Whale Watching Boat Trip in South Africa, Hermanus

• Boat Trip

• Pick up and Drop off
• Food
• Personal Expenses

• Kids (0-4 yo) go free. Please send a note to us if a kid (0-4 yo) goes for the tour
• Duration: Usually 2 hours, sometimes longer, depending on the whales
• Departure times: 7h00, 9h00, 11h00, 14h00 and 16h00
• Trip times might vary due to weather and tide conditions
• Guiding: You will be accompanied by one of our SATOUR qualified guides for the duration of the trip.
  Our guides have first-hand knowledge about the marine wildlife of this area
  

An exhilarating two hour voyage to discover Walker bays wonderful wildlife, stunning coastline and famous whales. Depending on conditions and recent sightings, you could find yourself exploring the coast towards De Plaat or the sandy beaches of Hawston, in search of the stars of the whale watching trip Southern Right Whales. On the way to our whale watching area we regularly encounter two different whale species inhabiting these waters, Humpback and Brydes whales. Each trip is different, which makes the experience even more exciting! ! When we set out from the harbour we never know exactly what kind of whales wait for us out at sea on that particular day.

Return to Land:

You can enjoy the boat ride and magnificent landscapes while summing up the experiences of the trip with our friendly guides.
Because we are dealing with wild animals, it might happen, especially in the beginning of season, that there were no sightings. In a case of no sightings we offer you the option to join us on another trip free of charge.

Hermanus Whale Watching Adventure on the Open Sea

Hermanus whale watching is one of the most authentic wildlife encounters in South Africa, placing you face to face with ocean giants in their natural habitat. This two hour whale watching boat trip departs from Hermanus harbor and heads into Walker Bay, accompanied by a certified tour guide with deep knowledge of local marine life. You get to the action quickly, scanning the water as whales surface, breach, and glide beside the boat. Southern Right whales dominate the season, while Humpback and Brydes whales appear regularly. Every trip unfolds differently, which keeps the experience exciting and unpredictable. The open sea, dramatic coastline, and close encounters make this one of the best wildlife tours in the south, delivering raw moments that feel unscripted and real.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Before joining this Hermanus whale watching experience, a bit of preparation helps.

• Dress warmly, sea air in Hermanus is cool
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for glare
• Motion sickness tablets help sensitive travelers
• Use camera straps on a moving boat
• Stay flexible, trip times depend on weather

Peak whale watching season runs from June to November. These are wild whales, patience always pays off.

More Facts About This Experience

Hermanus is globally famous for land based and boat whale watching, supported by its cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay. The town employs an official Whale Crier who signals whale sightings using a kelp horn. Walker Bay has featured in BBC Earth and National Geographic documentaries, filming Southern Right whales calving close to shore. During peak season, celebrities visiting South Africa often detour to Hermanus. The coastline hosts kelp forests, seabirds, dolphins, and migrating whales. Travel shows and viral clips consistently rank Hermanus among the best whale destinations worldwide during calm winter mornings with excellent visibility conditions.

Complementary Experiences Nearby

Many travelers turn this trip into a broader South Africa journey by continuing toward Cape Town. A Booze Cruise Trike Tour adds playful energy and coastal roads, while a Full-day Traditional Big 5 Safari introduces iconic wildlife inland. Cultural depth comes from a Half-day Cape Township Cultural Tour, and wine lovers often unwind with a Private Half-day Tour through the Cape Winelands near Stellenbosch, creating a balanced itinerary.

Who Would Enjoy This Experience

This experience suits couples, solo travelers, families, and groups of friends. It is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking meaningful whale watching without physical strain. Calm cruises, expert guides, and frequent whales make it accessible, exciting, and deeply memorable.