Old Whaling Station

About Old Whaling Station

The Old Whaling Station on The Bluff in Durban, active from 1907 to 1975, was once among the world’s largest land-based whaling operations, processing over 3,640 whales at its 1965 peak. Today, the derelict site remains a restricted, eerie relic often visited via guided tours (e.g., Durban Walking Tours). It is located on land owned by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Current State: The station is largely abandoned, overgrown, and, as of 2024, sometimes accessed via specialized tours that require permission from the SANDF.