Best time: between July and November the Southern Right Whales migrate from the cold Antarctica to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Throughout the year dolphins can be seen playing in the surf.
* Wilderness - Dolphin Point, Wilderness Beach, 6th Avenue lookout point and Flat Rock
* Sedgefield - Myoli Beach lookout point, Swartvlei and Gericke’s Point
* George - Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay
Bryde's whales
Bryde's whales or orcas are occasionally seen, and bottlenose and humpback dolphins are in residence all year. A breeding colony of Cape fur seals completes Plettenberg Bays' impressive array of marine mammals. It is in Plettenberg Bay that the dolphin and whale-watching industry is most organised, with trips in boats, kayaks and aircraft on offer. Viewing, distances and time spent with each animal are strictly monitored so that there is minimal interference. Boats are big, comfortable and moderately dry. Boarding is easy and people in wheelchairs can be accommodated. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you could paddle out in a sea kayak and the whales or dolphins may surface near you - they often do.
The Garden Route generally, from Stilbaai through Mossel Bay and on to George, Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting southern rights in their season, humpbacks between May and December, Bryde's whales all year round - and, occasionally, killer whales.
Category: General Information