Visit the Whale Coast, South Africa

The sheer coastline of Walker Bay allows migrating southern right whales to approach within metres of the shore.

They take shelter from June until December, making this the premier land-based whale watching destination in the world.

Great white sharks

Boat trips provide the opportunity to get closer to these enormous creatures as well as their deep-sea neighbours, the great white sharks and teeming colonies of playful seals.

Hermanus

The backdrop of stunning white-sand beaches and towering sand dunes carpeted in fynbos complete a wonderful experience. The centre of the marine activity is the pretty harbour town of Hermanus, where a whale crier announces nearby sightings with loud blasts on his dry kelp horn.

As well as the whales, sharks and the beautiful and unique shoreline, the area also boasts several vineyards fast gaining international recognition.