WHALE WATCH

We offer 3 great locations

from R1220
HERMANUS
GANSBAAI
KLEINBAAI
BOOK NOW

Fitness

Low

Location

Hermanus
Gansbaai
Kleinbaai

Adrenaline

Medium

Age

Any

Duration

2-3 Hours

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Hermanus is the whale capital of South Africa and rated the best whale watch area in the world. Walker Bay attracts the bulk of the Southern Right Whales visiting our coast between June and December. Come and experience a close encounter with these gentle giants of the ocean.

During May to August Humpback Whales visit Walker Bay on their migration route from Angola to Mozambique and between June and December Southern Right Whales come in to breed. A few Bryde's Whales call this bay home throughout the year.

Other marine life that can be seen includes a variety of different dolphin species, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Great White Sharks, Sunfish and many different marine seabirds.


All the vessels have special whale watching permits and are operated by highly skilled and experienced crew. The vessels are entitled to slowly approach the whales up to a distance of 50 meters from the whales and then stop, it is then up to the whales to approach closer. Being naturally curios the whales often come right up to the vessels. A magical experience to remember for a life time.

Hermanus

1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Cape Town city center.


The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to the vessel. You then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in seach of the 'gentle giants'. The vessel is a purpose built catamaran that provides superior comfort and viewing. Friendly, knowledgeable crew will create an all-round great experience. From ensuring the perfect photo opportunities are not missed to serving complimentary light refreshments, adding that personal touch.

  • Adults - R1220
  • Students | Seniors - R1120
  • Children (Under 12) - R610
  • Children (Under 3) - Free

Location

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Gansbaai

2 Hour drive from Cape Town


The boat launches from the quaint fishing harbour of Gansbaai, located on the opposite side of Walker Bay from Hermanus. Many whales prefer the slightly calmer waters of this side of the bay during very windy periods.


Before each trip a brief informative talk is given on the marine life to look out for and the route that will be taken. The trip launch from the fishing harbour of Gansbaai and travel along the cliffs of De Kelders towards the beach of Die Plaat. It is a truly magnificent part of the coastline.

The vessel is a 42ft catamaran, specifically designed and custom built for whale watching. The vessel can comfortably carry 40 passengers, but groups are limited to only 25 people for a much better experience.

  • Adults - R1600
  • Seniors | Students - R1400
  • Children 5-12 - R800
  • Children (Under 5) - Free

Location

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Kleinbaai

2 Hour drive from Cape Town


In Kleinbaai you have the potential to see more marine wildlife than anywhere else in the country.

Board a 5-star custom built whale watch vessel with 4 deck levels and 360° views and comfort. Expert crew and guides attend to your every need, assuring amazing wildlife photo opportunities and great information.

Apart form encountering whales and dolphins, also visit Dyer Island, Geyser Rock and Shark Alley. Dyer Island has over 20 recorded marine seabirds including the African Penguin. Geyser Rock has a population of over 60 000 Cape Fur Seals and the area is world famous for sightings of Great White Sharks.

Every guest also gets a free visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary to learn more about marine seabirds on the coast.

  • Adults - R1950
  • Children (Under 12) - R1450
  • Children (Under 5) - Free

Location

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Operating Times

  • Monday - Sunday
  • Weather dependant
  • Hermanus

    Depart 09:00 | 12:00 | 15:00
    Arrival time is 30 minutes before departure for check-in and safety briefing
  • Gansbaai

    Depart 10:00 | 13:00 | Aug - Oct also 07:00 and 17:00
  • Kleinbaai

    Departure time depends on weather and tides

Includes

  • Light refreshments on the boat

  • Waterproof jackets

  • Information of whales and other marine life from a marine biologist on board

Excludes

  • Transport - Contact us for the best transport options to the different locations

What to bring

  • Warm clothing

  • Cap or hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

  • Camera

Videos of our preferred operators

Hermanus
Kleinbaai

Activities to combine with your Whale Watching

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Zipline

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