PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Photos and videos have been popping up all over social media as the first migrating whales of the Whale Season have made their presence known in Plettenberg Bay in a most spectacular fashion.

In a recent article by international publication Woman & Home, Plettenberg Bay was named among the best destinations in the world for whale watching and it would be difficult to argue against that: the coastline offers dramatic viewpoints from which to spot whales, and Blue Flag beaches along which to stroll, as the whales frolic in the bay.

The town also has two licensed whale-watching boat operators, Ocean Safaris and Ocean Blue Adventures, for visitors to enjoy safe, non-invasive encounters with the world's largest mammals on a marine safari.

Also to be sighted are bottlenose dolphins, Bryde's whales, the endangered humpback dolphin and, less frequently, common dolphin and orcas.

Visitors enjoying a meal at the popular seaside restaurant, Lookout Deck, were treated to more than a meal as a young whale breached repeatedly just metres from the rocks while spotters on Robberg were left in awe as a mother and calf slowly swam past beneath their vantage point.

The tail of a whale.

Plett Tourism CEO, Patty Butterworth, said: "We are pleased to see our migrating whales and other ocean guests return for another season in our sheltered bay. And, with new insights gained from marine biologists at the Plett Ocean Festival's Marine Science Symposium, we hope that they continue to thrive.

"Plett is a recognised Whale Heritage Area due to responsible tourism practices, environmental awareness and community involvement in preserving our natural heritage."

The WCA explains on its website: "Whale Heritage Areas promote truly responsible whale and dolphin watching, supporting and promoting tourism that is sensitive to the environment, the welfare of the animals involved, and the livelihoods of local communities."

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