Viator · group up to 99 pax

Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town

4.7(20)Cape Town1 hour
VIATOR4.6(5)TRIPADVISOR4.7(15)

Description

Spend a day whale watching and wine tasting on this full-day trip to Hermanus from Cape Town. See migrating Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's Whales off the coast of Hermanus from June through mid-December. Sample some of the local wines on route to Cape Town.

Tour Options

Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Pass by

En-route to Hermanus and 60 minutes east of Cape town stands the Hottentots holland mountain range at about 1000 meters above sea level.The Hottentots mountain were forced up from underground by converging plates over a 100 million years ago.The geologically know Cape folded belt mountain range makes for such beautiful scenery as our journey meanders along the sir Lowry's pass that goes over these dramatic mountains and to the Overberg region of Cape town.

Pass by

Elgin is the largest apple growing town in South Africa.Her lushness amuses and smoothens one's spirit as you drive through towards Hermanus.

Pass by

The Houwhoek pass for hold corner was named by the migrating Dutch descendants from Cape town after how much difficulties they faced traversing these mountains to escape the new British law at the Cape in the early 1800s.The mountaing range provides one with breathtaking views and also glimpes of the oldest hotel in South Africa,Houwhoek Inn.

180 min

Upon reaching Hermanus new Harbour.Guest will be provided with a 20 minute safety briefing as well what they may expect to see once they sail out to sea. Marine biologist will give full details about the whales. From why they come to our shores during this time of the year as well as some of their most common traits. Our big boat carries a maximum of 80 people we only sail with 65 to enhance a much better experience. By being inquisitive animals as they are, Southern right whales are known to approach the boats most of the times to observe. This behaviour gives guest a much closer view of these huge animals. Some of them weighing up to 50 tons. That is equivalent to 10 fully grown African elephants! Guest will be more than welcome if so they wish to visit the Hermanus town center for shopping or even lunch before they are driven back to Cape town.

Admission not included60 min

After the boat trip you are welcome to stop for lunch (own account) at one of the many seaside restaurants or you may opt for lunch in the Hermanus Winelands known as Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) for lunch and/or wine tasting. We recommend Creation Wine Estate. Should you prefer a take away instead, speak to your guide who will assist you with recommendations at one of the informal eateries.

90 min

Hermanus is a quaint and coastal town just an hour and a half east of Cape town City. Known for its sea food restaurants and also the Southern right whale's breeding warm waters. Should you still be keen to see more whales after the boat trip, Intriguing coastal walking trails where whales can be spotted from land are not to be missed. While we are still in Hermanus, guests will also have a chance to have lunch at a restaurant of your choice or do some shopping before we had back to Cape town via the beautiful whale coast route.

Admission included45 min

On the way back to Cape town along the route 44 or the whale coast route.We will have an opportunity to visit a large penguin colony in a town called Betty's bay.Stony point is one of South Africa's only two mainland penguin colonies and the other one being Boulders beach near Cape of good hope.One of the best reason to visit stony point is that since it is far away from most big town,it is usually much quieter and less busy than the very well known boulders beach.

60 min

Our journey back to Cape Town will continue along the coast as opposed to going over the mountains, passing by interesting towns that were established as whaling towns before the banning of whaling in the 1930s e.g kleinmond, Pringle bay, Rooi els and Gordon's bay. Guest will be dropped off at their desired location in Cape town to conclude our eventful day.

Highlights

Whale watching boat trip
Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel
Bottled water onboard the vehicle & boat
Stony point Penguins Colony

What's included

Included
Whale watching boat trip
Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel
Bottled water onboard the vehicle & boat
Stony point Penguins Colony
Not included
Lunch and Drinks and Gratuities (Optional)
Creation, Hemel and Aarde Road fee is R180

Pickup Locations & Times

We pick all our travelers at the Silo Hotel V&A Waterfront, if their Hotel/Air bnb not allocated on the radius provided.

Traveller Ratings

4.7
20 reviews
5
16
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
1

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants seats available on request.
  • Minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18 years of age

Reviews(20)

S
Seaside10251606063
November 20, 2025
To recommend

We were very happy with the ride, the driver and the entire trip. Were lucky and could really see whales.

M
Mark H
November 12, 2025
Outstanding Tour Guide Fiston.

Custom was our tour guide. He was great and very engaging the whole trip. He pointed out and explained multiple points of interest.

A
alison d
November 6, 2025
Fabulous day trip whale watching and seeing African penguins

We had an amazing trip. The winds had picked up so we were luckily the last boat allowed to go. It was pretty rough so seasickness tablets recommended! Seeing a southern right whale mother and calf so close was totally amazing. The costal drive is spectacular and stopping to see the very cute African penguins is a must . Fish was a great driver and guide

F
F6348BNsusanp
October 27, 2025
Whale watching

Fantastic experience seeing the whales it's something we won't forget Had fantastic guide to escort us who was knowledgeable about the whole trip

A
Andre K
October 23, 2025
Great whale watching 👀 day

We had a nice day with Fiston, who collected us directly at the Cruise-Ship-Terminal. We saw whales, a lot of dolphins. Very nice!

C
Claire_E
October 17, 2025
Amazing experience

Wonderful day with brilliant guide Fiston. Great crew at Southern Right Charters making sure everyone got a safe and enjoyable experience. Excited to see several groups of whales including youngsters. The return journey was comfortable and got to see the beautiful scenic route including the penguins, and again complimented by Fiston’s knowledge and kindness.

G
Glenda_D
September 30, 2025
Great Tour!!!!

Whales! A lovely trip for my birthday. It was chilly but we were prepared based on the reviews. We had a phenomenal tour guide, Fiston! He made the trip so much more special.

T
Tonia133
September 29, 2025
Whales and Penguins

Was a full day being privately driven to see the many whales and babies, followed by coffee,lunch and shopping in Hermanus. This was followed up with a scenic coastal drive back to visit the Jackass penguin colony up close, followed by the many baboons in route. Was a spectacular day with great company and fabulous value for money

L
Lorraine_M
September 17, 2025
Wow, saw so many whales!

Had a great day, saw many whales from the boat and from the shore in Hermanus. So good to see mothers and calves so close to the shoreline & in Hermanus, there is a whale cryer to let you know by blowing his horn when they appear. We had a private tour booked but somehow we ended up sharing which wasn't fair. But we thoroughly enjoyed it & the driver took us to Gordon's bay to see more wild penguins.

6
661blackw
September 15, 2025
Great experience

This was an extremely valuable experience. We were picked up at the meeting point by our driver, Fiston, and directed to Hermanus. We could see lots of whales and dolphins. It was great! On the way back we also stopped to see the penguins on a less touristic shore than Boulders Beach, great choice according to me. I recommend this tour. Very nice and professional guide.

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