Join in an incredible experience of whale watching in Cape Town to see the Southern Right Whales which are the main species of whales visiting the shores of Hermanus.
They sometimes breach clear of the water or beat the surface with their tails and bulls may grow incredibly up to 17 metres long and weigh nearly 50 tonnes - this activity gives you the ability to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
• Please note/be advised that timeslot selected is NOT guaranteed - this is to indicate your preferred slot that you would like to book for.
Once your booking has been received, we will confirm if the timeslot selected is available OR let you know immediately if preferred timeslot selected is not available and advise alternative time(s) &/or date(s) available.
• Meeting time is strictly 30 min prior to your booked time - Eg. If you are booked for 9:00 am, you have to be there by 8:30 am.
Essential info
Length | Approx. 1½-3 hrs |
Start & End point | Hermanus |
Price | R 1600.00 pp - Adults R 800.00 pp - Children under 12 years old FREE - Children under 3 years old |
Departs | Jun - end Nov (weather dependant) 9am + 12pm + 3pm |
Description
Experience a close encounter with the gentle giants of the ocean by joining us on an informative and educational whale watching trip.
The experience begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide, giving you some more information on the day’s plans ahead. You then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants. During the tour our friendly, knowledgeable crew adds that personal touch to ensure an all-round great experience. With all eyes on watch, the excitement builds for who can see the first whale of the trip!
While around the whales, they are in charge - as we enter their world - getting to spend some unforgettable moments in nature. The onboard team, will help interpret the whales (and other marine life encountered), keeping you informed, providing insight into the behaviours of the whales while you watch them.
The onboard videographer helps capture these moments, allowing you to really just be in the moment & absorb the experience.
On return to land, peruse the local craft and souvenirs available, order your USB movie of the tour which is ready upon return or simply relax at our outdoor seating on the edge of the quay with reading material on all things whales.
More Information
Hermanus Whale Watching season
The peak Hermanus whale watching season typically runs from June to end November. This is the time when the southern right whales migrate to the coastal waters of Hermanus to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Visitors to Hermanus during this period can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, breaching, spouting, and tail-slapping.
What could you encounter
During whale season, Hermanus is lucky to the host the bulk of the Southern Right Whales that migrate to the South African coastline. In addition the Humpback and Brydes whales can be seen. We focus the tour on searching and spending time with the whales but the marine life in the bay is diverse and there is a good chance of encountering Cape fur seals, various species of dolphins and an abundance of sea birds including the African penguin.
Whale Species: Southern Right (Jun-Dec), Humpback (June-September) & Bryde’s whales (all year)
The whale watching boat
MV Miroshca - purpose-built whale watching catamaran was purpose built to ensure maximum passenger comfort and superior stability. Constant technical upgrades and maintenance ensure safe, comfortable marine tours in South Africa.
Duration
The boat based whale watching trip is from 1½-3 hrs maximum. It depends on traveling time to the whales on that trip; the time spent with them is the same. The duration of the trip is normally an averages at 2 hours.
Sightings guarantee
Even with our success rate of 99% for whale & dolphin sighting, it is nature and we cannot ‘guarantee sightings. If on the rare occasion no whales or dolphins (i.e. cetaceans) are encountered, we offer a 50% refund on your ticket price paid or the opportunity to join on the next available tour, for free. We cannot manage refunds and amendments for reservations made via 3rd parties.
Arrangements
Duration: Approx. 1½-3 hrs
When: Jun - end Nov (weather dependant)
9 am + 12 pm + 3 pm
Weekends, we offer a second tour at 11:00 am (Sep – April) and 11.30 am (May-Aug)
What to Wear/Bring: Weather appropriate clothing – it is always a little colder at sea than it is on land. An extra layer will not go a miss. And a jacket/windbreaker is essential. For the hot days, a cap or hat and for the cold days a beanie & gloves.
Sensible shoes, for the lady’s flat shoes are recommended (No high heel shoes).
Sun block, sunglasses.
Camera - Due to being on a moving boat Tripods & Binoculars are not advised & Drones / UAV not permitted.
If you are prone to motion sickness or do not have ‘sturdy sea legs’ it is best to purchase and take seasick or motion sickness prevention tablets in advance as per instructions on the packet. We are not permitted to stock this medication. We stock a variety of natural remedies such as acupressure armband & aromatic inhalers.
Not suitable for people with limited mobility (please contact us for more information or if you have questions on this topic).
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions: Guided tour (English), by whale specialist guide, light refreshments prior to tour, WIFI available at on-land guest area.
Exclusions: Souvenir USB movie of whale watching trip includingbonus short films available for purchase, transport, entrance fee into the New Harbour (payable in cash to the Harbour Authority - R5).
General/Standard Cancellation Ploicy
- Cancellation outside 14 days prior to tour date = 95% refund
- Cancellation 14-7 days prior to tour date = 80% refund
- Cancellation 3-6 days prior to tour date = 50% refund
- Cancellation 2 days prior to tour date, late arrivals or “no show” = No refund / Full fee charged
* Please be sure to read through our full terms & conditions here: www.capextreme.com/terms
