Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit- Picture of the Year 2019 – Female Southern Right Whale, Maggie with calf
You are invited to witness this wonderful time of year with them. We are all momentarily sealed off from the rest of the world as we watch the whales in this special cove. Here, they are protected from predators and can look after their calves in peace; while we as observers, can remove ourselves from the demands and complexities of our lives.
How does one describe watching a whale in her natural habitat other than to be a privileged participant. People find themselves involuntarily mesmerised waiting patiently – before the sun rises and after it sets or scanning the cliff paths around Gearings Point – for them to emerge. Maybe they do maybe they don’t. You will have to wait and watch patiently.
Photo Credit: Unknown
When they do surface, the collective feeling among viewers is palpable. Especially during this time of year. There are no words to describe the mother and calf as they glide side by side swimming with andante rhythm. And then out of nowhere a whale will breach. Many images have been captured on camera, but none can linger in the mind if you are able to see this for yourself. They breach for many reasons but ours are well known to put on shows for humans. This is spectacular and so proximal you can see the barnacles on their skin, the mist coming from their spouts and the the joy in their eyes.
Amazing southern right whale breaching.
Photo Credit: Unknown
This is a special time of year in Hermanus. This month is also Heritage Month in South Africa. What better way to enjoy a few of these special days of your holiday than with our whales and us. At the Marine Hotel, you will have your own ‘pet whale’ as she has found her own special place right outside the ocean facing rooms of her temporary home. And she is not shy. You will see her first thing in the morning and just before evening veils her.
