Whale Watching in South Africa


WHALE WATCHING TRAVELER

15 Best Whale Watching in South Africa

The trips worth heading out on.

The 15 whale watching in south africa travellers head out on most, side by side. What you are likely to see, how far offshore the boat goes, how long you are out, the operator running it and what a place on board costs.

15 Best Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching from Gansbaai - Southern Right Whales: What You’re Really Searching For
Gansbaai Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching from Gansbaai

1.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

2-hour whale watching from Gansbaai along De Keldar cliffs. Spot Southern right whales, dolphins, sharks and penguins with small-boat comfort.

Most Popular 5.0

“We chose Ivanhoe as the boats are not too big, making it a more personal experience. We soon found the majestic Southern Right Whales, several Mums with Calf’s . They swam right along side the boat, so relaxed . Very emotional experience. The tour is only two hours long , we could all have stayed…”

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Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - The morning briefing: how the guide helps you spot whales faster
Hermanus Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

2.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

A 2-hour catamaran whale-watching trip from Hermanus, led by a whale specialist, with light refreshments and strong chances to spot southern right whales.

4.5

“My family very happy and satisfied with whale watching trip on cruse. Crew was very experienced, safe and knew where to bring to watch whales. I am giving 5 star for my review and recommend others! Thank you!”

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Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) - from JUNE 2025 - 5–7 Coastal Stops by Vehicle, Then Walking Between Viewpoints
Hermanus Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) – from JUNE 2025

3.Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) – from JUNE 2025

Land-based whale watching in Hermanus: private guide, walk coastal viewpoints, visit Whale House Museum. Pickup and mobile ticket.

5.0

“We met up with Percy on Friday and started at the whale museum he was very knowledgable and informative about all aspects of the whales. We had a good 3.30 hours around Hermanus talking in the views and surrounding area we unfortunately didn’t see any whales but it was still a very enjoyable trip would…”

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Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey - The boat ride and The Heads: what happens before the whales
Knysna Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching Knysna – Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey

Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town - When the ocean changes the plan: still worth your day
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

5.Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

Whale watching off Hermanus plus African penguins and wine tastings, with hotel pickup from Cape Town and a long scenic return by Route 44.

4.5

“Incredible day of whales. The weather was perfect and we saw breaching and mothers and babies playing, lots of playing! We had lunch at a great place down on the beach/rocks in town but you need to walk down stairs for that one! Our guide Roland was very informative and fun. We ended up the…”

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Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town - Shoreline Whale Watching: Choosing the Best Viewpoints in Hermanus
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town

6.Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town

Shore-based southern right whale watching in Hermanus, coastal drive back to Cape Town, Bouchard Finlayson wine tasting, and penguins.

3.5

“Hermanus and the whale watching were amazing definitely worth doing. It would have been nice to have a little more time in Hermanus itself as the addition of the boat trip meant that we struggled for time. Jean our guide was great and made a booking for lunch in a lovely restaurant.”

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Gansbaai: Shark Dive & Whale Watching Combo Boat Trip - Kleinbaai morning: breakfast, wet suit, and the ride out to Dyer Island
Garden Route Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Gansbaai: Shark Dive & Whale Watching Combo Boat Trip

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - The morning briefing: how the guide helps you spot whales faster
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

8.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

Boat whale watching from Hermanus New Harbour with an expert briefing, catamaran comfort, and a guided search for humpbacks and more.

5.0

“I had an amazing time with Paul Polano Tours. He was humorous and friendly. He is really punctual as well. You should really spend your money on the company.”

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Whale Watching Hermanus - Boat base - What Happens During the Two Hours on the Water
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching Hermanus – Boat base

9.Whale Watching Hermanus – Boat base

Boat whale watching from Hermanus to Walker Bay with hotel pickup, Clarens Drive scenic drive, dolphins and seals, and time in town.

4.5

“The boat was far too small for the number of people take onboard... much too small especially since the weather was not good and the seas were rough bouncing passengers around, many got seasick and there was no way for all to sit and get away from the vomit.... waveRead more”

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Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town - What whales you might spot off Hermanus (and why you should stay flexible)
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town

10.Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town

Early Cape Town pickup to Hermanus for a guided whale cruise and Stony Point penguin colony, with round-trip transport and entry fees.

4.0

“We have just returned from our trip to Hermanus to see the whales All I can say is wow My wife and I never expected to see so many and so up close to the boat . We felt so privileged to witness the Whales with the new calves passing by. ThRead more”

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1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein - Meganova on the water: comfort, safety, and a crew that runs the show
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein

Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup - Pickup, comfort, and avoiding the chaos
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup

12.Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup

Private whale watching in Hermanus with hotel pickup, expert spotting tips, and optional Betty’s Bay penguins plus time for lunch.

5.0

“Timbers made this experience one for the books for sure, the scenic view, the dinner, the whales, the penguins and the laughs he made this experience perfect from beginning to end! We are excited to do it again in the future for sure!”

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Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Shark Cage Diving and Whale Watching Combo Experience in Gansbaai

Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town - Harold Porter Botanical Garden: A Break That Actually Feels Like Nature
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town

14.Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town

Spend a full day from Cape Town to Hermanus for Southern Right whales and calves, with scenic stops, cliff views, and optional boat rides.

3.5

“The only reason this didn't get five stars from me is because I could only book the boat trip on the day, which relied on there being spaces. Since the whole reason for me booking this was to get on the boat trip, this was disappointing because at one point, it looked likRead more”

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Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Tasting Private Tour - Cape Town to Hermanus: Sir Lowry’s Pass plus the Whale Coast Route (R44)
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching in South Africa

Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Tasting Private Tour

15.Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Private Hermanus whale watching plus wine tasting from Cape Town, with a penguin stop at Stony Point and scenic drives.

5.0

“We had a great experience with Golden Eagle!We loved the tour from the moment it started to the end!I really wanted to visit the Cape of Golden Hope!It is historically and ecologically an interesting spot!The Table mountain as one of the seveRead more”

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