Whale Watching · CAPE TOWN

Top 15 Cape Town Whale Watching Tours

27 tours  ·  from $52 a head

Whales do not run to a timetable, but the boats do. These 15 Cape Town whale watching tours are priced and timed so you can pick one in a couple of minutes and go and pack a coat.

From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip - Launching from Gansbaai’s fishing harbor
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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

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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From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour - Rotary Way for the big Hermanus view
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From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

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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From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai - Sir Lowry’s Pass opens the Overberg route
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From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

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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Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town - Wine country at Benguela Cove and beyond
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Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

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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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Tour - The coastal drive turns transport into part of the trip
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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Tour

5.Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 30 reviews · 8h 30m · from $68

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus by small-group bus with an English-speaking guide, stopping for coastal views, Rotary Way, town time, wine tasting, and optional whale watching. The $68 price covers transport and tasting, but the boat cruise costs extra and whale sightings are never guaranteed.

“Esperava mais, o passeio em si é bem calmo e rápido, a cidade muito bonita também, porém a empresa tendo o conhecimento que é uma época onde é difícil ver as baleias, deveria colocar no aviso sobre a remota possibilidade e sua extrema raridade em x meses e quais são mais fáceis de vê-las, evitando que os clientes comprem e se frustrem.”

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Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town - Shore-based whale watching in Hermanus
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Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town

6.Hermanus Whale Watching Day Trip from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 29 reviews · from $101

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus for shore-based Southern Right Whale watching, free time in town, and a winery visit. A boat trip costs extra and depends on availability. Guides such as Armoy Olivier and Jean have helped guests find strong viewing spots, while Sundays replace the winery with Stoney Point penguins.

“The tour was amazing and the guide as well but when I booked the tour it said it was with a wine tasting and ticket entry as well and the day of the tour we didn’t do it and the guide was not told that was the tour we booked.”

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Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - The land briefing before the boat
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Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

7.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $287

Meet your whale specialist guide, Paul, for a land briefing before sailing from Hermanus New Harbour on a comfortable catamaran. You may see southern right, humpback, or Bryde’s whales, plus dolphins and seals. Pickup, private transport, refreshments, and a videographer are included.

“I had an amazing time with Paul Polano Tours. He was humorous and friendly. He is really punctual as well. You should really spend your money on the company.”

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Whale Watching Hermanus - Boat base - What the two-hour boat trip feels like
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Whale Watching Hermanus – Boat base

8.Whale Watching Hermanus – Boat base

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · from $228

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus in a comfortable vehicle with a friendly guide, stopping in Walker Bay for a boat-based whale search. You’ll have snacks, bottled water, coastal views, and time to explore Hermanus. The vehicle is limited to about eight people, but the boat can hold a much larger group.

“The boat was far too small for the number of people take onboard... much too small especially since the weather was not good and the seas were rough bouncing passengers around, many got seasick and there was no way for all to sit and get away from the vomit.... waveRead more”

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1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein - Searching for humpback supergroups
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1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein

9.1 Day Whale Watching at Yzerfontein

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $331

Meet the Whale Expedition SA crew at Yzerfontein Harbour at 6:30 am for a four-hour search aboard Meganova, a high-performance RIB limited to 10 people. Guides Ash, Jacques, and Eric help you look for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds, with food, warm drinks, and waterproof gear provided.

“Thanks Jan for introducing and immersing into wild ocean life especially whales!”

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Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town - Hermanus harbor and the whale boat
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Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town

10.Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 14 reviews · from $144

You’ll leave Cape Town early with a shared guide and drive to Hermanus for a 2 to 3 hour whale cruise, then stop for lunch and visit Stony Point’s African penguin colony. Guides such as Alfani, Barnabas, and Gavin have been praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“Our driver, Barnabas, was outstanding!! We have already recommended him to others and our Tour guide. He was so informative, accommodating, and a pleasure to spend the day with.”

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Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup - Hermanus gives you more than a harbor departure
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Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup

11.Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $215

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus in a private air-conditioned vehicle with guide Tingo, then spend about three hours at sea looking for southern right and humpback whales, dolphins, and seals. Add lunch or a Betty’s Bay penguin stop if you want a longer coastal day.

“Tingo guided us on an awesome whale watching trip at Hermanus. It was a memorable experience thanks to the crew's expertise and enthusiasm. The whales were really close to us. The curious penguins at Betty Bay never fail to amaze me Read more”

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Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town - Harold Porter Botanical Garden adds a quieter pause
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Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town

12.Whale Watching Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 9 reviews · from $100

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus with a professional registered guide, stopping at Pringle Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Betty’s Bay, Harold Porter Botanical Garden, and Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Watch Southern Right Whales from the cliffs, then add a boat trip at your own cost if space is available.

“A very scenic drive along the coast to Hermanus along with a visit to a penguin colony and a, winery tour before lunch and then a great two hours of constant whale sightseeing from the tour boat Highly recommend this tour”

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Hermanus and Whale Route Trike Tour from Cape Town - Rooi Els: a 30-minute coastal pause
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Hermanus and Whale Route Trike Tour from Cape Town

13.Hermanus and Whale Route Trike Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews

Join Willem and Cape Town Trike Tours for an eight-hour private ride from Cape Town to Hermanus. You pilot a motorized tricycle behind your guide, stopping at Rooi Els, Kleinmond, Betty's Bay, and Clarence Drive before lunch beside the sea.

“Fantastic day! A must do if you want to see the countryside up close and not from a bus! Willem is cool. He’s very knowledgeable and drives safely. You’ll take multiple photo stops and have lunch right on the sea!”

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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Tour with Transfer - Film studios, wine country, and Somerset West
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From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Tour with Transfer

14.Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Tour with Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $317

Travel from Cape Town to Hermanus with a driver-guide such as Laetitia, passing townships, wine country, Sir Lowry’s Pass, and Steenbras Dam. Then spend 2 to 3 hours at sea looking for Southern Right whales. Bring warm clothes, sunscreen, and a camera.

“Very expensive for what it is, poor management of registrations, the office where we were supposed to go did not identify us, they sent us elsewhere and after several phone calls we finally returned to the starting point, no excuses, we missed the basic debriefing and almost missed the start ... The information was very limited and accessible only to people on the upper pontoon. In case of bad weather they should perhaps cancel, poor visibility and the animals less visible ...”

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Full-Day Whale Watching and Wine Region Experience from Cape Town - Hermanus and the 2 to 3 hour marine safari
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Full-Day Whale Watching and Wine Region Experience from Cape Town

15.Full-Day Whale Watching and Wine Region Experience from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $260

Leave Cape Town by private vehicle for Hermanus, where a shared 2 to 3 hour boat trip looks for whales, seals, and dolphins. Then visit Hemel en Aarde and Spier for wine, chocolate, and optional lunch. Guide Callixte has earned praise for smooth driving and thoughtful service.

“Wonderfull day with my family ,thetour it wasamizing real, the tourguide was on time drive smoothly and respectifull. I recomended to any one who want to book this tours. Evasta”

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New in Cape Town Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Hermanus Whales and Wine Full Day Private TourFrom $1972 reviews
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