The 11 Best South Africa Whale Watching Tours

1.Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

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

From Hermanus New Harbour, you’ll join an English-speaking guide and spend 90 minutes to two hours on Walker Bay looking for whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Guides such as Peter and Philip explain whale behavior, while the crew keeps a respectful distance and may stop the engines for close sightings.

“Again we had a nice trip into the bay with Hermanuns Whale Watchers :-) We did this also in 2022 and 23 so because we were happy clients we are coming back. Now in 2024 we are late in the whalewatching season - it took the captain some time to find some of the whales being still in the bay. But all efforts have been taken. So better come in August or Oktober to make sure there are lot´s of whales in the bay. We recommend this compnay because their boats have the biggest upper deck compared to other services in Hermanus. The overall impression from all 3 trips is…”

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2.Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

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

Join Southern Right Charters for a two-hour cruise from Hermanus New Harbour. A whale specialist explains southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales as the crew searches for dolphins and seals. The large catamaran offers open viewing areas, light refreshments, and optional drone footage.

“We were at the end of the whale season but we saw hundreds of dolphins and at the end of the tour a whale, the tour a half hour longer so we could see the whale. Guide knows what he’s talking about.”

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3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

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

Join Raggy Charters at 8am from Nelson Mandela Bay Yacht Club for a four-hour catamaran cruise in Algoa Bay. With up to 20 people aboard, you’ll look for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds and African penguins near St. Croix Island while the crew explains local conservation work.

“Jake and his crew shared their expert knowledge of local marine wildlife and went out of their way to make our voyage a memorable one. The highlight of the trip was spotting a mother and baby humpback whale and sailing with the dolphins. Read more”

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4.Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

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

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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5.Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

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

Join Ocean Safaris Garden Route for a two-hour whale-watching trip from Plettenberg Bay. You will launch from the beach on a purpose-built cat-style speedboat, with guides such as Andy, PK, and Ashwin helping spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Morning departures are your best bet for calm conditions.

“We saw seals, dolphins by the hundreds and whales - couldn’t ask for more - amazing”

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6.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

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

Cruise from Gansbaai toward the De Keldar cliffs for Southern right whales, calves, dolphins, sharks, penguins, and other marine life. A professional guide explains what you see, while the small boat keeps the trip personal. The two-hour outing returns to the harbor, with pickup available.

“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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7.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

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

Set out from Hermanus New Harbour on a purpose-built catamaran with a whale specialist, support crew, and onboard videographer. A two-hour trip may bring close views of southern right, humpback, or Bryde’s whales, plus dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Light refreshments are included.

“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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8.Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $57

Join Percy Tours in Hermanus for a private, land-based whale watch. Percy drives you in an air-conditioned vehicle to 5 to 7 coastal viewpoints, walks paved paths to coves and inlets, and begins with a 20-minute visit to the Whale House Museum.

“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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11.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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