Southern right whales return to South Africa, drawing crowds to the coast

Southern right whales are once again visible off the South African coastal town of Hermanus, bringing in many visitors. People have gathered along the cliffs and at the annual whale festival to watch the animals in Walker Bay.

Footage shows whales swimming close to the shore, including a mother with her newborn calf. Spectators follow them from land and from boats, using binoculars and cameras.

Migration from Antarctica

Between June and November, southern right whales travel from Antarctica to the warmer waters off South Africa. There they give birth and raise their young.

The whale crier of Hermanus

Hermanus has become a popular place to see the animals. A whale crier walks the 12-kilometre cliff path and blows a kelp horn whenever a whale is spotted nearby, alerting those around.

The species was once heavily depleted by commercial whaling, but it has been protected for decades.