A huge part of who we are at Seamartist is rooted in The Bluff, a historic suburb located in the south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. From North Beach, Durban, you can clearly see the Bluff stretching along the coastline, standing proudly as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. The area is also home to a long-established South African Army base, which adds another layer to its fascinating past.
As children, many locals remember walking along the beach and stumbling across a strange, solid concrete structure. At the time, we believed it was linked to military training, especially as old ammunition was often found nearby. Only later did we learn that this imposing structure was part of the Bluff Old Whaling Station, one of the largest and most important whaling stations in South Africa during the early 1900s.
Image source : https://www.fad.co.za/Resources/whaling/visit-2004.htm ( Allan Jackson - 2005 )
Image source : https://www.fad.co.za/Resources/whaling/visit-2004.htm ( Allan Jackson - 2005 )
A Key Part of Bluff History
The Bluff whaling station began operating in the early 20th century and quickly became one of the biggest in the country. Whaling, which involved the hunting of species such as sperm whales and right whales, was a global industry practised for centuries. While it is not something we support today, it remains a significant and undeniable part of the Bluff’s heritage.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the site is its durability. Built in the early 1900s, the main structure is still standing today, a testament to the solid engineering of the time. The remains of the station can be accessed via Finnamore Beach, just off Marine Drive (OR Tambo Parade), not far from the army base.
Norwegian Influence and the Whaling Industry
Whaling was once an extremely lucrative global industry, with the United States leading production. However, Norwegian whalers were also major players worldwide. According to historical records, one of the founders of the Bluff whaling station was Norwegian Consul Jacob Egeland, who established the operation in 1907.
Durban’s whaling season ran from March to September, aligning with the annual migration of whales. During the Antarctic winter, whales travelled north past Durban and later returned south along the same route. This made the coastline ideal for whaling, allowing vessels to hunt successfully without travelling more than 150 miles offshore.
Image source : https://www.fad.co.za/Resources/whaling/whaling.htm ( Margaret Surmon )
Whales were killed using heavy metal harpoons fitted with explosives. Once deceased, compressed air was pumped into the carcasses so they would float. After a hunt, the whales were towed back to Durban, brought into the bay, and hauled up a slipway near the Bluff for processing.
Whales were hunted primarily for their oil, which was used in lamp fuel, lubricants, perfumes, corsets and skirt hoops. Thankfully, modern alternatives and electricity eventually reduced the demand for whale oil. The industry was later restricted following the 1946 International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium, which limited annual whale catches.
Image Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale
Whale and Dolphin Watching on the Bluff
Today, the Bluff is far better known for whale watching and dolphin watching rather than whaling. During the migration season, spotting whales breaching offshore can be a truly breathtaking experience. For the best views, binoculars are recommended, and elevated viewpoints along Marine Drive offer excellent vantage points.
Image Source: https://xpoze.biz/2023/06/28/bluff-south-africa-whale-festival-history-celebrating-the-majesty-of-marine-giants/
Just abit of Local History and why Durban (South Africa ) is part of who we are.
At Seamartist, we proudly live by the motto #LocalIsLekker. We love #Durban, the Bluff, and the rich stories that shape our coastline. Some of our T-shirts celebrate Durban history, turning powerful local stories into our inspiration. They also make popular traveller gifting items for those who want to take a piece of Durban and South Africa home.
You can find us every Saturday from 7am to 1pm at the Shongweni Farmers Market, Stall B6.
Learn More About Bluff Whaling History
If you would like to explore the history of whaling on the Bluff in more depth, we recommend visiting the resource linked below. The website also offers a donation option to help keep this valuable historical archive active. Please note that we are not affiliated with the site and discovered it during our own research into what was once one of the most profitable, yet also most brutal, industries to operate on the Bluff.
Link to full article: https://www.fad.co.za/Resources/whaling/whaling.htm
Image credits: Wikipedia and FAD (Margaret Surmon & Allan Jackson)