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…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

“We had a very experienced guide who knew what he was talking about. He also told that the whales were early this season and that in August and September there were about 80-90 whales in the bay. Now there were about 8 whales. So you should not sell the trip as it being the whale…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

“It was great meeting Percy, he explained lots of interesting things about whales and sealife in Hermanus and took us to the places where spots are more frequent. We spotted whales from different points of the coast and at the end of the toRead more”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

“Just by chance we had the same driver both days for our privately booked tours. Let me start by saying how great it was to get to know Barnabas M. He is a South Africa Specialist so besides taking us to the most beautiful coastal places he also gave us detailed history behind what we…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

“The tour was amazing and the guide as well but when I booked the tour it said it was with a wine tasting and ticket entry as well and the day of the tour we didn’t do it and the guide was not told that was the tour we booked.”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

“We recently went on a whale-watching tour, and while we couldn’t see any whales, the experience was still memorable. Our guide, Paul, was friendly and knowledgeable, making the trip enjoyable despite the circumstances. He even went the Read more”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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 drive to and from Hermanus is limited to 8 people but the boat trip was with a big group. I have read the comments before and was contacting viator about the group size, they confirmed a small group with max. 8 people also for the boat trip. That wasn’t the case… you barely see…”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

10.1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein

4-hour whale-watching RIB from Yzerfontein with a tiny group, breakfast snacks, humpback sightings, and a guided debrief plus picnic lunch.

★ 5.0

“What an amazing day if you’re in Cape Town or anywhere near than get yourself along here it’s about 1.5 hours north.”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

11.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

“Our driver, Barnabas, was outstanding!! We have already recommended him to others and our Tour guide. He was so informative, accommodating, and a pleasure to spend the day with.”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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 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

13.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

“Tingo guided us on an awesome whale watching trip at Hermanus. It was a memorable experience thanks to the crew's expertise and enthusiasm. The whales were really close to us. The curious penguins at Betty Bay never fail to amaze me Read more”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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”

Check Availability →Read the review →

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

More Whale Watching in South Africa

Scroll to Top

Find your next day on the water

Every coast worth sailing, harbour by harbour.