Each year, a number of different whale species migrate into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to mate and nurse their young. They are often spotted just metres offshore between June and November.
Humpback whales were spotted just off the shore of Plettenberg Bay on Sunday, and can be seen along the Whale Route between May and December each year. This route stretches from Cape Town to Durban.
These whales are a species of baleen whale, and feed on small prey such as salmon, herring and mackerel. They also have two blowholes on the back of their heads, and each Humpback has a unique marking on its tail – much like a birthmark.
Humpback whales are known for their beautiful songs, which are often heard during mating season. In addition to being used in their mating rituals, whale songs are also believed to be used as other forms of communication, and can be heard for kilometres.
Marine biologist, Sally Sivewright, caught these beautiful whales on camera:
Picture: Sally Sivewright/Twitter
