Whale Watching Tour: Encounter Gentle Giants Up Close
4.7
235 Ratings
Hermanus

Experience an up, close and personal encounter with the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean that promises to be an ‘experience to be treasured.’ From June to December you will mostly encounter the Southern Right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on this informative and educational tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Southern Right Charters - Boat Based Whale Watching
    The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by our whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran. We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ The purpose-built catamaran provides superior viewing and comfort and during the…
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What's Included
  • Support Crew to ensure passenger comfort
  • Whale specialist guide on board
  • Complimentary Light refreshments
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • USB Movie of tour (available to purchase at R390)
Additional Information
  • All ages welcome, children U/12 must wear a life jacket at al times which will be provided
  • Please bring along:
  • Weather appropriate clothing and a windbreaker
  • Sensible footwear, sunscreen; cap if necessary
  • Sea sick tablets should be taken in advance as per packet instructions (if necessary)
Location
Southern Right Charters
Enter the New Harbour (Corner of Westcliff & Stil Road), follow the signs for Southern Right Charters, down to the waters' edge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(235 Ratings)
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Mirandak512
Nov 4, 2025
Southern Right Whales - A fantastic tour company, who clearly value experiences where the whales encounter the boat (not the other way around). We had a truly wonderful trip, observing a mother and young calf. The journey time to see whales is short and only slightly choppy. Crew are knowledgeable about the whales and on hand to answer questions and provide refreshment
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cawap68
Nov 2, 2025
Spectacular: whales with sunrise in the background - We left at 6:30 in the morning and made full: whales + sunrise, a wonder, and the sea calm. The boat is very good, from what we saw it is the best in the area. Since it is not very large it moves a little, but it is necessary to be agile to maneuver. Warm up because it's cold, and the first shift is the good one. The speaker is very funny. We saw enough whales, and one with his son. They offer you tea, coffee and cookies at your discretion before and after the activity. It's really worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
David_l
Oct 29, 2025
Professional, comfortable with friendly staff - Really great trip, well organised with friendly staff. Buy the seasickness tablets in the Click chemist in town (R20). Take one the night before and the morning of your trip and you will have no issues. They won’t interfere with any of your eating and drinking plans
Review provided by Viator
Martine-run
Oct 22, 2025
To do! - Well organized excursion, contract fulfilled: we were able to observe whales and dolphins.Cozy boat for this excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elenams2013
Oct 21, 2025
Memorable experience - I booked the activity for 9 in the morning departing from Hermanus, a taxi picked me up punctually to get to the harbour. For people that are afraid of the movement , the boat is really stable . These people know what they do, we saw 2 groups of Southern right whales and had more than enough time to see them playing around the boat and make lots of videos and photos . In the way back, we saw hundreds of dolphins and some seals . It was really amazing, All well organized. We departed at 9, it takes 2 hours as announced. Super recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vlad_c
Oct 18, 2025
We saw whales :D and the... - We saw whales :D and the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. 100% reccomended! Only thing I would say, if you get seasick make sure you get pills before as the waters can get choppy!
Review provided by Viator
Q7846fmmikem
Oct 18, 2025
Great experience! - Top organized. From front to back 5 stars! Would do it again anytime. Be sure to take the video from the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lena_l
Oct 15, 2025
Can’t missed tour in hermanus - We had chances to a lot of whales in close distance. Everyone in the boat was so exited and happy. Crew members did a excellent job for spotting whale and explanations.
Review provided by Viator
Hugo
Oct 14, 2025
🐳🐳🐳 - During the boat tour, I had the opportunity to spot whales for 3 or 4 times, that is, the tour was a success. I just didn't give 5 stars because of the violent going and coming from the boat, which left some passengers sick or even vomiting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michaelcheret
Oct 13, 2025
Whale Excursion - We experienced it as a positive, just a pity that the whales did not feel like it that day. They were present but kept their distance and came up very little with their tail fin and snout. On the boat many people were seasick due to the high waves
Review provided by Viator
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