When to Go Whale Watching in Hermanus
Best Time: The peak whale watching season in Hermanus is from June to November. This period is ideal because Southern Right Whales migrate to the area for mating and calving.
Peak Season: The months of September, October, and November are particularly popular as whales come closer to shore, offering spectacular views of breaching and other behaviours.
Top Whale Watching Spots in Hermanus
The Hermanus Cliff Path is renowned for offering some of the best land-based whale watching experiences in the world. Stretching 12 km from New Harbour to Grotto Beach, it provides numerous vantage points to spot whales, especially during the peak season from June to November. Here are some of the best spots along the Cliff Path for whale watching:
Gearing's Point: Located near the town centre, this spot offers uninterrupted views of the ocean and is a popular place to watch whales from land.
Old Harbour: This area provides viewing terraces with spectacular views over Walker Bay. Information boards are available to learn more about the whales.
Roman Rock: Known for its scenic views, this spot is ideal for spotting whales in the bay.
Mickey and Kraal Rock: These areas are popular for whale spotting due to their proximity to the ocean.
Siever's Point: Although not directly on the Cliff Path, it's a nearby spot accessible by vehicle and offers excellent views of whales.
Voëlklip and Grotto Beaches: These beaches are perfect for whale spotting, especially from the rocks above the sea.
Dreunkrans: This spot is near the New Harbour and is known for its whale watching opportunities.
These locations along the Cliff Path offer benches and scenic views, making them ideal for a leisurely walk while enjoying the whales in their natural habitat. The path is also wheelchair accessible in many areas, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this experience.
Whale Watching Tours in Hermanus
Boat Tours: Departing from Hermanus New Harbour, these tours offer a close-up experience with whales. Popular options include Dyer Island Cruises and Southern Right Charters.
Guided Sea Kayaking: For the adventurous, guided kayaking trips provide a unique perspective on whale watching while exploring the coastline.
A typical whale watching tour in Hermanus usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the operator and the sightings. Some tours might be shorter or longer, but the standard duration is generally within this range. For example, Hermanus Whale Watchers offers two-hour boat trips, while other operators may offer longer tours that include additional activities like bird watching or shark cage diving.
Tips for Whale Watching
Weather Conditions: Plan your trip during calm weather for better viewing conditions. Morning tours are often recommended as the sea is calmer.
Local Guides: Check with local tour operators for the best times and conditions, as these can vary from year to year.
The success rate of spotting whales on tours in Hermanus is generally very high. Southern Right Charters, for example, boasts a 99% success rate for whale and dolphin sightings during the peak season, which runs from June to November.
This high success rate is due to the large number of Southern Right Whales that migrate to the area during this period. However, it's important to note that while sightings are highly likely, they are never guaranteed, as it is a natural phenomenon.
Why Visit Hermanus for Whale Watching?
World-Class Destination: Recognized by the WWF as one of the best whale watching spots globally.
Diverse Marine Life: Besides whales, Hermanus offers opportunities to see other marine life like penguins, seals, and sharks.
Community Events: The annual Whale Festival celebrates the arrival of these magnificent creatures, adding to the town's vibrant atmosphere.
Hermanus is not just a whale watching destination; it's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you're a South African looking for a local getaway or an international traveller seeking a unique experience, Hermanus offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready to witness the majesty of Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
