Skip to main content
Get Your Guide logo
Anytime
  • Become a supplier
  • Wishlist
  • Cart
  • Profile
    Menu

    Explore Hermanus

    Places to see
    Back
    Places to see

    Outside Hermanus

    Nearby destinations

    Cape Town tours

    Franschhoek tours

    Stellenbosch tours

    Gans Bay tours

    Masiphumelele tours

    Nearby sights

    Table MountainAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    Cape of Good HopeAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    Cape PointAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    Boulders BeachAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    V&A WaterfrontAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    Chapman's Peak DriveAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

    Things to do
    Back
    Things to do

    Top experiences

    Dolphin & whale watching

    Wine tasting & winery tours

    Sightseeing cruises

    Shark diving

    Diving

    Hiking

    Cave tours

    Seal watching tours

    Sailing trips & boat tours

    Canoe & kayak tours

    Jeep & 4WD tours

    Explore more things to do in Hermanus

    Interests

    Nature & adventure

    Sightseeing

    Marine life

    Food & drinks

    Outside Hermanus

    Things to do in Cape Town

    Things to do in Franschhoek

    Things to do in Stellenbosch

    Things to do in Gans Bay

  • Explore Hermanus
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Outside Hermanus

Nearby destinations

Cape Town tours

Franschhoek tours

Stellenbosch tours

Gans Bay tours

Masiphumelele tours

Nearby sights

Table MountainAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape of Good HopeAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape PointAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

Boulders BeachAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

V&A WaterfrontAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

Chapman's Peak DriveAttraction in Cape Town, South Africa

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Outside Hermanus

Dolphin & whale watching

Wine tasting & winery tours

Sightseeing cruises

Shark diving

Diving

Hiking

Cave tours

Seal watching tours

Sailing trips & boat tours

Canoe & kayak tours

Jeep & 4WD tours

Explore more things to do in Hermanus

Nature & adventure

Sightseeing

Marine life

Food & drinks

Explore more things to do in Hermanus

Things to do in Cape Town

Things to do in Franschhoek

Things to do in Stellenbosch

Things to do in Gans Bay

Explore more things to do in Hermanus

Certified by GetYourGuide

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
789 reviews
Activity provider:
Hermanus Whale watchers
Add to wishlist
image n.1 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
image n.2 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
image n.3 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
image n.4 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
image n.5 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
image n.6 of Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience activity in Hermanus, uploaded by supplier
Certified by GetYourGuide
Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
789 reviews
Likely to sell out

Experience a trip on the ocean surrounding Hermanus, known as the whale watching capital of the world. Spend time looking for these majestic creatures and observing them in their natural habitat.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
W
Wolfgang – Germany

Again we had a nice trip into the bay with Hermanuns Whale Watchers :-) We did this also in 2022 and 23 so because we were happy clients we are coming back. Now in 2024 we are late in the whalewatching season - it took the captain some time to find some of the whales being still in the bay. But all efforts have been taken. So better come in August or Oktober to make sure there are lot´s of whales in the bay. We recommend this compnay because their boats have the biggest upper deck compared to other services in Hermanus. The overall impression from all 3 trips is just good. So we´ll be coming back next time.

5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Mitch – United Kingdom

Very good considering it was the end of whale season, we managed to see a mum and calf which the crew were very respectful and make sure not to get too close

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Hermanus New Harbour

    Hermanus

    Guided tour, Boat cruise, Marine life viewing, Safety briefing, Scenic views on the way, Whale watching (2 hours)

    Optional, Extra fee
  • Arrive back at:

    Hermanus New Harbour

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Experience the humbling sight of whales in their natural environment
  • Encounter a variety of ocean life, whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds
  • See Hermanus and the Western Cape from a different view

Full description

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. 

Includes

  • 1.5 to 2-hour whale watching boat trip
  • Tour guide on board
  • Water on the boat
  • Coffee on arrival
  • Entrance fee to the Harbour ( R5 payable upon entry)

Meeting point

Tickets provided on arrival, 30 minutes before the trip start time. Please make your way to the Hermanus New Harbour. Once there, go to the orange building on the right-hand side, directly after entering the harbor.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Windbreaker
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Jacket
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

  • Whale watching is suitable for all ages
  • Please wear warm clothing and flat shoes
  • Trips are weather permitting
Likely to sell out

From $86 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5
4.5 out of 5 stars

based on 789 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.2/5

Customer photos

+53
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
Recommended
Most recent
Highest rated
Lowest rated
5
5 out of 5 stars
W
Wolfgang – GermanyNovember 27, 2024 – Verified booking
Again we had a nice trip into the bay with Hermanuns Whale Watchers :-) We did this also in 2022 and 23 so because we were happy clients we are coming back. Now in 2024 we are late in the whalewatching season - it took the captain some time to find some of the whales being still in the bay. But all efforts have been taken. So better come in August or Oktober to make sure there are lot´s of whales in the bay. We recommend this compnay because their boats have the biggest upper deck compared to other services in Hermanus. The overall impression from all 3 trips is just good. So we´ll be coming back next time.
5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Mitch – United KingdomNovember 28, 2024 – Verified booking
Very good considering it was the end of whale season, we managed to see a mum and calf which the crew were very respectful and make sure not to get too close
5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Ayoub – EgyptDecember 1, 2024 – Verified booking
We were able to see the whales after all, and this is indeed a worthwhile experience.

