Home › Things to do › Whale and dolphin watching in Ballito
Whale and dolphin watching in Ballito
The Dolphin Coast earns its name: dolphins all year, and humpback whales passing close to shore every winter and spring.
Dolphins, all year
Bottlenose dolphins are seen off Ballito throughout the year, often surfing the waves just beyond the backline. Early morning on the promenade or at Willard Beach is the best time to spot them.
Whale season
Humpback whales pass the Dolphin Coast on their migration from about June to November, with September and October often the best months. Southern right whales are seen occasionally.
Where to watch
Any high point with a sea view works. Good spots include the promenade, the Hole in the Wall at Thompson's Bay, the cliffs at Shaka's Rock and the beach at Salt Rock. Bring binoculars and look for blows and splashes on the horizon.
For a different view, a microlight flight along the coast often passes over dolphins, rays and, in season, whales.
Good to know
In some winters the sardine run brings feeding birds, dolphins and sharks close inshore. See our Ballito wildlife guide for more.
Listed on Explore Ballito
- Ballito Microlights – see dolphins, rays and whales from the air
Questions people ask
When is whale season in Ballito?
From about June to November, with September and October often the best months.
Can you see dolphins in Ballito all year?
Yes. Bottlenose dolphins are seen off Ballito throughout the year.