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Cape Town Tours Hermanus Whale Watching Tour

The Southern Right Whale is here! These gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration to the stunning coastal waters of South Africa for breeding season, and you have a front-row seat to the action! From the mighty Southern Right Whale to the Humpback, Bryde, and even the Orca, Cape Town is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable whale watching adventure.

Between June and December, the waters along the coast come alive with the majestic sight of these magnificent creatures. Watch in awe as they breach, fluke, and spout just off the shore, putting on an incredible display for all to see.

Journey to Hermanus:

Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, just a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is often referred to as the whale watching capital of the world. Known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Hermanus offers some of the best whale sightings – both from land and on a boat.

Day Overview:

Morning – Scenic Drive to Hermanus: The day begins with a scenic drive along the Cape Overberg, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of rugged cliffs, vast ocean, and quaint seaside villages. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the region’s history, wildlife, and of course, the whale migration.

Whale Watching Experience: Upon arrival in Hermanus, you’ll embark on a 3-hour boat-based whale watching tour. Get up close and personal with the majestic whales as they breach and splash in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With a highly experienced crew onboard, you’ll have the best possible vantage point for these extraordinary displays. The crew will also provide valuable information about the whales and the area’s rich marine life, making this an exciting and educational experience.

Optional Extras: If time permits, enjoy some of the optional extras in the area, such as a visit to the Hermanus Cliff Path, where you can enjoy land-based whale watching, or perhaps explore the vibrant town with its charming shops and eateries.

Afternoon – Return to Cape Town: After your thrilling boat tour, we’ll make our way back to Cape Town, soaking in the coastal views once again as we head back to the city. The perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Prime Whale Watching: See the incredible Southern Right Whales and other species up close.
  • Scenic Drive: Enjoy a beautiful drive through the Cape Overberg with stunning ocean views.
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour: Get right into the action with a boat-based whale watching tour for the best sightings.
  • Expert Guidance: Learn about the whales and local wildlife from knowledgeable guides.
  • Optional Extras: Explore Hermanus with time for additional sightseeing or enjoy land-based whale watching.

Main Highlights:

  • 2-hour scenic drive along the Cape Overberg to Hermanus
  • 3-hour boat tour for up-close whale sightings
  • Land-based whale watching at the Hermanus Cliff Path
  • Southern Right, Humpback, Bryde’s whales, and even the Orca up close
  • Optional extras such as local sightseeing, picnics, or shopping in Hermanus
  • Comfortable, guided tour with lots of flexibility for exploration
Your own private vehicle and travel tour guide dedicated to you and your private party. All entrance fees and bookings included.
Private tour plan

Tour Overview

Enjoy our full day private tour for you and your group on a coastal road leading towards Hermanus for Whale watching. Our private tours are relaxed and enjoyable for guest who prefer complete flexibility at the attractions. The private tours are suited for families, couples and honeymooners who prefer enjoying the attractions without any other persons on board.

Main attractions visited:

  • Whale watching boat trip

Tour times

  • Depart: 07:30 unless stipulated otherwise
  • Return: 17:30

Highlights

  • Boat-base whale watching
  • Land-based Whale watching
  • Relaxed walk along in the town of Hermanus
  • Picture stops at Gordans Bay for Whale watching
  • Cheetah outreach programme (Optional)
  • Harold Porters botanical gardens (Optional)
  • Penguin viewing (Optional)

Included on the tour:

  • Boat booking for Whale watching
  • Handpicked tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Excluded on the tour

  • Cheetah outreach programme (Optional)
  • Harold Porters botanical gardens (Optional)
  • Penguin viewing (Optional)
  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities/tips (Optional)
Your own private vehicle and guide to show you the attractions. Explore at your own pace. Excludes all entrance fees.
Charter tour plan

Tour Overview

Enjoy our full day charter tour for you and your group to Hermanus for Whale watching. Build your own list of attractions along route. Our charter tours are enjoyed by guest who prefer to plan their own attractions they would like to visit. The chartered tours are suited for families, couples and groups.

Suggested attractions:

  • Hermanus Whale watching
  • Cheetah outreach programme
  • Penguin viewing
  • Wine tasting
  • Harold Porters Botanical gardens
  • Beach visits

Tour times

  • Depart: 07:30 - 08:30 (depending on boat times)
  • Return: 17:30

Suggested Highlights

  • Hermanus Whale watching
  • Cheetah outreach programme
  • Penguin viewing
  • Wine tasting
  • Harold Porters Botanical gardens
  • Beach visits

Included on the tour:

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Handpicked professional tour guide

Excluded on the tour

  • Entrance fees and bookings are at your own account. Bookings on request could be made at info@travelpilot.co.za. Additional funds will be required
  • Meals and drinks (Optional)
  • Gratuities/tips (Optional)
Affordable sightseeing. Ride along with other tourists on a routined tour.
Scheduled tour plan

Tour Overview

Enjoy our full day schedule tour to do Whale watching in Hermanus on a routine itinerary with other guest. Our schedule tours are enjoyed by guest who prefers travelling in groups to visit the attractions. The schedule tours are suited for single travellers, couples and smaller groups. Our schedule tours have less flexibility and time allocations for each attraction.

Main attractions visited:

  • Whale watching boat trip

Tour times

  • Depart: 07:30 unless stipulated otherwise
  • Return: 17:30

Highlights

  • Boat-base whale watching
  • Land-based Whale watching
  • Relaxed walk along in the town of Hermanus
  • Picture stops at Gordans Bay for Whale watching
  • Cheetah outreach programme (Optional)
  • Harold Porters botanical gardens (Optional)
  • Penguin viewing (Optional)

Included on the tour:

  • Boat booking for Whale watching
  • Handpicked tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Excluded on the tour

  • Cheetah outreach programme (Optional)
  • Harold Porters botanical gardens (Optional)
  • Penguin viewing (Optional)
  • Meals and drinks
  • Gratuities/tips (Optional)

Route highlights

Boat Trip

Although the waters are usually calm and placid, the boat ride itself is an awesome experience. Getting onto the boat, surging through the waves is an adrenaline rush all of its own.

Refreshments

Light Complimentary refreshments are offered on the boat

Picture stops

This tour has a lot to offer travellers, and the best vantage point from which to view many of these captivating attractions is from behind the wheel. We make time to stop along the way for pretty extraordinary imagery.

Pick up and drop off

Your tour guide starts the tour by collecting you at your hotel, the tour ends at the drop-off point.

Local Guide

You local tour guide provides a commentory throughout the journey and at all the main attractions

Booking Form
*Children under 12
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