Product ID: 166118

Activity provider:
Hermanus Whale watchers
  • South Africa
  • Western Cape
  • Things to do in Hermanus
  • Tours in Hermanus

Top Attractions in Hermanus

  • 1Hemel en Aarde

Experiences in Hermanus

  • 1Hermanus Dolphin & whale watching
  • 2Hermanus Shark diving
  • 3Hermanus Cruises & boat tours
  • 4Hermanus Transfers
  • 5Hermanus Wine tasting & winery tours
  • 6Hermanus Canoe & kayak tours
  • 7Hermanus Day trips
  • 8Hermanus Safaris & wildlife activities
  • 9Hermanus Family-friendly activities
  • 10Hermanus Nature & adventure
  • 11Hermanus Hiking
  • 12Hermanus Sailing trips & boat tours
  • 13Hermanus Diving
  • 14Hermanus Food & drinks
  • 15Hermanus Bus & minivan tours
  • 16Hermanus Shark & ray safaris
  • 17Hermanus Museums & exhibitions
  • 18Hermanus Private tours
  • 19Hermanus Ocean safaris
  • 20Hermanus Guided tours

Tours in South Africa

  • 1Cape Town Tours
  • 2Johannesburg Tours
  • 3Durban Tours
  • 4Knysna Tours
  • 5Hartbeespoort Tours
  • 6Gqeberha Tours
  • 7Plettenberg Bay Tours
  • 8Pretoria Tours
  • 9Hazyview Tours
  • 10Stellenbosch Tours
  • 11St Lucia, South Africa Tours
  • 12Franschhoek Tours
  • 13Mossel Bay Tours
  • 14Oudtshoorn Tours
  • 15Jeffreys Bay Tours
  • 16Gans Bay Tours
  • 17Swellendam Tours
  • 18Nelspruit Tours
  • 19Graskop Tours
  • 20Graaff-Reinet Tours

Things to do in South Africa

  • 1Things to do in Cape Town
  • 2Things to do in Johannesburg
  • 3Things to do in Durban
  • 4Things to do in Knysna
  • 5Things to do in Hartbeespoort
  • 6Things to do in Gqeberha
  • 7Things to do in Plettenberg Bay
  • 8Things to do in Pretoria
  • 9Things to do in Hazyview
  • 10Things to do in Stellenbosch
  • 11Things to do in St Lucia, South Africa
  • 12Things to do in Hoedspruit
  • 13Things to do in Franschhoek
  • 14Things to do in Ballito
  • 15Things to do in Mossel Bay
  • 16Things to do in Oudtshoorn
  • 17Things to do in Jeffreys Bay
  • 18Things to do in Mbombela
  • 19Things to do in Krugersdorp
  • 20Things to do in Richards Bay

Top destinations

  • Paris
  • Barcelona
  • Rome
  • Amsterdam
  • Prague
  • London
  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Marrakesh
  • Lisbon
  • Milan
  • Dubai
  • Istanbul
  • Venice
  • Berlin
  • Florence
  • New York City
  • Split
  • Málaga
  • Hamburg

Top attraction categories

  • Amsterdam Cruises & boat tours
  • Budapest Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Cruises & boat tours
  • Berlin Cruises & boat tours
  • Venice Gondola tours
  • London Harry Potter tours
  • Rome Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Paris Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Paris Family-friendly activities
  • Berlin Shows & musicals
  • Hamburg Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Shows & musicals
  • Paris City cards
  • La Maddalena Cruises & boat tours
  • Cologne Cruises & boat tours
  • Prague Cruises & boat tours
  • Rome City cards
  • Zadar Cruises & boat tours
  • Stockholm Cruises & boat tours
  • Vienna Concerts & operas

Popular Attractions

  • Caminito del Rey
  • Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Colosseum
  • Seine River
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Warner Bros. Studio London
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Vatican Museums
  • Louvre Museum
  • Siam Park
  • Mount Etna
  • Lake Como
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Blue Lagoon, Malta
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Last Supper
  • Anne Frank House
  • South Africa
  • Western Cape
  • Things to do in Hermanus
  • Tours in Hermanus
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
  • Contact
  • Legal Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies and Marketing Preferences
  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Information according to the Digital Services Act
  • Sitemap
  • Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Press
  • Gift Cards
  • Explorer
  • As a Supply Partner
  • As a Content Creator
  • As an Affiliate Partner
Paypal
Mastercard
Visa
Maestro
American Express
Jcb
Discover
Klarna
Google Pay
Apple Pay
Ideal
Bancontact

© 2008 – 2025 GetYourGuide. Made in Zurich & Berlin.

Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn