Whale Watching & Hermanus

SOUTH AFRICA · REGION

10 Best Whale Watching & Hermanus Tours In South Africa

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.

10 Best Whale Watching & Hermanus Tours In South Africa

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience - Out on Walker Bay: how whale watching typically unfolds

1.Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Most Popular★ 4.4

90 minutes in Hermanus, Western Cape: whale watching from the top deck when weather allows, plus dolphins, seals, coffee, and expert guidance.

“Excellent trip, with good initial presentation. The boat was comfortable and fast. Our trip was not too busy, so we had good views of whales but the trip following us looked rather full so worth checking. The sea apparently was getting much rougher in the afternoon which makes photography hard. All round a fantastic experience”

1,180 reviews1.5 hoursFrom $93by Hermanus Whale watchers

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Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - What You’re Wearing Matters More Than You Think (Boat Comfort Basics)

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - The water hunt in Algoa Bay: whales and dolphins when timing matters

3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★ 5.0

Whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise from Port Elizabeth to Algoa Bay and St. Croix Island, with conservation-focused guides.

“Very professional and extremely knowledgeable Would recommend this tour to everyone Handled the boat very well considering the choppy conditions”

687 reviewsFrom $185.19by Raggy Charters

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From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience

From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience - Breakfast at the Lodge and the safety-first shark briefing

4.From Hermanus or Cape Town: Shark Cage Diving Experience

★ 4.7

Shark cage encounter off Gansbaai: pro crew, 7mm wetsuits, meals included, and a 20-minute Great White close-up with other species.

“If you’re looking for a shark cage diving company, look no further. We went today and the experience was absolutely amazing. My friend and I arrived a bit late from Cape Town (completely our fault), but the team was incredibly understanding and only focused on our safety. They helped us settle in quickly so we…”

684 reviews4.5 - 10 hoursFrom $137by White shark projects PTY Limited

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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip - The early pickup and road trip rhythm (and how to stay sane)

5.From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

★ 4.4

Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai to De Kelders for southern right whales, orcas, penguins, and more, with early Cape Town pickup.

“The tour was Great although the whales were a Bit shy on our tour, but that is nature. Nevertheless we saw some whales, even calfs and they were amazing! Thanks to Ivanhoe and also special thanks to our Guide Alfonzo who did a great Job!!”

378 reviews7 hoursFrom $221by Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

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Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise - The 400-horsepower speedboat ride: what the beach launch feels like

Whale Watching from Gansbaai

Whale Watching from Gansbaai - The 2-Hour Cruise Along De Keldar Cliffs (What Happens After You Leave the Harbour)

7.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

★ 5.0

Cruise Gansbaai’s De Keldar cliffs for Southern right whales, dolphins, sharks, and penguins on a small 2-hour boat ride.

“We chose Ivanhoe as the boats are not too big, making it a more personal experience. We soon found the majestic Southern Right Whales, several Mums with Calf’s . They swam right along side the boat, so relaxed . Very emotional experience. The tour is only two hours long , we could all have stayed…”

327 reviewsFrom $112.15by Eubalaena Sea Safaris CC - Trading as Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

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Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat - How the whale spotter system actually helps you see more

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - Out on the Catamaran: What to Watch, Who Helps, and How Comfort Is Handled

9.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

★ 4.5

Two hours on a purpose-built catamaran from Hermanus with a whale specialist. Spot southern right whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seals.

“My family very happy and satisfied with whale watching trip on cruse. Crew was very experienced, safe and knew where to bring to watch whales. I am giving 5 star for my review and recommend others! Thank you!”

205 reviewsFrom $91.45by Southern Right Charters

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From Hermanus: Cruise with Shark Cage Dive and Lunch

From Hermanus: Cruise with Shark Cage Dive and Lunch - The 3 hours at sea: what you actually get from the shark expert

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