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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

When the southern right whales make their annual migration from icy Antarctic waters to mate and calve in the temperate seas off South Africa, Hermanus is the place to be. With its steep cliffs and plentiful vantage points, this somewhat-trendy holiday town offers some of the most accessible land-based whale watching in the world.

A cliff-top trail meanders through town, offering up a number of easy-to-access viewpoints. The wonderful thing about whale season is the luck of the draw: pick your spot, take out your binoculars and scan the seas. If you’re lucky, the blubbery tourists will be breaching, lob-tailing and spy hopping off the cliffs, barely 100m away.

Alternatively, take a boat tour for close-up views. Boat-based whale-watching tours depart from the New Harbour. They’re not cheap, but you’re all but assured of incredible sightings. You can also kayak out to see them. Walker Bay Adventures will take you out into Walker Bay in sea kayaks.

Whales are there in season, but dolphins and seals are present all year round. If you time it for late September/early October, you’ll catch the Hermanus Whale Festival. The climax of the season is a celebration of cetaceans, complete with live music, kids’ entertainment and a tempting range of food stalls.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: Any

Getting there & doing it

Hermanus is a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town along some of the most scenic roads the Cape has to offer, so don’t hurry.

In town, the best whale-watching is from the 10km cliff-top path that runs from the New Harbour to the (blue flag-rated) Grotto Beach. Bientang’s Cave – a casual seafront eatery – offers fresh seafood straight off the barbecue, and the chance to spot whales from your table.

When to do it

The season for whale watching – and the time to come to Hermanus – is July to October. Visit in late September/early October for the Hermanus Whale Festival.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip with Shared Transfers from Cape Town

Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip with Shared Transfers from Cape Town

Cape Town

Embark on a whale watching shared boat trip with hotel pick-up and drop off. Receive shared transfers to and from Hermanus, the whale watchi...

Z1,500 | Rating 4.28 / 5 [7 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Marine Big 5 Safari from Hermanus

Marine Big 5 Safari from Hermanus

Hermanus

Operating around the world famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Br...

Z2,120 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [36 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

Cape Town

Embark on one of the best whale watching boat trips from Cape Town to Hermanus and see the Southern Right Whales up close. Benefit from priv...

Z3,040 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [17 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa[16.9 miles]

A five-star retreat in the heart of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Alongside the gorgeous, coastal golf course, there a world-class spa, horseback riding along the beach and some of the best restaurants on the whole of the Garden Route.

Official star rating:

Chartfield Guesthouse

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[82.1 miles]

A century-old seaside mansion forms the heart of this mid-sized guesthouse in the bohemian suburb of Kalk Bay, offering easy access to the charms of the False Bay seaboard.

Official star rating:

Steenberg Hotel & Spa

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[86.7 miles]

This elegant country hotel set on a working wine farm is a quietly luxurious base in the Constantia valley, from which to explore the city.

Official star rating:

Vineyard Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[89.3 miles]

A great value boutique hotel set amid expansive gardens in one of the city’s leafy suburbs, in the shadow of Table Mountain.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Distant view of people whale watching during the daytime
Experience

Hermanus Whale-Watching Festival

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa[2.2 miles]

Held in late September/early October each year – the peak season for whale watching – this usually sleepy-town is host to a colourful festival of art, adventure and fine food across a festive long weekend.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | One weekend

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Round-ups that include this experience

18 Best places to go whale-watching

Multiple countries

Ranging from the mere 2.5m dwarf sperm whale to the whopping 30m blue whale, these ocean giants beguile and amaze with their size, grace and dignity. Here’s our round-up some of the best places in the world to see them.

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