"Amazing": SA Raves Over Viral Whale Breach Video in Durban That Captivates Crowd

"Amazing": SA Raves Over Viral Whale Breach Video in Durban That Captivates Crowd

  • A video of a whale breaching the ocean's surface in Durban has gone viral, showcasing the city's stunning marine life
  • The footage captures the excitement of onlookers as they watch the whale's majestic display, with many praising the beauty of Durban's ocean life
  • The video has sparked joyful reactions from social media users, who appreciate the magical moment and the vibrant energy of the crowd

Durban’s coastline has once again proven why it is one of South Africa’s top destinations for marine enthusiasts, after a video of a whale leaping majestically from the ocean went viral on social media.

A TikTok video of whale watching in Durban showcased the captivated and vibey crowd.
The captivated and vibey crowd was showcased in a TikTok video of whale watching in Durban. Image: Paul Souders
Source: Getty Images

According to the World Cetacean Alliance, as humpback whales migrate along South Africa's east coast, May through December is the ideal time of year to visit The Bluff for whale viewing. Approximately 7,000 humpbacks are thought to be travelling through Durban's seas today, up from just 340 when the whaling station was shut down in 1975.

Read also

"We are proud indigenous Africans": Traditional clothing of South African tribes sparks debate

Whale watching in Durban, vibey crowd

The footage that was captured by a spectator during a whale-watching outing and shared on TikTok under the handle @randallmitch shows a massive whale breaching the surface multiple times, splashing into the turquoise waters as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!

Onlookers can be heard clapping and shouting in excitement as the whale appeared to put on a show, seemingly aware of its captivated audience.

Durban is renowned for its whale-watching season, which typically runs from May to December when humpback whales migrate along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. These breathtaking encounters often draw both locals and tourists, who gather along the shores or book boat tours in the hopes of spotting the gentle giants of the sea.

Whale breaching is a natural behaviour, often linked to communication, play, or even an effort to rid themselves of parasites. However, for spectators, moments like these create lifelong memories.

Read also

South African woman teaches Americans 'Magumba' dance in slow motion, Mzansi swoons over men

Social media users were quick to react to the viral clip that was released on 23 August 2025, with many praising the beauty of Durban’s ocean life and the lively spirit of the crowd.

"Durbanites have the best vibes, clapping and cheering like it's an Ushaka marine world show," one person said.

The Durban whale-watching was the sight was nothing short of magical, a perfect blend of nature’s wonder and South Africa’s vibrant energy.

Watch the video below:

Mzansi is entertained by whale watching

South Africans enjoyed the wholesome video of the whale as they flooded the comments section, raving about the moment, while some simply expressed their thoughts, saying:

Siphumelele Zondi said:

"South Africans must be the luckiest people on Earth. Imagine minding your business, suddenly … magic!"

Loveee_yours added:

“Lemme show you my talent," and the crowd understood the assignment."

Dennyv1982 wrote:

Read also

A viral TikTok captured Cape Town’s wealthiest suburbs, stunning viewers with Africa’s most luxurious homes

"Every now and then, we are reminded to be grateful for the Beauty God has created."

Bavisha shared:

"Amazing. I saw a pod of dolphins in Ballito yesterday."

Katz Khan commented:

"Lol, the crowd has such an awesome vibe."
The captivated and vibey crowd was showcased in a TikTok video of whale watching in Durban.
The captivated and vibey crowd was showcased in a TikTok video of whale watching in Durban. Image: @randallmitch
Source: TikTok

More on whale stories in South Africa

  • Briefly News reported that Cape Town residents had woken up on Sunday morning to an unexpected sight of a dead humpback whale being transported through Constantia from Hout Bay.
  • A whale was out and about near a popular spot in Cape Town. Many people were floored by the video that went viral on TikTok.
  • One gent's trip out at sea took a terrifying turn. A whale gave Adrián Simancas the story of a lifetime after taking him on a wild ride.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Johana Mukandila avatar

Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za

Page was generated in 1.3769948482513