SOUTH AFRICA · REGION
South Africa's standouts.
A shortlist of the 10 whale watching & hermanus tours most worth booking in South Africa, with what each one is like on the day, who runs it, and what it costs.
90 minutes in Hermanus, Western Cape: whale watching from the top deck when weather allows, plus dolphins, seals, coffee, and expert guidance.
“The guide told in the beginning that all the West whales already migrated and warn that there probably no whales at the activity. Saw a lot of dolphins. Also team was very helpful during the trip. Thank you!”
Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise from the Whale Shack catamaran. Specialist guide, light refreshments, and up-close sightings near Walker Bay.
“Very well organised. They offered us coffee, tea, and cupcakes before the tour. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a whale, but since it was the last day of the season, that was understandable. Still, we had an amazing time with around 300 dolphins and even saw some seals. I would definitely do it again, just in…”
Whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise from Port Elizabeth to Algoa Bay and St. Croix Island, with conservation-focused guides.
“All four crew on boat very helpful and knowledgeable. On time, clean boat, saw penguins on the island and dolphins and a whale close up.”
Shark cage encounter off Gansbaai: pro crew, 7mm wetsuits, meals included, and a 20-minute Great White close-up with other species.
“What an awesome crew, they are so hospitable. They made everyone feel well taken care of from the moment we arrived. Fantastic experience!”
Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai to De Kelders for southern right whales, orcas, penguins, and more, with early Cape Town pickup.
“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…”
A 2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat whale watch with Ocean Safaris, built for safety and close marine-life sightings in June–November.
“It was awesome. A great experience and thanks to Olivia, PK and Ashwin and the skipper. They were all amazing and very friendly as well as answered our questions. I would definitely recommend them. Thank you team.”
Cruise Gansbaai’s De Keldar cliffs for Southern right whales, dolphins, sharks, and penguins on a small 2-hour boat ride.
“We did Whale Watching with Ivanhoe Safaris. It was not a nice experience. Approximately 15 drunk Russians sceaming every time we saw the whales coming out of the water. The guide did not tell them to shut up! The boat was smelly from petro, no drinks except water. Read more”
A 2-hour boat tour from Thesen Harbour to Knysna Heads, with a whale spotter on radio for humpback and southern right sightings.
“Great team, exactly what it says on the tin, you're up close to whales!! The sea can be rough, the boat is fast. I love that stuff but my wife realised she gets sea sick so it wasn't great for her, but again the team were amazing and did everything they could for the (several)…”
Two hours on a purpose-built catamaran from Hermanus with a whale specialist. Spot southern right whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seals.
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent tour with lots of whales and seals to see. Would recommend this tour to anyone staying in Hermanus.”
Shark Alley cage time from Kleinbaai, with wetsuits, lunch, expert talks, and onboard filming—great value for a no-experience thrill in Hermanus.
“We got picked up from Camps Bay, and the drive was very long, I think way over 3 hours including picking up other people on the way. But that is something no one can affect on. During the act, we saw three different shark species and a cape fur seal. I really loved it! All…”
