SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's standouts.
A shortlist of the 10 whale watching 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.
“Great guides! They are very experimented and can recognize from far a whale. We had lot of fun!”
Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise from the Whale Shack catamaran. Specialist guide, light refreshments, and up-close sightings near Walker Bay.
“We saw hundreds of dolphins who kept and swam towards a Right Whale and her calf. The whales came to the boat and swam alongside providing a very memorable experience.”
Whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise from Port Elizabeth to Algoa Bay and St. Croix Island, with conservation-focused guides.
“We had a wonderful experience! The team was super helpful, engaged and living for their mission. We were so lucky to see jot only dolphins, seals, two whales but also a hammerhead shark and a bunch of penguins swimming to feed. Would recommend everytime!”
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!!”
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.
“Our Guide was the best. We got to see Dolphin, Seelions and more than one Whale.”
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.”
Guided Hermanus day trip from Cape Town with Southern Right whale viewing, scenic stops, urban wine tasting, and Peregrine Farm produce
“Truly amazing views and natural beauty along the route to Hermanus. Seeing whales up close was the highlight of this well run tour. The wine tasting at Bouchard Findlayson was a nice touch to end off the Hermanus experience. Our driver aRead more”
2-hour Gansbaai boat whale watching near De Kelders: southern right whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and clear views without the crowd.
“Once in a lifetime experience 😍 Had a great guide, perfect communication before the tour and was so blessed to see the incredible whales! Thanks for this opportunity 😍”
