Gansbaai Tourism

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Contact Details

GANSBAAI TOURISM BUREAU
Gateway Centre
Kapokblom street
P.O. Box 399
Gansbaai
7220
Tel. : +27 (0) 28 3841439
Fax : +27 (0) 28 3840955
Email: info@gansbaaiinfo.com

WHALE WATCHING IN GANSBAAI

Southern right whales spend the summer months feeding around Antarctica and then migrate thousands of kilometres to the sheltered bays of South Africa to mate and calve. They can be seen along the coast between June/July and December.

These whales were giving the name right whale because they were the 'right' whale to hunt. They are slow moving, occur close to shore, yield large amounts of valuable blubber and baleen and float when dead. They were close to extinction, but are now protected and their numbers are increasing at 7% per year. The southern African population is estimated to be around 3000 individuals.

The body is large and black usually with white patches on the belly. About 4% of calves are born mostly white. No dorsal fin. There are patches of roughened skin called callosities on head. These are covered in whale lice. Individual whales have unique callosity patterns. Flippers are broad and paddle-shaped. The blow is V-shaped.

Length: at birth average 6m
Adult length: up to 17m, average 14m
Weight: at birth 900kg
Adult weight: 30-60 tonnes, average 40 tonnes
Length of pregnancy: 1 year
Length of nursing: 6-12 months
Food: Copepods and krill, filtered through baleen plates on upper jaw. Eat between 600 and 1600 kg per day. Behaviour
Spyhop: Raising the head out of the water to look around.
Lobtail: Striking water with flukes.
Sailing: Raising flukes out of the water for several minutes.
Breach: Jumping out of the water and landing with a big splash. Probably a form of communication and a way of getting rid of loose skin and parasites.
Playing with kelp: Whales lift pieces of loose kelp on head or back.
Mating: Several males and one female in active mating group.

Dyer Island Cruises
	Operating around the world famous Dyer Island, our 2 ½ hour trip will introduce you to the Marine Big 5 (whales, great white sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins). Our on board marine biologist will be on hand to teach you more about the amazing animals that visit our shores with a focus on our breeding Southern right whales during June to December. Out of whale season we run an eco tour. We live by our motto ‘Discover and Protect’ and are certified by Fair Trade in Tourism Address: Mr Wilfred Chivell, The Great White House, 5 Geelbek Street, Kleinbaai, Gansbaai, 7220 Tel +27 28 384 0406 / Mobile +27 82 801 8014 Email: bookings@whalewatchsa.com
Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
	Who is watching who? Boat Based Whale Watching in Walker Bay on Ivanhoe, the Queen of the SA Whale Watching Fleet. Come join us for a guaranteed close-up with the whales while our experienced and knowledgeable crew looks after your needs. An unforgettable experience not to be missed. Michelle Stafford Tel +27 28 384 0556. / Fax +27 28 384 0556 Email: info@whalewatchingsa.co.za
Whale Watching Hermanus Southern Right Charters
	Southern Right Charters departs daily, weather permitting, from our private floating jetty in Hermanus, the Capital of the Whale Coast.Our memorable whale-watching trips are informative and educational.We mostly encounter the southern right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on many of our trips.We are licensed to approach the whales up to 50m, being curious creatures they usually come right unto the vessel. It is definitely ‘a magical experience to be treasured’. Street Address: The Whale Shack, Hermanus New Harbour, Hermanus 7200. Tel +27 82 353 0550 Email: info@southernrightcharters.co.za

info@gansbaaiinfo.com

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