can be seen year-round.
From land
The St Blaize Trail and the boardwalk at the lighthouse are the best free viewpoints; on a calm morning the whales are often within a few hundred metres of the rocks. The Point, the harbour wall and the top of Linkside are all worth a look with binoculars. We keep a pair at the villa.
By boat
Permitted boat-based whale watching runs from the harbour on calm days and gets you legally close. Trips last a couple of hours and combine well with Seal Island. Book a day or two ahead in season; the sea decides the rest.
Make a stay of it
Winter in Mossel Bay is mild, sunny and quiet, and rates are lower. Stay midweek in one of our cottages and ask about our whale-season offer with a partner operator. See specials.
