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Garden Route
Dolphin & whale watching

Dolphin & whale watching
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Our most recommended Garden Route Dolphin & whale watching

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Board your vessel for the day and receive a safety briefing before starting your whale watching adventure. In good weather conditions travelers will be allowed on the top-deck before departure for great unobstructed views, otherwise they will be allowed on top only after the whales have been found. Travel out onto the ocean taking in great views as you go.  Regarding the question about the physical tickets is that we give the physical ticket on arrival on the day to make sure that you are here. Once the whales have been spotted, the vessel is allowed to move closer to the whales where it stops and the engines disengage is to prevent the whales from being injured by the propellers. Experience for yourself the astonishment of being so close to these majestic creatures.  As the whales are curious creatures, they might move up to the vessel for some 'people watching'. See a variety of other marine wildlife such as dolphins and seals as you coast along the water. As you travel through the day and spot these beautiful creatures learn more about them from your crew, before they take you back to land after a once in a lifetime experience. 

Plettenberg Bay: Swim with Seals

Plettenberg Bay: Swim with Seals

Go swimming with seals in Plettenberg Bay, a fun and playful experience for all involved. Meet at the local office to take care of the paperwork and pick up all your equipment. Your group will depart by boat from Central Beach aboard the Robberg Express for an exciting beach launch. Head towards Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, home to approximately 8000 Cape fur seals.   Accompanied by a qualified divemaster, hop into the water and enjoy 30 minutes of amazing animal interaction among bundles of playful, inquisitive fur seals. Have the ultimate wild animal encounter in their natural environment and without altering their natural behaviours.

Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

Take a 3-hour guided game drive at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and experience close encounters with rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and more. Situated in spectacular mountains near Mossel Bay, the reserve boasts a great diversity of habitats and 26 different species of wildlife.  The 4,200 hectare reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with more than 200 species to be seen. In an open game viewing vehicle, your guide will take you to the best locations to spot lions, zebras, elephants, and other animals. After the game drive, spend some time enjoying the facilities, including a restaurant and an open-air swimming pool.

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

Get the chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and more on a 2-day safari tour from Cape Town. Enjoy 2 game drives and an overnight stay with included dinner and breakfast. On the first day, depart Cape Town and drive along the scenic coastal road to Cape Agulhas via Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world. Make a stop at the southernmost tip of Africa to admire the beautiful lighthouse. Continue on to Garden Route Game Lodge. Here, embark on a sunset safari in an open-air vehicle. Observe a variety of native animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and more. After the safari, settle in for a three-course dinner. Spend the night in one of the beautiful 4-star wooden chalets or Lodge room as allocated and admire the clear skies over the lodge. In the morning, head out for another game drive to see some of the animals you might have missed the evening before. After your drive, tuck into breakfast. Make your way back to Cape Town in the evening.

Plettenberg Bay: Bungee Jumping with Zipline and Sky Walk

Plettenberg Bay: Bungee Jumping with Zipline and Sky Walk

Have the experience of a lifetime and bungy jump from Africa’s highest bridge. Jump with confidence thanks to the help of a professional and experienced team with a 100% safety record, who have hosted celebrities such as Prince Harry and Jack Osbourne as well as record-breaking bungy jumpers.   Reach the jump point via zipline from the bank to the arch. Before jumping, you will be kitted out with a full body harness and your feet will be secured using specially designed equipment. Leap out into the valley and feel the thrill of falling and rebounding whilst being securely attached to the bungy cord. Feel the smoothness of the bungee experience thanks to Bloukrans Bungy’s pendulum technology.   On your way back up, get a winch ride coordinated by a recovery operator and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding national park. Walk along the 216-meter SkyWalk to get back onto solid ground.

Storms River: Tsitsikamma National Park Zipline Canopy Tour

Storms River: Tsitsikamma National Park Zipline Canopy Tour

Get ready for an exhilarating eco-adventure in the heart of the Tsitsikamma rainforest! Glide through the treetops on ziplines, with most platforms nestled in towering Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. Marvel at the spectacular scenery and vibrant birdlife as professional guides share fascinating insights into the forest's hidden ecology. Inspired by daring biologists in Costa Rica, this once research-only canopy tour has become a thrilling eco-tourism experience, letting you explore a world once unreachable. After a safety briefing and gearing up, you’ll be whisked into the forest for an unforgettable journey, soaring from tree to tree. Suspended high above the forest floor, you’ll be immersed in the magic of the rainforest, leaving any fear of heights behind as you embrace this breathtaking adventure!

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Start your 2-hour adventure with an adrenaline beach launch into the sea on a 400 horsepower speedboat. The purpose-built cat style boat has been designed to conquer the ocean without compromising on safety or comfort. Knowledgeable guides and skippers will treat you to close encounters with some of the whales that visit the shores during the months of June to November. You could be graced with sightings of the Southern Right Whale in the Bay or Humpback Whales travelling along the coastline. You may experience the joy of seeing them breach or even view a mother and calf as they enjoy the safety the bay offers. Take a closer look at a vast seal colony and the many pelagic and coastal birds. Other possible sightings include sharks, big fish, penguins, and octopus in their natural habitat.

