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 be advised that time slot 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 slot selected is available OR let you know immediately if preferred slot 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 9:30 am.
Essential info
Length | Approx. 1½-3 hrs |
Start & End point | Hermanus |
Price | Adults (12+ years) R 1600 per person |
Departs | Jun - end Nov (weather dependant) |
Description
Your whale watching adventure begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide, who will outline the day's plans and provide fascinating information.
We then set sail from the Hermanus New Harbour to search for the ocean's "gentle giants." The friendly, knowledgeable crew are available throughout the tour to offer a personal touch and ensure a fantastic overall experience. The excitement is always high as everyone watches intently for the first sighting!
While we are in the presence of the whales, they are in charge—we enter their world. This allows us to spend unforgettable moments observing them in their natural habitat. Our onboard team will interpret the behavior of the whales (and any other marine life we encounter), keeping you informed and providing insight into these magnificent animals.
A videographer is aboard to professionally capture these moments, allowing you to simply relax, absorb the experience, and truly be in the moment.
Upon returning to land, you can browse local crafts and souvenirs, order your USB movie of the tour (which is ready upon return), or simply relax at the outdoor seating on the edge of the quay with reading material all about whales.
More Information
Hermanus Whale Watching season
The prime time for whale watching in Hermanus generally runs from June through the end of November. This period coincides with the annual migration of Southern Right Whales to the area's coastal waters, where they come to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
Visitors during these months have the extraordinary opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures engaging in natural behaviors like breaching, spouting, and tail-slapping.
The town of Hermanus is globally recognized as one of the best whale watching destinations in the world, with the annual peak season consistently spanning from June to the close of November.
What could you encounter
During the whale season, Hermanus is fortunate to host the majority of the Southern Right Whales that migrate to the South African coastline. Additionally, visitors may also spot Humpback and Bryde’s whales.
While the primary goal is to find and spend time with the whales, the marine life in the bay is quite diverse. There's a good chance of encountering other species, including Cape fur seals, various kinds of dolphins, and an abundance of seabirds, such as 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.
Arrangements
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, and drones / UAV are 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: Experienced & specialized whale watching skipper & crew, WIFI available at on-land guest area.
Exclusions: Transport (hotel pickup & drop off), entrance fee into the New Harbour (payable in cash to the Harbour Authority - R5), souvenir USB movie of whale watching trip including bonus short films available for purchase, all items of a personal nature.
Whale Warching Cancellation Policy - for groups smaller than 10 guests
- Cancellation 15 days or more prior to tour date = 100% refund
- less 4% in the case of online or POS card transactions - Cancellation 14-4 days prior to tour date = 50% refund
- less 4% in the case of online or POS card transactions - Cancellation 3-0 days prior to tour date, late arrivals & “no show” = No refund / Full fee charged
Whale Warching Cancellation Policy - for groups of 10 or more guests & private charters
- Cancellation 15 days or more prior to tour date = 100% refund
- less 4% in the case of online or POS card transactions - Cancellation 14-8 days prior to tour date = 50% refund
- less 4% in the case of online or POS card transactions - Cancellation 7-0 days prior to tour date, late arrivals & “no show” = No refund / Full fee charged
* Please be sure to read through our full terms & conditions here: www.capextreme.com/terms
