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From what I've read, the whale watching season in Hermanus runs until December. I will be in South Africa in early January and really want to see some whales, but I don't want to spend a lot of time in Hermanus if there are no whales. Can whales still be seen in January? Thanks.

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1

Hi Fast pack

I wouldn't count on many whales in January.

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I am in Hermanus now. The whales haven't eaten in months and are hungry. They are heading to the South Pole to look in the fridge for something to eat. Will all be gone in another 10 days. However the town is beautifulk with/without whales. Visit!

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I will be in Hermanus early August next year and am hoping to see some whales - are there usually plenty in the bay that early in the season?

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No, you may not see whales in January, but then again you might. Incidentally, the whales certainly don't only visit Hermanus, much as the Hermanus folk would like to have you believe that. In fact, you might see more in Kleinmond.. or Kalk Bay.. or Fishhoek. Better yet, try and get to the De Hoop Nature Reserve, below Swellendam. If you are visiting next August, you might try and get a booking on the Whale Trail, a five day hiking trail. Look at www.capenature.com. At that time of the year you are bound to see dozens of whales

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PNP - we were in Hermanus last August (2006) and had brilliant views of whales. Lynnedt is quite right though, they are seen all around the coast - we even saw whales from our Sea Point hotel room a few days later. But the advantage of Hermanus is that you stand on the cliffs and at times you can virtually look down on the whales - they sometimes come in very close. You could also consider taking a Dyer Island cruise from Gans Baai to see whales, dolphins, seals, the odd penquin, even sharks as you watch the shark cage diving from a short distance. While at hermanus you should also stop at Betty's Bay to see the Penquin colony at Stoney Point.

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