Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguin Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic drive along the Cape Whale Route
- Spot Southern Right and Humpback whales
- Observe African penguins at Stony Point
- Enjoy breathtaking coastal views
- Learn about marine life from expert guides
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Shared transfers from Cape Town to Hermanus
- Guided whale watching boat trip
- Visit to Stony Point Nature Reserve to see African penguins
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pass by: Pick-up will be from your accommodation in Cape Town. You will receive your exact pick-up time the day before the tour, so please be prepared for an early start between 6:00 and 6:30 AM. We will drive along the N2 national road for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the town of Hermanus.
Upon arriving at New Harbour, guests receive a briefing from a Whale Specialist outlining the boat trip. We then set sail to the whale locations, with the crew ensuring up-close encounters and great photo opportunities. You might see Southern Right Whales, the size of 10 elephants, and possibly Bronze, Humpback, and Bryde's Whales. Dolphins might also be seen, though sightings aren't guaranteed due to their wild nature. The 2-3 hour tour depends on weather and nature.
We take a short drive, roughly 6 minutes, to Fusion Restaurant, where you can savor a light lunch with options including seafood, meat, poultry, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, all while enjoying beautiful beachfront views.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the renowned Stony Point Penguin Colony, home to one of South Africa's largest African penguin populations. This ultimate stop offers an amazing opportunity to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat, making it a must-see highlight for travellers seeking unique wildlife experiences.
Pass by: After our tour, we will enjoy a scenic drive back to Cape Town, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation. The travel time is approximately one hour.
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's availability on your preferred date, as whale sightings can vary seasonally.
- Check the weather forecast for the day of the tour to ensure optimal conditions.
- Be aware that the tour involves a boat ride; ensure you're comfortable with this mode of travel.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket, as weather conditions can change.
- Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture distant wildlife.
- Consider motion sickness remedies if you're prone to seasickness.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler reviews
Whale viewing
Excellent crew, and lucky enough to see the whales…couple of mama & calf and a big male too… enjoyed thoroughly and recommend to all…the water was rough, so few os us had sea sickness, but the crew was prepared for it.
At XD looking for the Balrine!
Thank you Paul for welcoming us and sharing all the nooks and crannies , whales , seals , penguins, beautiful beaches , shark sites and the marine rodeo! lol very nice walks and excellent captain! Not to mention the dolphins when we return! Oceana boat club!
Whale watching
Was a great trip, and that was due to our amazing guide Mr Papi(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️), he made the day great including our unscheduled wine tasting at Benguela Cove. Negative was we didn’t spot our ticket did not include the cost of the Whale Watching trip! (Note to self to check small print)
This is a must for visitors of Cape Town for the whales, ocean waves, and mountains that you will experience
One of the best trips I have taken in Cape Town, this is not 5 star since the operator after I arrived to Hermanus Harber asked me to pay extra money and claimed that the price I payed according to the website is outdated…! So this reduced the fun and excitement I had with the family even though I refused their request. The driver also stopped at a wine farm which was a waste of precious time.
Wonderful. Whale watching
We have just returned from our trip to Hermanus to see the whales All I can say is wow My wife and I never expected to see so many and so up close to the boat . We felt so privileged to witness the Whales with the new calves passing by. The tour guide and driver Alfani was excellent picked us up and drove to a half way stop for breakfast, then on to Hermanus to the boat . The trip lasted a couple of hours and it was worth every penny . I highly recommend this trip at one point the boat was surrounded by whales of each side , totally amazing experience. We went on to a lovely restaurant In Hermanus town afterwards called Bientangs Cave for fish and chips it was lovely and the surroundings are unique. Your table is out on the rocks. After lunch finally we stopped off on the way back at the Benguela cove Vineyard for a cheese & wine pairing it was delicious and the property is stunning. A wonderful day . Thank you