False Bay is visited by numerous whales during the mating season (from September to November each year), and they can often be seen from Simon’s Town. The most common visitors are Southern Right whales, who are inquisitive and sometimes come right up to the beach, or even into the naval harbour.

Other whales that have been spotted include Bryde’s whales, humpback whales and killer whales (orcas).

Although you can charter boats to go out and see these magnificent creatures up close, you will often be able to get a pretty good sighting of them from the shore.