The best whale-watching site in the world

Whale Watching

It’s no secret that whale lovers from around the world flock to Walker Bay every year to observe these peaceful giants of the deep. The close proximity you get to these majestic creatures and the pristine natural environment you view them in, is what elevates this experience above the ordinary and makes it the best in the world.

See them from land or sea

Grootbos is ideally positioned to offer you close encounters with the magnificent Southern Right Whales. They migrate every year from the icy Antarctic to our warm, sheltered bays to mate, calve and raise their young and seeing them in their natural habitat is a sight that will leave you spellbound.

  • Choose the way you want to see these giants of the deep.
  • Southern Right Whales are spotted here from June until December.
  • A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Boat-based

Board the luxury whale watching boat "Dreamcatcher" of Dyer Island Cruises in Gansbaai and enjoy a trip led by a marine biologist. You may also spot dolphins, penguins, seals and Great White Sharks.

Airborne

Board a plane for the most spectacular bird’s eye views of whales below you and contemplate just how gigantic these mammals truly are. Our aircraft is ideal for snapping that perfect shot as you glimpse large mating groups, as well as mothers with their newborn calves.

Land-based

Take a walk on the cliffs and pathways of De Kelders as our knowledgeable guides take you to all the best viewing spots. See the waves frothing and listen to the slap of the whale’s gigantic tails, plus their breaching and spy-hopping, as they come within metres of the shoreline.

From Our Expert Guides

Nashlin Groenewald
"Experience the most prolific land or air based whale watching experience in Walker Bay"
Embrace the transformative power of nature by reconnecting with yourself and finding inner harmony.
Explore Immersive Wellbeing

Testimonials

Tranquil beauty - we enjoyed horseback riding, 4x4 tour, caves, whale watching, the spa and of course the food. There were other activities offered but our kids loved the horses.

Wesley Bewick - Gabon

The sparkling wine in the whale watching house on the afternoon excursion was unexpected but very welcome!

JB & Amy Newsome - United States

Wonderful experience - we went off-site for the whale watching and shark cage excursion.

Juliane Bruwer - United States

Magnificent - whale watching is a must, whether from the deck of your room or a coastal walk or by boat.

Nicolette Barnes - South Africa

Exceptional place, we enjoyed wonderful sundowners as we watched for whales, flew above the bay to watch whales from the sky and went on a flower safari.

Charlotte Murray - United States
Enjoy the warmth of our hospitality

Grootbos Foundation and global recognition

Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism and has been awarded some of the highest international accolades possible, making us one of only a handful of lodges to achieve this.

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A UNIQUE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

Grootbos invites you to experience our country's most precious floral biome and marine wilderness like never before. Enjoy unique guided experiences while being treated to five-star luxury at our lodges and villas.

Our Spring Splendour special offers South African residents an exclusive discounted rate and additional benefits. 

What's new at Grootbos - New Garden Lodge and Florilegium

The last year has been a busy one at Grootbos. We rebuilt our beloved Garden Lodge entirely and re-opened it in April 2022. We also officially launched the Grootbos Florilegium - Africa's first contemporary florilegium - which is a collection of botanical illustrations created by local and international artists, depicting the charismatic plants found on our reserve and the surrounding regions.

Click below to learn more about these exciting developments.

See New Garden Lodge See Florilegium