Boat Based Whale Watching
Synononymous with Whale Watching, Hermanus offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world.
See these amazing gentle giants up close and personal as they make their way to the sheltered waters of South Africa from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to mate, give birth, and nurse thier young. A truly breathtaking experience.
Boat Based Whale Watching Trips run 7 days a week but are strictly weather dependent and subject to availability.
Tour Duration: approx 2 hours depending on whale activity.
Departure Times: June to end November at 09h00 | 12h00 | 15h00
Please note that the tour times above may vary from the above as they are dependent on sea / tidal / weather checks and the number of people booked on the day.
We understand that your time may be limited and will therefore make every effort to meet your specific requirements. We pride ourselves on our personable approach and quality customer service.
Hermanus Whale Watching - Child Policy
- Minors (U/18yrs) must be accompanied by an adult and be under their supervision for the full duration of the tour.
- Children 0 - 3 years go for free
- All children under 11 years and under are required to wear a life jacket for the full duration of the tour. We strongly advise motion sickness syrup for infants and toddlers.
- Children aged 12 and older are classified as an adult.
Find out more about the Trip
About the Whale Watching Trip:
Your boat-based Whale Watching experience starts with you being collected from a central address in Cape Town . Collection times to be confirmed one day prior to the date of the tour. After an approximate 1.5 hour journey you'll arrive in Hermanus.
Tours leave from the New Harbour in Hermanus. On arrival you will recieve a boat and safety briefing. All passengers will be required to sign indemnity forms prior to boarding.
The Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus can last anything between 1.5 hrs to 3 hrs dependingon sea conditions, whale activity and where the whales are located but is on average 2 hrs long.
Whales are observed within 50m of the boat (permit and animal safety regulations apply) but being naturally curious, often approach the boat giving you spectacular photo opportunities.
Enjoy some light refreshments while listening to the on-board commentary as the whale specialist and guide provides valuable insight to their behaviour and migratory patterns.
Marine Life You Can Encounter:
Bryde's Whales (all year round) Southern Right Whales (June - November), Humpback Whales (June to September), a variety of Dolphin species, Cape Fur Seals, Marine Birds including the African penguin
The Trip includes:
- Return Transfer from Cape Town
- Boat Based Whale Watching Tour (2 hrs on average)
- Experienced Whale Watchign Skipper & Crew
- Whale Guide and Specialist
- Bottled water on board
What To Bring with You:
- Warm jumper or jacket (the wind can sometimes get cold on the boat)
- Hat & Sun-block
- Camera/Camcorder
- Binoculars
Optional Extras:
- Footage of the trip may be available for purchase on the day.
- Accommodation can be arranged upon request.
- Any drinks or meals not specified
Safety:
The safety of our customers on every Whale Watching Tour is of utmost importance to us.
The Operators we deal with have an unblemished Safety Record and carry out regular safety checks.
No Current Info
Itinerary:
Note that the times below are a mere guideline and can change at any time. Your confirmed collection time will be provided one day prior to your tour date.
Boat Departure Times: June to end November at 09h00 | 12h00 | 15h00