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

The tour departs from Thesen Island Harbour Town and heads out onto the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to an array of native birds and marine life. On board the ‘Oyster Boat', spend a leisurely 75-minutes exploring the lagoon as you sail to the breathtaking and imposing Knysna Heads. As you glide along the waters, sit back and relax whilst soaking up the famous South African sunshine with the wind in your hair. From start to finish the tour provides breathtaking views of the surrounding waters as well as the Knysna coastline. During the boat ride your guide shares fascinating insight into the history, heritage, and culture of Knysna, from a local’s perspective.

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

End a hot summer's day on the Garden Route with a relaxing cruise around the magnificent Knysna Lagoon. Admire the sunset and become mesmerized by the exquisite views of the Knysa Lagoon and iconic Knysna Heads as you enjoy a beverage on the cruise, Enjoy the beautiful wild and marine life that Knysna has to offer. Discover breathtaking bays and vistas as the sun sets, from the magnificent Knysna estuary to the famous Heads and back. Preorder delicious snacks, drinks and oysters to enjoy during your trip (not included in the price).

Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

Join a guided 1-hour tour to get up close to the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, including servals, caracals, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Catch a glimpse of other animals such as meerkats, marabou storks, and many more. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see incredible wildlife, as you learn about conservation efforts in the region from your informative guide.  Follow your guide through the various habitats of the different cats as you listen to interesting facts about each species. See and photograph the wild cats at close range from within a walkway.

Our most recommended Garden Route Dolphin & whale watching

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

Board your vessel for the day and receive a safety briefing before starting your whale watching adventure. In good weather conditions travelers will be allowed on the top-deck before departure for great unobstructed views, otherwise they will be allowed on top only after the whales have been found. Travel out onto the ocean taking in great views as you go.  Regarding the question about the physical tickets is that we give the physical ticket on arrival on the day to make sure that you are here. Once the whales have been spotted, the vessel is allowed to move closer to the whales where it stops and the engines disengage is to prevent the whales from being injured by the propellers. Experience for yourself the astonishment of being so close to these majestic creatures.  As the whales are curious creatures, they might move up to the vessel for some 'people watching'. See a variety of other marine wildlife such as dolphins and seals as you coast along the water. As you travel through the day and spot these beautiful creatures learn more about them from your crew, before they take you back to land after a once in a lifetime experience. 

Plettenberg Bay: Swim with Seals

Plettenberg Bay: Swim with Seals

Go swimming with seals in Plettenberg Bay, a fun and playful experience for all involved. Meet at the local office to take care of the paperwork and pick up all your equipment. Your group will depart by boat from Central Beach aboard the Robberg Express for an exciting beach launch. Head towards Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, home to approximately 8000 Cape fur seals.   Accompanied by a qualified divemaster, hop into the water and enjoy 30 minutes of amazing animal interaction among bundles of playful, inquisitive fur seals. Have the ultimate wild animal encounter in their natural environment and without altering their natural behaviours.

Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

Little Brak River: Botlierskop Guided Game Drive

Take a 3-hour guided game drive at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, and experience close encounters with rhinos, lions, giraffes, buffaloes and more. Situated in spectacular mountains near Mossel Bay, the reserve boasts a great diversity of habitats and 26 different species of wildlife.  The 4,200 hectare reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with more than 200 species to be seen. In an open game viewing vehicle, your guide will take you to the best locations to spot lions, zebras, elephants, and other animals. After the game drive, spend some time enjoying the facilities, including a restaurant and an open-air swimming pool.

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari at Garden Route Game Lodge

Get the chance to see lions, elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, and more on a 2-day safari tour from Cape Town. Enjoy 2 game drives and an overnight stay with included dinner and breakfast. On the first day, depart Cape Town and drive along the scenic coastal road to Cape Agulhas via Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world. Make a stop at the southernmost tip of Africa to admire the beautiful lighthouse. Continue on to Garden Route Game Lodge. Here, embark on a sunset safari in an open-air vehicle. Observe a variety of native animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and more. After the safari, settle in for a three-course dinner. Spend the night in one of the beautiful 4-star wooden chalets or Lodge room as allocated and admire the clear skies over the lodge. In the morning, head out for another game drive to see some of the animals you might have missed the evening before. After your drive, tuck into breakfast. Make your way back to Cape Town in the evening.

