Africa's eastern coastline offers up some of the most diverse marine ecosystems on the planet, thanks in large to a current. No, not a shrivelled grape. That's with an "a", not an "e". We're talking about an ocean current, namely the Benguela, that flows southwards off Africa's shores, bringing nutrient rich waters and, in season, whales. Lots of whales...

All of which creates some of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, if you know where to go and when. Which is why we're here to help! Let's start at the northern-most reaches of the Benguela, off the coast of East Africa...

Watamu, Kenya

Between July and October each year, the waters off Watamu are filled with humpback whales that migrate north from the cold waters of Antarctica to calf in the protected Malindi Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve. The peak of this season is August and one of the best places to stay is Hemingways, which offers dedicated whale watching expeditions, allowing you to safely and ethically observe these amazing cetaceans in their natural habitat.

You also get occasional sightings of orcas, sperm whales and Bryde's whales too, as well as 10 different species of dolphins. So it's all go in this picture-perfect place.

Tamarin Bay, Mauritius

One of the most scenically beautiful places we know of, the waters on the west coast of the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius are home to a permanent population of sperm whales and, in the breeding season between July and October, you'll see humpback whales here too. Tamarin Bay is renowned for its whale and dolphin encounters, and with a host of luxurious private beach villas, hotels and resorts to choose from, all of which offer dedicated marine safaris and whale-watching tours as well as the chance to snorkel with dolphins, your marine safari is well taken care of.

Mozambique, Bazaruto Archipelago

The protected waters of Mozambique's drop-dead gorgeous Bazaruto Archipelago and its marine reserve are a drawcard for humpback whales, which can be seen here, along with the occasional southern right whale, between June and October each year. 

This really is turquoise central, with beaches to die for and some truly exceptional lodges and resorts. We absolutely adore Azura Benguera, which runs its own fleet of boats that can take you out into the deep seas in search of marine life aplenty, as well as snorkelling on some truly spectacular coral reefs. If you're lucky you may even spot an endangered dugong! 

South Africa, KZN north coast

Moving down the coast to start of South Africa's eastern coastline, which stretches all the way to the southern tip of the continent at Cape Agulhas, the ocean off the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on KwaZulu-Natal's far north coast are filled with a cornucopia of life. From June to December each year this coastline is filled with southern right whales and humpbacks who calf in the clear, warm waters. Coral reefs are a huge draw for scuba divers and the snorkelling is superlative.

We love Makakatana Bay on Lake St Lucia, which enjoys easy access to the endless, remote beaches that make this part of the Rainbow Nation so fabulous. Whale-watching tours can be arranged from here.

South Africa, Hermanus 

The whale-watching capital of Southern Africa and one of the most renowned in the world, Hermanus on the Western Cape coast is where you'll find some of the highest concentrations of southern right whales between June and  December each year, especially in Walker Bay, which is where they love to give birth and nurture their newborns. 

Along with Die Kelders, Gansbaai and Kleinbaai, this stretch of coastline has some of the best marine life in the country, with great white sharks, orcas, African penguins, Cape fur seals, dolphins and porpoises aplenty. Stay at the gorgeous Grootbos and do ethical whale watching and shark cage diving with Dyer Island Cruises and Marine Dynamics respectively, both of which fund the Dyer Island Conservation Trust and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary.

If any of these amazing destinations get your travel juices flowing and an insatiable urge to venture forth on the open seas in search of leviathans of the deep, then just say "aye aye, cap'n" and we'll get you sorted.