Bucket list experience:
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
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
Cape Town
Z1,500 | Rating 4.28 / 5 [7 ratings]
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Hermanus
Z2,120 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [36 ratings]
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Z3,040 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [17 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
Round-ups that include this experience
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.
