South Africa · WHALE WATCHING

The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in South Africa

34 tours  ·  from $49 a head

Southern rights come into Walker Bay from roughly June to November and Hermanus watches them from the cliff for nothing. These 15 boat trips are priced and timed, with a note on permit distances and what the swell can cancel.

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience - From Hermanus New Harbour to open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hermanus, Whale Watching

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

1.Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,180 reviews · 1h 30m · from $93Our pick

Join Hermanus Whale Watchers at New Harbour for a 90-minute English-language cruise into Walker Bay. Expect a safety briefing, crew commentary, and time to watch whales from the boat or upper deck when conditions allow. Guides such as Philip and Peter are praised for spotting animals and explaining their behavior. Warm clothing and flat shoes are essential.

“It was focussed on the whales, nothing else. Guide and team were great! I will keep this moments forever.”

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Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - The safety talk and whale briefing
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hermanus, Whale Watching

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

2.Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Join Southern Right Charters in Hermanus for a two-hour catamaran cruise with a whale specialist. Look for seasonal southern right and humpback whales, year-round Bryde’s whales, dolphins, and seals. Guides such as Ken and Jacques explain what you see, while the crew serves light refreshments and helps with photos.

“We saw hundreds of dolphins who kept and swam towards a Right Whale and her calf. The whales came to the boat and swam alongside providing a very memorable experience.”

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Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - St. Croix Island and its endangered penguins
Boulders Beach Penguin Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Elizabeth, Whale Watching

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Top rated

Set out at 8am from Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club on a twin-engine catamaran limited to 20 people. Raggy Charters guides, including Jake and an experienced crew, search Algoa Bay for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and African penguins at St. Croix Island. The four-hour cruise runs once daily and supports tree planting to offset its carbon footprint.

“Every part of this trip was excellent. Staff friendly, real attention to safety, communication from booking and of course the wildlife The crew ensured we were all looked after and expertly navigated to ensure we could all see the wonderful nature Read more”

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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip - Boarding a boat limited to 25 people
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cape Town, Whale Watching

From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

4.Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 378 reviews · 7 hours · from $221

Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then cruise toward Hermanus on a whale-watching boat limited to 25 people. Look for southern right whales, humpbacks, dolphins, seals, penguins, and orcas with an English-speaking crew. Guides such as Alfonso, Jean, and Ivanhoe’s skippers explain whale behavior and help you get clear views without crowding the animals.

“The guides were very knowledgeable about the wildlife & we had an amazing close up experience with two curious whales.”

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Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise - Two hours of searching the Plettenberg Bay coast
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Plettenberg Bay, Whale Watching

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

5.Whale Watching Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 362 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Best value

Join Ocean Safaris Garden Route for a two-hour wildlife cruise from Plettenberg Bay. You launch straight from the beach aboard a 400-horsepower cat-style speedboat, with guides such as Andy, PK, Ashwin, or Sergio helping you spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Morning trips are the safer bet when weather can change quickly.

“Excellent boat trip. We saw a number of whales, hundreds of dolphins and seals. The guides were fantastic at spotting the whales and telling exactly where they were. Very knowledgeable and very enjoyable!”

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Whale Watching from Gansbaai - Looking for southern right whales near the cliffs
Tour Reviews, Tours in Gansbaai, Whale Watching

Whale Watching from Gansbaai

6.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · from $112

Leave Gansbaai Harbour for the cliffs of De Keldar on a two-hour whale-watching cruise limited to 25 people. Guides such as Jan, Johan, and Jean, pronounced Sean, have led trips praised for close, respectful whale encounters. Look for southern right whales, calves, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, and other whale species. Bring warm layers and sun protection.

“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 out longer . Try to choose a calm day, as spotting the whales is so much easier.”

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Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat - Through Knysna Heads and into the Indian Ocean
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Knysna, Whale Watching

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

7.Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 207 reviews · 2 hours · from $113

Join Ocean Odyssey at Thesen Harbour Town for a two-hour whale watching trip through the Knysna Estuary, Knysna Heads, and the Indian Ocean. A shore-based whale spotter guides the skipper by radio, helping you find humpback and southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Expect a fast, sometimes bumpy ride.

“Everything was perfectly organized! I was supposed to take the tour on a day that was too windy to actually go on the boat, so they rescheduled me for the next day without any issues. The whole team is super nice and they seem to enjoy what they’re doing what made this experience even nicer! Our skipper did an amazing job together with everyone who made sure, that we actually get to see some whales. Would do it again any second!”

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Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - The shore briefing sets the scene
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hermanus, Whale Watching

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

8.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 205 reviews · from $91

Join a whale specialist at Hermanus New Harbour for a two-hour catamaran trip in search of southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales. The crew explains whale behavior, helps you find the best viewing spots, and provides light refreshments. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds may also appear. Children under 12 receive life jackets.

“Our family had an amazing day of whale watching. Great crew and very informative tour. Sighted many Southern Right Whales up close to the boat. Also saw dolphins. Highly recommend this trip to anyone.”

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From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour - Hermanus gives you both town time and whale country
Full-Day, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town, Whale Watching

From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

9.Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · from $51

Spend about 10 hours with an English-speaking guide on the scenic road from Cape Town to Hermanus. Stop at Gordon’s Bay, Rotary Way, Hermanus New Harbour, Wine Village, and Peregrine Farm Stall. You get leisure time, wine tasting, WiFi, and the chance to add a whale cruise during whale season. Guides may include Brahm or Louis.

