Hermanus Whale Cruises

It is believed whales do this for several reasons...to communicate, dislodge parasites, get a higher view, drive off predators or just play. Southern Rights usually only breach about three quarters of their bodies out of the water, but others such as Humpbacks can actually jump clear.

Whales breach (or dlipper-slap/tail) to help rid themselves of parasites. Whales sometimes carry variety of external (as well as internal) parasites that may cause itching and irritation to their sensitive skin.

Beneathe the skin lies a layer blubber.it serves as an energy reservoir and also as insulation .whales breathe through blowholes, located on the top of the head so the animals can remain submerged .

Right whales are slow, calm and communicate with splashes of their fins. These are the particular features that help scientists identify them, thus avoiding potential collisions with ships. Southern right whales usually swim about five to eight kilometres per hour when they migrate from cold to warmer seas.

Breaching: Periodically a whale may thrust three-quarters or more of its body out of the water, pivot onto its side and back, and fall back with an enormous splash into the sea. This jumping technically known as “breaching”' frequently occurs several times in succession.

How do Southern right whales mate?

During mating multiple males will court, pet and rub themselves against the female to be able to mate with her. Southern Right Whales are polygamous and the females can have up to 7 males in one mating session. The males have huge te**es (2.5m in length and 500kg each) and long prehensile (able to move) pen*ses.

Whales-Southern Right Whale

Whales – Whaling – a short history

Whales-Southern Right Whale, have visited our South African coastline for centuries and Hermanus is one of their favourite playgrounds.

Southern Right whales were given their name as they were considered the right whale to hunt because they were found close to shore and they floated once they had been killed, allowing them to be towed to land.