Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat off the coast of St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal. Learn about and admire these fascinating creatures as they swim along the coastline in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- Afrikaans, English
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Watch whales in their natural habitat as close as 50 meters from the boat
- Admire these fascinating mammals and learn about their migration and breeding habits
- Look out for other native wildlife including dolphins
Full description
Your whale watching adventure begins at the beach where your boat pushes through the rough surf to reach the open waters, the home of the whales. As you travel out along the coastline, learn about how humpback whales migrate to this stretch of coastline every year to breed and birth their calves in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Sail along the waves that trace the coastline and admire these giant creatures in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they jump out of the water, splash about, and spurt water into the air. While you look for whales, listen to fascinating commentary from the onboard marine mammal guide and learn about these majestic animals.
During the trip there’s also the opportunity to spot other native wildlife to the region. Keep an eye out for birds flying above the boat as well as dolphins frolicking in the waves that break against the bow. There’s also the chance you might spot a whale shark too as well as a host of other marine mammals. After spending 2 hours sailing along the coast in search of whales, the boat begins the trip back to the beach.
Includes
- Raincoats
- Transfer from our office to the launch site on the beach (15 minutes)
- 500 ml of still bottled water
- Small snack
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Seasick (motion sickness) tablets
- Water proof bags
Not suitable for
- Children under 12 years
- People with back problems
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- Customers must keep distance in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
- Customers must fill out a travel information form
- Customers will get a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
The Whale Office next to Barraca restaurant, 73 Mckenzie St, St Lucia, St Lucia Estuary, 3936, South Africa
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Sandals
Not allowed
- Smoking
- Luggage or large bags
- Alcohol and drugs
Know before you go
- Due to COVID-19, the activity needs a minimum of 6 people to run and no rain coats can be provided
- 40% money back guarantee should you not see any whales
- Get as close as 50 meters from these 40 ton majestic mammals
- Excursions are extremely weather depended
- No children under the age of 12
- High energy surf launch from the beach
- Chance of getting wet
- Qualified marine mammal guide
- Not suitable for people who have recently had surgery or people with back problems