“What a wonderful experience and interesting stops along the way! It's a beautiful drive with interesting stops and nuggets of information along the way. Hermanus is a beautiful town any day of the year. 'Opted for the additional sightseRead more”

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Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat - Watching southern right whales at close range
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

10.Whale Watching Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 127 reviews · 2 hours · from $146

Set out from Gansbaai Harbour on a two-hour whale-watching boat trip along the De Kelders cliffs. An English-speaking guide helps you look for southern right whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and other marine life. The boat is wheelchair accessible and designed to avoid overcrowding. Bring warm clothes, sun protection, and a waterproof camera.

“Great visual access in a boat where you are able to see the whales clearly and especially if you are lucky enough that they come close to the boat. Guides have good knowledge”

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From Cape Town: Full Day Hermanus Whale Watching Tour - Three Hours in Hermanus for Shore-Based Whales
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From Cape Town: Full-Day Hermanus Whale Watching Tour

11.Full-Day Hermanus Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 119 reviews · 1 day · from $120

Travel from Cape Town in a small group of up to eight with a registered English, French, or German-speaking guide. Visit Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Hermanus, Elgin, and Sir Lowry’s Pass. Whale watching from shore is included, while a boat trip must be booked separately in advance.

“Notre guide était serviable, aimable est très sympa. Mais il y a eu un gros manque d’organisation : certaines personnes du groupe voulaient faire l’excursion en bateau, mais leur place n’était pas réservée donc nous avons dû écourter la visite du jardin botanique pour arriver plus tôt à Hermanus. Aussi, la suite de l’itinéraire ne correspondait pas aux instructions qu’avaient reçues le guide donc il ne s’est pas arrêté en haut du col par exemple. C’est dommage !”

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From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai - The morning road through Sir Lowry’s Pass and Betty’s Bay
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cape Town, Whale Watching

From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

12.Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 110 reviews · 2 hours · from $249

Set out from Cape Town with an English-speaking guide such as Neil or Bruce, following the coast through Gordon’s Bay, Betty’s Bay, Hermanus, and Gansbaai. The main event is a two-hour Ivanhoe Sea Safaris boat trip, with time for penguins, farm produce, and a late lunch in Hermanus. Whale sightings depend on weather and season.

“Such an amazing day out, can’t recommend enough.. The guide that picked us up Bruce, was interesting, very knowledgeable and bent over backwards to ensure we had the best day. He stopped off for coffee breaks, showed us penguins, nesting cormorants and Dussies on the journey back. . The crew on Ivanhoe Sea Safaris were equally wonderful and almost immediately found us whales. They gently took the boat towards them and we watched 2 females, 1 male and two baby whales give us the most spectacular performances, flapping their tails and rising up out of the water next to boat. You won’t regret doing this trip!”

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Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) - from JUNE 2025 - Riding between 5 to 7 coastal viewpoints
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hermanus, Walking Tours, Whale Watching

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $57

Meet Percy at Hermanus Whale Museum for a short introduction to local whales, dolphins, sharks, and marine life. Then ride in an air-conditioned private vehicle between 5 to 7 coastal viewpoints, walking paved paths to look for whales, coves, and inlets. The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and suits anyone who prefers shore-based watching to a boat trip.

“Alles perfekt geklappt. Percy hat dieses Erlebnis für mich toll gemacht..auf individuelle Wünsche eingegangen..Man merkt dass er seinen Job gern macht und dann aber auch noch die Extrameile geht und auch mit seiner Kamera Fotos macht zur Erinnerung . Danke”

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Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise - Meeting at Ocean Blue Adventures in the Milkwood Centre
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Plettenberg Bay, Whale Watching

Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise

14.Whale-Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 65 reviews · 1h 30m · from $77

Meet Ocean Blue Adventures at the Milkwood Centre, then walk about 400 meters to the beach for a guided 90-minute search for Southern Right or Humpback Whales. You may also see dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, and seasonal Great White Sharks. The boat launches and lands through the surf, adding a lively edge to the trip.

“It was a very exciting experience The guide was great. He explained a lot, and it showed a lot. it was a really great experience”

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Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey - Passing through The Heads and reaching open water
Tour Reviews, Tours in Knysna, Whale Watching

Whale Watching Knysna – Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey

15.Whale Watching Knysna – Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $94

Set out from Thesen Island with Ocean Odyssey for a two-hour marine safari off Knysna. Your skipper and local guide explain whale and dolphin behavior while you watch for Bryde’s, southern right, and humpback whales, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds. The boat may pass through The Heads, conditions permitting. Bring warm layers and prepare for motion.

“Was amazing to see the whale in action so closely. Most amazing experience ever. Definitely a recommendation to do if you ever can”

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New in Whale Watching

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★ 5.0Full-Day Whale Watching and Wine Region Experience from Cape TownFrom $2607 reviews
★ 4.8Shark & Whale Trip ComboFrom $28312 reviews
★ 3.7Whale Watching and Wine Testing5 reviews
★ 4.0Hermanus Whale Watching Tour with TransferFrom $3177 reviews
★ 5.0Hermanus Whale Watching Tour with Boat TripFrom $2196 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour: Hermanus- Boat Based Whale Watching ExperienceFrom $3704 reviews
★ 3.3Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat & PenguinsFrom $2466 reviews
★ 3.2Hermanus Whale Watching TourFrom $2185 reviews
★ 4.9Cape Agulhas, Hermanus whales & Wine Tasting Day TripFrom $2646 reviews

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