South Africa · WHALE WATCHING
33 reviewed
Southern right whales come into Walker Bay to calve between June and December, and Hermanus watches them from the cliff path for nothing. Below are the boat trips worth paying for, with sailing times, permit status, what each operator does on a blank day, and where the humpbacks show up instead.
Boat whale watching from Hermanus New Harbour with top-deck views, expert guides, dolphins and seals, plus coffee on arrival.
“It was focussed on the whales, nothing else. Guide and team were great! I will keep this moments forever.”
2-hour Hermanus whale and dolphin boat trip with a specialist guide, catamaran comfort, and light refreshments, from $98.
“Great tour! Lots of places to spread out and see the whales on the boat. The drone video was cool to watch afterwards. I think charging R440 for the video is way too much considering the cost of the tour.”
Slow-paced Algoa Bay cruise from Port Elizabeth to St. Croix Island for whales, dolphins, and African penguins, with small groups.
“My family and I went on the trip, it was a wonderful and fascinating experience. Even though it all depends on your luck, the crew tried their very best to help us spot different marine animals (dolphins, whales, etc). We had the chance to see the animals up close and take amazing photographs.”
Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai with a small group, De Kelders cliffs views, possible orcas near Hermanus, snacks, pickup.
“The guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife & we had an amazing close up experience with two curious whales.”
A 2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat cruise with a beach launch, big-horizon whale watching, and plenty of dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
“Such a slick, well managed ride with delightful guides. We had a magical adventure hunting with dolphins and “playing” with a young humpbacked whale!”
2-hour whale cruise from Gansbaai along De Keldar cliffs, watching Southern right whales and more, with small-group comfort and pickup.
“Friendly welcome from 'Ivanhoes' receptionist, down at Gansbaai Harbour. Faultless experience once on board with crew.”
Knysna close-encounter whale watching from Thesen Harbour. A 2-hour boat trip for humpbacks and southern right whales plus dolphins.
“Weve seen 3 species of whales, the guide has great knowledge and the respekt naturę”
Boat whale watching from Hermanus on a catamaran with a whale specialist, light refreshments, and strong odds for southern right sightings.
“We had a lovely day on the water with a great crew. They were very enthusiastic and accommodating and we saw a lot of whales, dolphins, and seals. I absolutely recommend it!”
Full day guided Cape Town to Hermanus whale watch, Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting, Peregrine treats, and scenic coastal stops.
“I had a wonderful time seeing Hermanus! It was rainy and windy so we did not get to go out on the boats to go whale watching, but it was an absolutely beautiful area nonetheless. The guide was very informative and friendly, and made sure he answered any questions we had along the way.”
Cruise from Gansbaai to De Kelders in comfort to spot southern right whales and Western Cape wildlife on a 2-hour boat trip.
“Once in a lifetime experience 😍 Had a great guide, perfect communication before the tour and was so blessed to see the incredible whales! Thanks for this opportunity 😍”
Full-day Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town in a small group. Spot Southern Right Whales, plus Harold Porter and scenic passes.
“Nice trip. Hermanas is lovely. Nice coastline. Unfortunately no whales and no boats as it was windy. Still a beautiful place”
Cape Town to Gansbaai coastline views, then a 2-hour whale cruise with a local guide plus penguins and farm-fresh stops.
“We done the whole day tour with pick up from our hotel in Cape Town, our guide Neil got in touch with us while on route to the hotel prompting us on time of arrival, he was very knowledgeable and made stops at numerous places from Cape Town to Gansbaai with great story to accompany these areas we found very interesting, was very accommodating making sure we had sufficient food and drink before our whale tour activity, the whale tour it’s self was fantastic! Seen plenty! Once that was done Neil took us to Hermanus for a late lunch before heading home, which even on the way back still talking…”
Walk Hermanus for whale sightings from cliff-top stops, with museum time and a private guide in an air-conditioned vehicle.
“It was great meeting Percy, he explained lots of interesting things about whales and sealife in Hermanus and took us to the places where spots are more frequent. We spotted whales from different points of the coast and at the end of the toRead more”
Knysna close-encounter whale and dolphin watching with Ocean Odyssey from Thesen Island. Bottled water and park fees included.
“Was amazing to see the whale in action so closely. Most amazing experience ever. Definitely a recommendation to do if you ever can”
Plettenberg Bay whale watching with Ocean Blue Adventures, 90 minutes at sea, seal colony stop, surf launch, from $77.
“It was a very exciting experience The guide was great. He explained a lot, and it showed a lot. it was a really great experience”
