Southern Right Charters

Beach day

Southern Right Whales – known to enjoy hanging out in the coastal waters of Walker Bay.
Here, in water so shallow the whales kick up the sand below.

Local is Lekker for World Oceans Day 2026

Each year at this time of year, celebrating the world’s oceans, environment and the start of the Hermanus whale season all align into one powerful weekend.
This time round, we collaborated with some awesome Hermanus based brands and held an afternoon getting locals out on the water.

Chatting with guests, exhibiting what we’ve been up to, and initiatives we’re involved with and raising greater awareness for the ocean playground that’s on our doorstep.

Also took the opportunity to get the 2026 Sea Cadet candidates on the water for their first time for the season as their internship gets underway at Southern Right Charters.

During an incredible trip out, the Southern Right Whales played their part, giving a stunning display - a great start for the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season.

After, Old Harbor Brewery and Bouchard Finlayson provided the necessary for an informal Harbor get together/sundowner/catch up was had at a transformed Southern Right Charters office. - Actually, looked pretty rad as a bar, - maybe a new venture – whale sized cocktails!!!!

Thanks to all involved
Get up, Get Outside, - don’t take the ocean we have for granted!

2026 Season kicks off in 5th gear !

A week into the Hermanus season, and undeniably we have had an incredible start!

Multiple groups of Southern Right Whales seem to have settled into the area, with the first calf spotted in Walker Bay on 31st May already...!

02 June we had Humpback and Southern Right whales breaching repeatedly in some form of 'dance off' in Walker Bay !

Looking back at historical data, 2010 was the last time we had such consistent sightings straight out of the gates, - so here's to a phenomenal 6 months ahead

Season has started, - some great weather coming up, so come and join as Hermanus takes centre stage of the Southern Right Whale migration along the SA coastline.

Job Title: Whale Watching Marine Guide, Expedition Leader &
Research liaison.

Location: Hermanus

About the Role
We are currently looking to expand, creating an opportunity for a passionate Marine Guide and Expedition Leader to join the team for the upcoming whale watching season.
This role combines guiding eco-tourism experiences with contributing to ongoing marine mammal research projects.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in marine biology, capable at presenting and demonstrating leadership in field-based operations.

Key Responsibilities
Lead daily whale watching tours, ensuring safety, engagement, and education for all guests.
Provide informed commentary on marine ecosystems, whale behavior, and conservation efforts.
Collect and record marine mammal data, including photo identification, behavioral observations, and environmental conditions.
Collaborate with research partners and contribute to long-term monitoring programs.
Assist in developing educational materials and outreach initiatives.
Qualifications
Strong knowledge of marine mammal species, particularly whales and dolphins.

Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
Comfortable working in variable weather and sea conditions.
Passion for ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.

Advantageous
Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 2 years of experience in marine guiding, field research, or expedition leadership.

What’s Offered
Opportunities for professional development and research collaboration.
Work in a dynamic, ocean-based environment with a dedicated team of marine professionals.
Exposure to various operations and international projects
Contribution to meaningful conservation and education initiatives.

How to Apply
Submit a resume & cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Marine Guide Application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

2 of these this week, - here’s the first one…

This female, - a little tricky to identify but the brindle markings confirm it.

Seen in Hermanus in 2022 – with a calf, and seen here again this week, again – with a calf.
3 years is pretty much optimum for these whales to be calving – so this lady – clearly healthy.

Both the calf of 2022 & 2025 had quite a lot of brindle markings with the 2025 model – looking very dalmatian like (see picture #2)

Hermanus, - is on a roll!

Well known, for attracting whale watchers from all corners of the globe, year after year.
But it’s a 2-way streak! With whales coming to do some people watching year after year too!

Here, this friendly male (yes, we saw him upside down!) was spotted out there yesterday, and – was also seen here on 15th September 2024.

Always cool to get these re-sightings in the area.
With some pretty solid weather on the forecast for the upcoming days – let's see what else happens out there.

2025, has so far seen us confirm several re-sightings of whales from previous years –
This one, a clear resighting with very obvious white blaze on her back - shows multiple resighting which is always cool.

2017 – Seen 10th October 2017. – the notes in the file state that she was visibly large, and very likely pregnant at that time.
2022 – Seen 27th September 2022 – seen with a calf
2025 – Seen 25th August 2025, with a calf again.

Assuming she was pregnant in 2017, that would be a 5, and then 3-year calving gap for this lady – showing a pretty decent and healthy calving cycle.

Shes currently in Hermanus, and a good chance of spending a bit of time here over the coming weeks as her calf grows strong enough for their migration in a few weeks.

Happy Whale Watching!!