Whale Watching

SOUTH AFRICA

10 Best Whale Watching In 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.

10 Best Whale Watching 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.

“Loved the whale watching trip! We saw a mother and a calf. Amazing to see those magnificent animals so close by. The crew respects the animals. They keep their distance, and don't bother them. But you have plenty of time to watch the whales. A must-do when in South Africa.”

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)

2.Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★ 4.6

Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise from the Whale Shack catamaran. Specialist guide, light refreshments, and up-close sightings near Walker Bay.

“Fantastic experience! The guide was very knowledgeable and taught us about the whales before getting on the boat with tea and coffee available too. Once on the boat we were able to see lots of different whales as they pointed them out to us and tried to get as close as possible. Towards the end…”

807 reviews2 hoursFrom $98by Southern Right Charters

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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.

“We were in a small group on the boat and were lucky enough to see a pod of 200 dolphins, penguins hunting for fish and some seals sunbathing. The team really care about the wildlife and spent time explaining to us the different animal behaviRead more”

687 reviewsFrom $185.19by Raggy Charters

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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)

4.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

5.Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

★ 4.4

A 2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat whale watch with Ocean Safaris, built for safety and close marine-life sightings in June–November.

“we were very lucky to see humpbacks on our trip and that was totally down to our skipper PK. our original date and time was rescheduled because of the weather so be prepared for last minute changes, and potentially getting completely soaked during the trip. the weather was pretty windy so the sea was rough,…”

362 reviews2 hoursFrom $49by Ocean Safaris Garden Route

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Whale Watching from Gansbaai

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

6.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.

“Friendly welcome from 'Ivanhoes' receptionist, down at Gansbaai Harbour. Faultless experience once on board with crew.”

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

8.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.

“Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent tour with lots of whales and seals to see. Would recommend this tour to anyone staying in Hermanus.”

205 reviewsFrom $91.45by Southern Right Charters

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From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour - Price and value: what $51.47 gets you in the real world

9.From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

★ 5.0

Guided Hermanus day trip from Cape Town with Southern Right whale viewing, scenic stops, urban wine tasting, and Peregrine Farm produce

“What a wonderful experience and interesting stops along the way! It's a beautiful drive with interesting stops and nuggets of information along the way. Hermanus is a beautiful town any day of the year. 'Opted for the additional sightseRead more”

155 reviewsFrom $51.47by City Sightseeing South Africa

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Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat - Cruise time and what you’ll actually do for two hours

10.Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

★ 4.7

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 😍”

127 reviews2 hoursFrom $146by Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

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