Whale Watching Season

August 27, 2021
Luxury Accommodation, Travel

Whale watching season, in Hermanus, is in full swing. The Marine Hotel is inviting locals to make the most of this special time of the year. 25% discounts on the bed and breakfast rates are on offer to entice whale enthusiasts.

When is the whale watching season?

The season falls between July and November when Southern Right whales frolic in the beautiful bays of Hermanus. The area is favoured as the choice mating and breeding grounds for the species. It presents the perfect base to experience these unforgettable sightings. This year, the pandemic forced organizers of the renowned annual Hermanus Whale Festival to cancel the event. Fortunately, one of the ‘greatest shows of the natural world’ is carrying on regardless. The whales instinctively arrive in the protected bays of the Overberg seaside town almost daily.

The Marine encourages guests to keep their ears open for the whale bell. The bell is rung at the hotel whenever a whale is spotted in the bay below. The Southern Right whale is one of the largest species of whale with females between 14 and 16 meters long. Males, on the other hand, average from 13 to 15 meters. Amazingly, adult whales weigh between 40 and 50 tons!

The team’s dedication to the whale watching season

The team at The Marine is passionate about whale conservation and is committed to supporting the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit. It offers symbolic adoptions of the best-known Southern Right whales. The Marine has embraced this educational and conservational project with the adoption of ‘Maggie the whale’. A small grey marking on her back is her distinguishing feature. South Africa identifies Maggie as the first female Southern Right whale ever seen in its waters.

Over the years, she has returned to Hermanus regularly, having had no less than ten calves in normal three-year calving intervals along the South African coast. New whale mothers like Maggie come quite close to shore as they need to get the calf, who can weigh over 900kg at birth, to the surface of the water for its first breath after it is born. This provides guests of The Marine with the delightful opportunity to experience what is rated as the finest land-based whale watching in the world. You can even enjoy this from the comfort of your guest room!

The Location

The hotel is located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay. The Marine is currently offering excellent savings for those needing a break and a change of scenery. As a ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ property, it offers ideal remote-working conditions. This allows guests to combine work and pleasure to present professionals with the opportunity to enjoy world-class hospitality in a safe bubble with their loved ones.

Families with children are welcome, as well as their ‘furry friends’ who will receive 5-star treatment. The hotel has a special doggy menu, toys and 5-star bedding for them. For those looking for even more privacy and exclusivity, the hotel also offers the option to book a dedicated wing ideal for families and multi-generational travel.

Rates start at R2 800 per room per night and include a full English breakfast, as well as a complimentary minibar. All room types feature free WiFi and have a desk or dedicated workspace available to cater to guests needing to work during their stay. Excellent Covid-19 safety protocols are in place to reduce the risk of infection.

About The Marine

The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. The 40 elegantly appointed rooms and suites include 10 Luxury Doubles with sea views and 10 Premier Suites. These are in a perfect position for watching pods of dolphins and whales as they frolic in the bay below. Guests may take a refreshing dip in The Marine’s courtyard pool or access the tidal pool from the cliff path outside the hotel.

In addition to whale watching, Hermanus offers beaches, nature, art, history, culture and a vibrant food-and-wine scene. The Overberg region is a must for adventure sport seekers. Activities include hiking, mountain biking and marine sports. For less adventurous guests they can relax in the Spa or indulge in exceptional culinary delights at The Pavilion and Origins restaurants, courtesy of Executive Chef Rudi Blaauw.