South Africa · HERMANUS & WHALE COAST TOURS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 hermanus & whale coast tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
90-minute Hermanus whale watching boat trip in Walker Bay, with top-deck views, dolphins and seals, plus coffee on arrival.
“A great trip out seeing the whales. 2 hours was the perfect amount of time, and we managed to catch many breaching whales at sunset too. Would highly recommend!”
Two-hour Hermanus whale-watching catamaran with a whale specialist guide, close dolphin action, and onboard refreshments near South Africa’s coast
“What a beautiful experience: From the expert introduction to Hermanus' whales by Ken, to the explanations of Jacques and the Crew taking care of us and making sure to keep watching out for marine life, this tour was great. Not only did we find ourselves in the middle of a large school of dolphins and did spot a whale while it was already end of season. I also felt the Crew did run the tour with expertise, ensuring to not chase the animals but give them space to approach us.”
Shark cage encounter off South Africa with pickup from Cape Town or Hermanus, breakfast and lunch, and safe 20-minute cage time.
“Good communication, good info. Well catered, safe. Sharks are bronze whalers, no great white as they are on the decline. Enjoyable tour.”
2-hour whale watching cruise from Gansbaai to De Keldar cliffs for southern right whales, plus dolphins, sharks and penguins.
“We chose Ivanhoe as the boats are not too big, making it a more personal experience. We soon found the majestic Southern Right Whales, several Mums with Calf’s . They swam right along side the boat, so relaxed . Very emotional experience. The tour is only two hours long , we could all have stayed out longer . Try to choose a calm day, as spotting the whales is so much easier.”
Half-day white shark cage encounter from Gansbaai with small groups, 20 minute cage time, breakfast, and hot showers.
“Once in a lifetime experience! My youngest, who is 9, also loved the experience!!!”
See Great White sharks from a catamaran in Western Cape, with a choice of boat viewing, snorkel, or scuba in a drifting cage.
“A lot of sharks were close to the boat. Good helpful staff. We had luck with weather. Sea was calm..”
Hermanus boat whale watching from the New Harbour with a whale specialist on board, purpose-built catamaran comfort, and light refreshments.
“Great experience… only saw one mum & baby whale … would have loved to look for more in the 2 hrs but still great”
See great white and bronze whaler sharks from a floating cage in Gansbaai, with breakfast and lunch plus conservation guidance.
“Experiencia única y trato estupendo. Totalmente recomendable. Se ven un monto de tiburones y los puedes ver de cerca.”
Sunset safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve near Cape Town, with park entry, welcome drinks, and a 2 to 3 hour game drive.
“Fantastic tour with an amazing guide who was super knowledgeable. We saw all the Big 5 in all there glory amongst other fantastic animals. It is very well worth the money. Highly recommend.”
Private land-based whale walks in Hermanus with Percy, museum entry included, air-conditioned pickup, and cliffside spots for sightings.
“Percy Tours is the best company to book your tours in Hermanus and S. Africa: knowledgeable, with great humour and truly looking after you and making your experience worthwhile. We had 2 tours with Percy and both excellent: we learnt aRead more”
Gansbaai Shark Alley and a close cage encounter with a marine biologist, plus meals and penguin sanctuary time, with Hermanus transfers.
“Nice boat, nice crew, no sharks :((( They were organized and made you feel safe. Breakfast was included.”
Watch sharks from a dry viewing deck in Gansbaai, with meals and expert guidance, then return via shuttle to Cape Town.
Marine Big 5 cruise from Hermanus with safety gear, coffee and soup, plus a visit to APSS for African penguins and seabirds.
“friendly marine biologist on board, crew knows the area, everything needed is provided. Fotos take a little bit long to be online. You also have to see that your shuttle driver takes you with, at the main house you have to ask the staff where to go, else you might be left there without a shuttle.”
8-hour small-group van tour from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas, passing Khayelitsha, Hermanus, Steenbras Dam, plus optional lighthouse entry.
“Johnny was absolutely amazing! He was a delight, and he took great care of us. We not only made our way down to the southern tip of Africa, but we also made our way up to do a little whale watching. He showed us around and made sure we had memorable photos and keepsakes along our tour. We enjoyed every second of it!!!”
Shore-based whale watching in Hermanus plus coastal stops, wine tasting on Wed/Fri or penguins at Stony Point on Sundays.
“Pas du tout la prestation demandée, à aucun moment il était notifié qu'il y avait le bateau à prendre, seul chose intéressante de la journée mais 120€ pour deux en plus à payer. Pas de dégustation de vin comme notifié. payer 155€ pour deux juste pour l'aller retour c'est du vol, on aurait mieux fait d'y aller avec notre voiture de location. Une véritable arnaque”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
