Top 4 Cape Town Whale Watching Tours

1.Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

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

Travel from Cape Town to Gansbaai, then cruise toward Hermanus and De Kelders with Ivanhoe Sea Safaris. Expect Southern Right Whales, dolphins, seals, and possible humpbacks. Guides such as Alfonzo and Jean explain the wildlife, while pickup, drinks, snacks, and return transport are included.

“Fantastic day out! Our guide was funny & informative, and the whales did not disappoint. We got up close to a mother and calf and even saw a few breaches! Would absolutely recommend. 5*”

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2.Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

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

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus in a group of up to 18, with coastal views, Rotary Way, free time for shore-based whale watching, an optional whale cruise, Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting, and a stop at Peregrine Farm Stall. Guides such as Louis and Brahm add local insight.

“A beautiful drive; friendly, knowledgeable host; seeing whales (even from shore); nice group of fellow travelers - there was nothing in the day that I would change.”

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3.Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

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

Join an English-speaking guide such as Neil, Bruce, or Russell for a full-day coastal trip from Cape Town to Gansbaai. Expect hotel pickup, a two-hour Ivanhoe Sea Safaris whale cruise, time in Hermanus, and a farm-stall stop. Penguin viewing depends on the day’s route and timing.

“The whole trip was excellent but what really made it so much more memorable and fun was Charlton, our brilliant guide. He was really knowledgable and tailored the day to our interests. Seeing whales so close was an outstanding, once in a lifetime experience.”

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4.Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · from $242

Leave Cape Town early with a private guide and vehicle for Hermanus. Watch Southern Right Whales from a shared boat, visit Stony Point penguins, and stop at Benguela Cove or another wine estate. Guides such as Samson, Barnabas, Danny, and Cornelius are praised for flexibility and local insight.

“We had an incredible day, seeing the whales, penguins and wine tasting. But what really made the day was our driver/guide, Samson who was incredibly knowledgeable and kept us entertained all day and couldn't do enough for us. I would highly recommend this tour and if you are lucky you might just get Samson as your guide. Thank you for a wonderful day.”

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