South Africa · WHALE WATCHING
Southern rights calve in these bays between June and November, and Hermanus watches them from the cliff path for nothing. These 15 boat trips get closer — priced, timed, and honest about the swell.
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.”
Slow, small-group cruise from Port Elizabeth to see humpback whales, dolphins, and endangered African penguins at St. Croix Island.
“Jake and his crew shared their expert knowledge of local marine wildlife and went out of their way to make our voyage a memorable one. The highlight of the trip was spotting a mother and baby humpback whale and sailing with the dolphins. Read more”
Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai, with early Cape Town pickup, expert crew, and close Southern Right Whales in De Kelders waters.
“It was a long drive from Cape Town but our guide gave some very interesting information on the way. Worth the drive to see many mother and baby whales and a couple of dolphins. All very respectful to the animals, we were the only boat in the nursery waters area and waited for whales to come to us, the babies were interested in checking us out and mum followed, everything on their terms. Would recommend.”
2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat whale watch with beach launch, close sightings in season, dolphins, seals, and rain gear.
“Such a slick, well managed ride with delightful guides. We had a magical adventure hunting with dolphins and “playing” with a young humpbacked whale!”
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.”
2-hour whale watching from Thesen Harbour, Knysna. Humpback and southern right sightings, plus dolphins and estuary views.
“Our Guide was the best. We got to see Dolphin, Seelions and more than one Whale.”
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”
Full-day guided trip from Cape Town to Hermanus for Southern Right whales, scenic stops, urban wine tasting, and farm food, plus panoramic coastal viewpoints.
“The coastal drive alone made the trip worthwhile but seeing the whales up close is something I will never forget. Our tour guides, Louis, wealth of knowledge was unbelievable and made the tour that much more interesting.”
2-hour Gansbaai whale watching along De Kelders cliffs for southern right whales, dolphins, seals and more with an English guide.
“Once in a lifetime experience 😍 Had a great guide, perfect communication before the tour and was so blessed to see the incredible whales! Thanks for this opportunity 😍”
Full-day Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town with small-group stops at Harold Porter, Fernkloof, Elgin, and Sir Lowry’s Pass.
“Nice trip. Hermanas is lovely. Nice coastline. Unfortunately no whales and no boats as it was windy. Still a beautiful place”
Cape Town to Hermanus and Gansbaai for a 2-hour whale watching boat trip plus coastal stops, penguins, and a farm stall visit.
“perfect organisation, a verry charming and helpfull guide (neil fergusson) he was verry flexible from the route planing. we saw a lot of whales, direct in front of us. absolutly to recommended!!”
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”
A 90-minute whale-watching cruise from Plettenberg Bay, with surf launches, seal colony hopes, and chances at Southern Right and humpbacks.
“It was a very exciting experience The guide was great. He explained a lot, and it showed a lot. it was a really great experience”
Ocean Odyssey in Knysna brings you close to dolphins and Bryde’s whales with onboard commentary, water included, and small-group safety.
“Don’t miss it when u r in the city it was awesome 🥰 one of the best sight i have ever seen. The sea and the whale even the staff were friendly”
The mountain, the parks, the coast and the cities — and the best of each.
