Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Experience from Cape Town

Cheetah Outreach is a well-known non-profit conservation and education centre located in Paardevlei, Somerset West, near Cape Town. It was set up to help protect the endangered Southern African cheetah and raise public awareness of the threats these animals face in the wild Duration: 30 minutes

Enjoy a breathtaking coastal journey between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay, where the road hugs the dramatic Cape coastline and its sparkling turquoise ocean.

Stony Point Nature Reserve is a protected coastal reserve best known for its African penguin colony — one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world. These endangered “jackass” penguins nest and waddle around the rocky shore, providing excellent opportunities to observe their natural behaviour up close without disturbing them. The colony also attracts several species of cormorants (Crowned, Cape, Bank and White-breasted) as well as gulls and dassies (rock hyrax), making the reserve a great spot for wildlife and birdwatching.

Hermanus developed into one of the world’s most famous land-based whale-watching destinations in the early 20th century. Southern right whales began returning annually to their sheltered bays after international whaling declined in the 1930s, allowing populations to slowly recover. By the 1970s, Hermanus was internationally recognized for its close-to-shore whale sightings, often just meters from the coastline. In 1992, the town introduced the Whale Crier, a unique tradition where a horn announces whale sightings along the cliff paths. Today, Hermanus attracts visitors from around the world during the June to November whale season, celebrating these gentle giants through conservation, education, and the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. The town remains a global example of responsible, sustainable whale tourism.

The Hermanus Cliff Path is a beautifully maintained coastal walkway stretching for several kilometres along the town’s rugged shoreline. It offers panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and some of the world’s best land-based whale watching, especially during the June to November season when southern right whales come close to shore to calve and nurse. The path is easily accessible, dotted with benches and viewpoints, and is perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and nature lovers.

As we head back to your hotel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed the Hermanus tour and created wonderful memories along the way. Upon arrival, we will have a brief 15 minutes to say goodbye and wish you safe onward travels.