Arniston - Whale watching in the Western Cape

At Arniston, mother nature has ensured that you can get away from it all. Whether you enjoy sun tanning on unspoilt white beaches, watching whales breaching in the bay or more active pursuits such as hiking or exploring the countryside, Arniston has something to offer everyone.

Attractions in Arniston

• Whale Watching From September to November, the whales gather in Arniston Bay, enchanting visitors with rare sightings of breaching, spy hopping and tale slapping. Watch from the shore – or follow the whales on approved boat or air-based tours
• De Hoop Nature Reserve - This coastal nature reserve boasts 50km of conserved coastline and is one of the few marine reserves in the country. It is also the home of the endangered Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Cape Vulture and Blue crane. Visitors between June and December will have the privilage of watching the Southern Right Whales frollicking in the protected waters which they use as their annual breeding grounds. De Hoop also boasts a variety of birdlife, game, reptiles and fynbos.
• De Mond Nature Reserve

The Whales of Arniston

The following whales have been recorded in the region of Arniston:

• Brydes whale
• Long-finned pilot whale
• Minke whale
• Pygmy right whale
• Pygmy sperm whale
• Southern right whale
• Trues beaked whale

Arniston, also known as Waenhuiskrans, was named after the British transport ship HMS Arniston, wrecked here with the loss of 372 lives in 1815. It’s dazzling white beaches and aquamarine waters, cliffs and coves have a special appeal to lovers of the sea. The thatch-roofed fisherman’s cottages at Kassiesbaai, and the small harbour contribute to the village’s charm. The area is renowned for it’s rare and beautiful shells. Waenhuiskrans is named after the large cavern, so big that a wagon and full team of oxen can reputedly turn inside, thus the name ‘Wagon house cliff’ (Waenhuiskrans).

HISTORICAL VIEW

Erected in 1816 by order of the wife of Colonel Giels in memory of her four sons who dies tragically in the Arniston sea disaster (1815). The fishing village of Kassiebaai with it’s picturesque cottages has been declared a National Monument.

Shipwreck of the Arniston.

Waenhuiskrans Cave

An enormous cavern eroded into the cliffs, 1 km from the village can be explored at low tide.

ATTRACTIONS

Beaches

Swim in the warm inviting sea or explore the white dunes.

Kassiesbaai

The fishing village of Kassiesbaai with it’s picturesque cottages has been declared a National Monument.

Accommodation in and around Botrivier