Southern Right Whales

Each year, Southern Right Whales make their way to South Africa’s southern coastline from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Here, in the safety of sheltered bays with warmer water they give birth and raise their young, and if the mood calls for it, breed.

This yearly event takes place between June and December with numbers peaking between August and September.

Below you can find some interesting facts about these magnificent creatures:

Scientific name

• Eubalaena australis

Appearance

• Black colouration with callosities on the head
• No dorsal fin

Length

• Adults measure up to 18m (females are larger than males)
• Newborn calves measure about 4.5m

Weight

• Adults weigh up to 60 tons
• Newborns calves weigh about one ton

Blow

• Two blow-holes create a distinctive V-shaped blow that can measure up to 4 meters in height

Lifespan

• 50-100 years

Diet

• Tiny crustaceans like copepods, krill and pteropods (yummy)

To find out more, contact Cape Agulhas Whale Watching today!