Plettenberg Bay: Bungee Jumping with Zipline and Sky Walk

Plettenberg Bay: Bungee Jumping with Zipline and Sky Walk

Have the experience of a lifetime and bungy jump from Africa’s highest bridge. Jump with confidence thanks to the help of a professional and experienced team with a 100% safety record, who have hosted celebrities such as Prince Harry and Jack Osbourne as well as record-breaking bungy jumpers.   Reach the jump point via zipline from the bank to the arch. Before jumping, you will be kitted out with a full body harness and your feet will be secured using specially designed equipment. Leap out into the valley and feel the thrill of falling and rebounding whilst being securely attached to the bungy cord. Feel the smoothness of the bungee experience thanks to Bloukrans Bungy’s pendulum technology.   On your way back up, get a winch ride coordinated by a recovery operator and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding national park. Walk along the 216-meter SkyWalk to get back onto solid ground.

Storms River: Tsitsikamma National Park Zipline Canopy Tour

Storms River: Tsitsikamma National Park Zipline Canopy Tour

Get ready for an exhilarating eco-adventure in the heart of the Tsitsikamma rainforest! Glide through the treetops on ziplines, with most platforms nestled in towering Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. Marvel at the spectacular scenery and vibrant birdlife as professional guides share fascinating insights into the forest's hidden ecology. Inspired by daring biologists in Costa Rica, this once research-only canopy tour has become a thrilling eco-tourism experience, letting you explore a world once unreachable. After a safety briefing and gearing up, you’ll be whisked into the forest for an unforgettable journey, soaring from tree to tree. Suspended high above the forest floor, you’ll be immersed in the magic of the rainforest, leaving any fear of heights behind as you embrace this breathtaking adventure!

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

Start your 2-hour adventure with an adrenaline beach launch into the sea on a 400 horsepower speedboat. The purpose-built cat style boat has been designed to conquer the ocean without compromising on safety or comfort. Knowledgeable guides and skippers will treat you to close encounters with some of the whales that visit the shores during the months of June to November. You could be graced with sightings of the Southern Right Whale in the Bay or Humpback Whales travelling along the coastline. You may experience the joy of seeing them breach or even view a mother and calf as they enjoy the safety the bay offers. Take a closer look at a vast seal colony and the many pelagic and coastal birds. Other possible sightings include sharks, big fish, penguins, and octopus in their natural habitat.

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

Knysna: 75-Minute Lagoon Boat Cruise

The tour departs from Thesen Island Harbour Town and heads out onto the pristine Knysna Lagoon, home to an array of native birds and marine life. On board the ‘Oyster Boat', spend a leisurely 75-minutes exploring the lagoon as you sail to the breathtaking and imposing Knysna Heads. As you glide along the waters, sit back and relax whilst soaking up the famous South African sunshine with the wind in your hair. From start to finish the tour provides breathtaking views of the surrounding waters as well as the Knysna coastline. During the boat ride your guide shares fascinating insight into the history, heritage, and culture of Knysna, from a local’s perspective.

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

Knysna: Sunset Lagoon Cruise

End a hot summer's day on the Garden Route with a relaxing cruise around the magnificent Knysna Lagoon. Admire the sunset and become mesmerized by the exquisite views of the Knysa Lagoon and iconic Knysna Heads as you enjoy a beverage on the cruise, Enjoy the beautiful wild and marine life that Knysna has to offer. Discover breathtaking bays and vistas as the sun sets, from the magnificent Knysna estuary to the famous Heads and back. Preorder delicious snacks, drinks and oysters to enjoy during your trip (not included in the price).

Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

Wild Cat Experience 1-Hour Tour

Join a guided 1-hour tour to get up close to the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, including servals, caracals, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Catch a glimpse of other animals such as meerkats, marabou storks, and many more. Enjoy this unique opportunity to see incredible wildlife, as you learn about conservation efforts in the region from your informative guide.  Follow your guide through the various habitats of the different cats as you listen to interesting facts about each species. See and photograph the wild cats at close range from within a walkway.

Frequently asked questions about Garden Route Dolphin & whale watching

What are other things to do than Dolphin & whale watching that are worth visiting in Garden Route?

The other unmissable things to do in Garden Route are:

Experiences in Garden Route

Tours in South Africa

Things to do in South Africa

Other Sightseeing Options in Garden Route

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What people are saying about Garden Route

Overall rating

4.4
(64 reviews)

The meeting point is easy to find. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Good safety measures and comfortable boat. The day we went was the last official day of the season and we were able to spot a Bryde Whale, a couple of seals, and two different types of dolphins: bottlenose and humpback!

We had an amazing trip out on the boat. Caught about a 100 dolphins and a Bryce whale in a feeding frenzy with the odd seal thrown in for good measure. We were so lucky to see that moment. The guides on the boat were very knowledgable and friendly too. Thanks guys

It was an amazing experience. We saw 1 humpback whale, dozens of seals and dolphins. A very enjoyable activity, well worth the money.

We had so much fun and saw everything we needed to see even though it was the end of the season.

We were able to see the whales after all, and this is indeed a worthwhile experience.