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.
“A great trip out seeing the whales. 2 hours was the perfect amount of time, and we managed to catch many breaching whales at sunset too. Would highly recommend!”
Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise from the Whale Shack catamaran. Specialist guide, light refreshments, and up-close sightings near Walker Bay.
“Very well organised, guide was very informative. Saw a few whales playing around the shallow waters, great to see them in their environment.”
Whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise from Port Elizabeth to Algoa Bay and St. Croix Island, with conservation-focused guides.
“Fantastisk at se pingvinerne og opleve delfinerne som vi sejlede med i lang tid. Alle på båden var meget deltagende og bidrog med mange interessante fortællinger om både pingvinerne og delfinerne.”
Speedboat whale watching from Gansbaai to De Kelders for southern right whales, orcas, penguins, and more, with early Cape Town pickup.
“We saw whales as promised (well almost promised) and seals as well. Mother and young son stayed with us for more than 30 minutes. SPECTACULAR!!”
A 2-hour Plettenberg Bay speedboat whale watch with Ocean Safaris, built for safety and close marine-life sightings in June–November.
“Excellent boat trip. We saw a number of whales, hundreds of dolphins and seals. The guides were fantastic at spotting the whales and telling exactly where they were. Very knowledgeable and very enjoyable!”
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.”
A 2-hour boat tour from Thesen Harbour to Knysna Heads, with a whale spotter on radio for humpback and southern right sightings.
“So much fun. The captains were great and even though we had rough water it was so much fun and we quickly saw a group of whales and followed them. Such a great experience! Highly recommend visiting”
Two hours on a purpose-built catamaran from Hermanus with a whale specialist. Spot southern right whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and seals.
“Informative pre meeting, very good guide informed us during the whole tour. Good service. Even the captain took the time to chat”
Guided Hermanus day trip from Cape Town with Southern Right whale viewing, scenic stops, urban wine tasting, and Peregrine Farm produce
“A beautiful drive; friendly, knowledgeable host; seeing whales (even from shore); nice group of fellow travelers - there was nothing in the day that I would change.”
2-hour Gansbaai boat whale watching near De Kelders: southern right whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and clear views without the crowd.
“Great visual access in a boat where you are able to see the whales clearly and especially if you are lucky enough that they come close to the boat. Guides have good knowledge”
