Plettenberg Bay has been recognised as the number one whale-watching destination in South Africa, probably due to the fact that it is now also recognised as a World Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.

Getaway magazine, South Africa’s prominent travel and leisure magazine, listed the top whale watching destinations in South Africa in its latest edition.

Rob Smith, a former diplomat and Plett resident who initiated the process for Plett to become a Whale Heritage Site, said the town’s recognition by Getaway was probably due to its new international status.

Getaway said there were few things more exciting than spotting a plume of spray on the ocean’s horizon, a tail slap on the water, or even a whale breaching.

The five places in South Africa offering some of the best whale-watching experiences are:

1. Plettenberg Bay
2. Algoa Bay
3. Durban
4. Elands Bay
5. Hermanus