Cape Town · Day trips
Hermanus Whale Watching
A scenic coastal drive to the world's best land-based whale watching.
Distance
140 km
1.5 hr drive
Duration
Full Day
8–10 hrs
Best time
Aug–Nov
whale season
Pace
Scenic
minimal walking
Hermanus is the world's center for observing southern right whales.
Found in only a few places in the Southern Hemisphere, southern right whales migrate to Walker Bay in the small town of Hermanus, in August of each year, to mate and calve. They stay in this area until the end of November when they return to colder waters towards Antarctica.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE IN HERMANUS
Highlights
- Southern right whales in Walker Bay
- The Atlantic coast through Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay
- Cliff-side viewpoints in Hermanus
- Optional boat trip — whales close to shore
- Sightings of dolphins, seals, and seabirds
- Sir Lowry's Pass on the way home
YOUR DAY IN HERMANUS
What to expect
We leave your hotel and take the scenic coastal route along False Bay, stopping wherever the views demand a photograph. The road winds through Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay before arriving in Hermanus around midday.
You can watch whales from the cliffs in town, or — if you'd like to get closer — we can book a two- to three-hour boat trip in Walker Bay, where whales come almost within arm's reach. A qualified marine guide shares what makes these animals so remarkable: southern rights can grow to forty tons (the weight of ten elephants), reach seventeen metres, and live over a hundred years. Fewer than three thousand remain on the planet.
We return to Cape Town via Sir Lowry's Pass, with one last view across the Helderberg Basin before sunset.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
- The itinerary and stop times can be adjusted to suit your group
- Although our success rate in whale watching is very high during the season, we cannot guarantee a 100% sighting of whales.
- Outside whale season (December to July), Hermanus still makes a beautiful day out — coastal scenery, fynbos hiking, and a working harbour with excellent seafood
- The boat trip is optional and booked separately, depending on weather and availability
- Bring layers — coastal weather changes quickly, even in summer
- Door-to-door transport from your hotel and Czech-speaking guide included
Did you know?
Southern right whales can grow to a weight of 40 tons, which is, for comparison, equivalent to the weight of ten African elephants. They can reach a length of 17 meters and have a lifespan of over 100 years.
Despite commercial whaling being banned many years ago, southern right whales are still considered endangered. According to the latest estimates, there are only about 3,000 individuals left on the planet.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Plan this trip with Jana.