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Whale-watching at Hermanus [kayaking]

  • Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

Last updated: 12 July, 2024

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.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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  • Hermanus

Experience an up, close and personal encounter with the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean that promises to be an ‘experience to be treasured.’ From June to December you will mostly encounter the Southern Right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on this informative and educational tour.

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Rating 4.67 / 5 [205 ratings]

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  • Hermanus

We operate from Gansbaai around the world-famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, various shark species, the Cape fur seal (around 60 000 on Geyser Rock), the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.

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  • Cape Town

Experience the ultimate whale watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus, where you'll see the stunning Southern Right Whales up close. Enjoy private transfers with personalised guidance to enhance your journey. Join a thrilling boat tour in Hermanus to witness these majestic creatures. Afterwards, treat yourself to a wine tasting at one of the 15 exquisite wine estates in the Hemel-en-Aarde Winelands. This tour offers a seamless blend of marine adventure and fine wine discovery. Cap off your adventure with a visit to the charming Stony Point Penguin Colony. Book now for an unforgettable South African experience that combines nature, wine, and wildlife, perfect for travellers seeking excitement and relaxation.

Price ZAR 4,200

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Rating 4.52 / 5 [38 ratings]

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  • Cape Town

Embark on an unforgettable shared whale watching and penguin tour with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town! Enjoy shared transfers to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. Witness Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat and explore the vibrant African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve. Your tour includes entrance tickets to both the whale watching boat trip and the penguin colony, providing you with incredible opportunities for close encounters with Africa's oceanic wildlife. Don’t miss this extraordinary adventure—book your tour today!

Price ZAR 2,500

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