South Africa · WHALE WATCHING
Walker Bay, Plettenberg Bay and False Bay all put you alongside southern rights and humpbacks in season. These 15 compare boat size, how long you stay out and the months each stretch of coast actually delivers.
Board a boat at Hermanus New Harbour for a 90-minute whale search in Walker Bay. An English-speaking guide explains whale behavior while you watch for southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Boats have open viewing areas, and sightings can include mothers, calves, and breaching whales.
“We saw several mother and calf pairs of Southern Right Whales, playing around near the surface of the sea.”
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.”
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.”
Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then cruise toward Hermanus and De Kelders on a speedboat limited to 25 people. Look for Southern Right Whales, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, penguins, and orcas, with guides, hotel transfers, drinks, and snacks included.
“The trip was absolutely incredible! It was organized with such attention to detail that every moment felt special. I was especially thrilled with our driver, Tyrone—he was even better than the guide! During our drives, he found the most stunning photo stops and captivated us with fascinating local stories. And can you believe it? We even got to see penguins waddling in their natural habitat! But the highlight of the adventure? Whale watching! After years of waiting, I finally spotted a whale! It was such an exhilarating experience!”
Set out from Ocean Safaris on a 400-horsepower cat-style speedboat for two hours along Plettenberg Bay. Guides such as PK, Andy, Ashwin, and Sergio help spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Morning departures offer the best chance of going ahead in changeable weather.
“Such a slick, well managed ride with delightful guides. We had a magical adventure hunting with dolphins and “playing” with a young humpbacked whale!”
Cruise from Gansbaai along the cliffs of De Keldar for about two hours, looking for Southern right whales, calves, dolphins, sharks, penguins, and other whales. A professional crew, small boat, and maximum of 25 passengers make this a focused wildlife trip, with pickup available.
“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 out longer . Try to choose a calm day, as spotting the whales is so much easier.”
From Thesen Island, you’ll cruise through Knysna Estuary and the Heads into the Indian Ocean on a two-hour search for humpback and southern right whales. A shore-based spotter guides the skipper by radio, while small groups, sea views, dolphins, seals, and seabirds add to the outing.
“Great team, exactly what it says on the tin, you're up close to whales!! The sea can be rough, the boat is fast. I love that stuff but my wife realised she gets sea sick so it wasn't great for her, but again the team were amazing and did everything they could for the (several) people who's stomachs didnt enjoy the fast boat / rough sea element. Worth it to see whales that close up though.”
Set out from Hermanus New Harbour on a purpose-built catamaran with a whale specialist, support crew, and videographer. The two-hour trip may bring you close to Southern Right, humpback, or Bryde’s whales, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Light refreshments are included.
“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!”
Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus in a small group of up to 18, with an English-speaking guide such as Louis or Brahm. Expect a scenic coastal drive, Rotary Way views, free time in Hermanus, an urban tasting of Hemel-en-Aarde wines, and a stop at Peregrine Farm Stall. Whale cruises are optional and seasonal.
“Brahm our Guide was incredible! Although no whales seen it was an interesting and knowledgeable trip!”
Join an English-speaking guide aboard a wheelchair-accessible boat from Gansbaai Harbour. The two-hour cruise follows De Kelders’ cliffs, where you may see southern right whales, mothers with calves, dolphins, seals, sharks, and other marine life. Boats are designed to avoid a crowded feel.
“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”
Travel from Cape Town in a small group of up to eight with a registered English, French, or German-speaking guide. Visit Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Hermanus, Elgin, and Sir Lowry’s Pass, with time for shore-based whale watching and an optional boat trip.
“Nice trip. Hermanas is lovely. Nice coastline. Unfortunately no whales and no boats as it was windy. Still a beautiful place”
Join Ivanhoe Sea Safaris for a full-day Cape Town outing to Gansbaai, with a 2-hour whale-watching boat trip, coastal stops, Hermanus time, and a Peregrine Farm Stall visit. Guides such as Neil, Bruce, and Muammer are praised for local insight and flexible routing.
“Fab day with Neil our guide. He was so informative, friendly and professional. Our original trip was cancelled at the last minute due to rough sea but the company managed to book us on a trip from Hermanus for the same day. There is nothing about the trip I would change.”
Start at Hermanus’s Whale House Museum with guide Percy, then ride in an air-conditioned private vehicle to five to seven coastal viewpoints. Walk paved paths, watch for whales and marine life, and return to the museum after roughly two to three hours. Pickup is available.
“Alles perfekt geklappt. Percy hat dieses Erlebnis für mich toll gemacht..auf individuelle Wünsche eingegangen..Man merkt dass er seinen Job gern macht und dann aber auch noch die Extrameile geht und auch mit seiner Kamera Fotos macht zur Erinnerung . Danke”
Join Ocean Blue Adventures in Plettenberg Bay for a 90-minute search for Southern Right and Humpback Whales. Your English- or Afrikaans-speaking guide chooses the route from recent sightings and sea conditions. Expect a seal colony, possible dolphins and sharks, and an exciting surf launch and beach landing.
“It was a very exciting experience The guide was great. He explained a lot, and it showed a lot. it was a really great experience”
Join Ocean Odyssey at Thesen Island for a two-hour boat trip beyond Knysna’s Heads. A trained skipper and local guide explain whale and dolphin behavior while you watch for Southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
“The boat ride was absolutely amazing and we ended up seeing a mother humpback whale and her calf. Later we saw 1000's of common dolphins swimming alongside the boat.”
Pick a reserve, a coastline or a cellar.
