The 4 Best Dolphin Watching Tours in South Africa

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $98Our pick

Join Southern Right Charters in Hermanus for a two-hour cruise aboard a purpose-built catamaran. A whale specialist such as Ken, Jacques, or David explains the wildlife while you look for southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and seals. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks are included.

“What a beautiful experience: From the expert introduction to Hermanus' whales by Ken, to the explanations of Jacques and the Crew taking care of us and making sure to keep watching out for marine life, this tour was great. Not only did we find ourselves in the middle of a large school of dolphins and did spot a whale while it was already end of season. I also felt the Crew did run the tour with expertise, ensuring to not chase the animals but give them space to approach us.”

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2.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Top rated

Meet Jake and the Raggy Charters crew at 8am for a four-hour catamaran cruise through Algoa Bay. You may see humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, African penguins, seals, seabirds, and more, with a small group capped at 20 and a strong focus on marine conservation.

“Great tour. It was a really rainy day but the crew made it an enjoyable experience. We saw lots of dolphins as well as penguins. Highly recommend this tour for all.”

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3.Dolphin & Ocean Wildlife Kayaking Adventure ⚓️

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · 2 hours · from $37Best value

Join Truth Kayaking at Mouille Point for a two-hour Atlantic paddle in a stable surfski. English-speaking guides such as Vincent and Shanti lead you past Green Point Lighthouse, with chances to see dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and sunfish. Finish with showers, Wi-Fi, music, and smoothies, matcha, or coffee.

“An absolute vibe from start to finish! The guides were absolute legends, kept the energy high, had us laughing the whole time and ended up hanging out afterwards with a matcha and bagel. Obviously the views of Cape town from the water are unreal but getting to see dolphins and even some whales on this particular outing was extra special. Honestly, couldn't recommend it enough.”

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4.Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 45 reviews · 2 hours · from $102

Set out from Wilson’s Wharf on a two-hour open-ocean cruise aboard an 11-passenger boat. Guide Bennie is known for his lively commentary and sharp animal-spotting skills. Whales pass Durban from May to November, while dolphins and other marine life can appear year-round.

“It was so beautiful out on the ocean watching out and then also be rewarded by seeing dolphins and whales, which I hope we didn’t disturb but was all a really lovely sight to watch Thank you so much Silke”

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