Whale Watching · SOUTH AFRICA

The 15 Best South Africa Whale Watching Tours

45 tours  ·  from $49 a head

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

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience - The ride across Walker Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hermanus Whale Watching Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip - What the two-hour cruise is really like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hermanus Whale Watching Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise - St. Croix Island and the penguin colony
Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip - Launching from Gansbaai’s fishing harbor
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

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*”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching from Gansbaai - Looking for mothers, calves, and Southern right whales
South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching from Gansbaai

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat - From Thesen Harbour Town to the Knysna Estuary
Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

7.Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

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

Set out from Thesen Harbour Town for a two-hour boat trip through the Knysna Estuary, Knysna Heads, and the Indian Ocean. A shore-based whale spotter guides the skipper toward sightings of humpback and southern right whales, with dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds also possible.

“Excellent boat trip out and spent good amount of time watching 2 whales(mom and child), able to get some excellent photos and video. Scenic trip also down the coastline, also saw some dolphins - fully recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus - The land briefing before the boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hermanus Whale Watching Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour - Rotary Way for the big Hermanus view
Cape Town Whale Watching Tours, Full-Day, Guided, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale Watching Day Trips, Whale Watching Tours

From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

9.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat - Cruising beside the De Kelders cliffs
Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

10.Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

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

From Gansbaai Harbour, you’ll cruise toward De Kelders with an English-speaking guide, watching for southern right whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and other marine life. The boat is designed for clear viewing without a crowded feel. 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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

11.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

12.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise - Two whale species, two very different searches
Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Tours

Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise

13.Plettenberg Bay: Whale-Watching Cruise

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

Join Ocean Blue Adventures in Plettenberg Bay for a 90-minute search for Southern Right and Humpback Whales. You may also see dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, and seasonal Great White Sharks. Expect a safety briefing, a 400-meter walk, surf launch, open-water ride, and fast beach landing.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey - Passing through Knysna Heads
South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Tours

Whale Watching Knysna – Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey

14.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 close-encounter cruise off Knysna. After check-in, life jackets, and a safety briefing, watch for Southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds. Sightings are wild and never guaranteed.

“Perfect. Enjoy the trip. Great teamwork. We saw the whales many times. Safety trip. Thanks a lot guys.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour - The first stretch toward open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, South Africa Whale Watching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours, Whale Watching Tours

Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

15.Durban: Durban: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 45 reviews · 2 hours · from $102

Join Isle of Capri Cruises for a two-hour Indian Ocean trip from Wilson’s Wharf. An English or Afrikaans-speaking guide, often skipper Bennie, points out humpback whales from May to November, plus dolphins, birds, fish, and occasional turtles. Boats carry 11 passengers.

“It was so beautiful out on the ocean watching out and then also be rewarded by seeing dolphins and whales, which I hope we didn’t disturb but was all a really lovely sight to watch Thank you so much Silke”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in South Africa Whale Watching Tours

★ 5.0Hermanus Whales and Wine Full Day Private TourFrom $1972 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Watching Hermanus – Boat baseFrom $22817 reviews
★ 3.5Whale Watching Tour from Cape TownFrom $1009 reviews
★ 4.0Hermanus Whale Watching & Penguins Shared Tour from Cape TownFrom $14414 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus with Hotel PickupFrom $21511 reviews
★ 4.5Private Tour: Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape TownFrom $1765 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Wonders: Majestic Marine Adventures in HermanusFrom $2433 reviews
★ 5.0Hermanus and Whale Route Trike Tour from Cape Town8 reviews
★ 5.0Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Tasting Private TourFrom $3007 reviews
★ 5.0Hermanus Whale Coast Wine Tour (Cape To Grape Wine Tours)From $1503 reviews
★ 5.0Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine TastingFrom $2353 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Whale Watching and Wine Region Experience from Cape TownFrom $2607 reviews
★ 5.0Cape Agulhas, Hermanus Whale Watching, Penguins and Wine TastingFrom $1932 reviews
★ 5.0Boat Based Whale Watching from HermanusFrom $28719 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Whale Watching at YzerfonteinFrom $33114 reviews

Keep browsing

Whale Watching Cruises135Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours262Zodiac & RIB Whale Watching67Tenerife Whale Watching Tours113Iceland Whale Watching Tours114USA Whale Watching Tours298
Scroll to Top

Explore whale watching

Pick an animal, a boat or a season.

By animal

HumpbacksOrcaGray WhalesWhale SharksWhales and Dolphins

By boat

Zodiacs and RIBsCatamaransUnder SailKayaksCruisers

By length

Half DaysFull DaysSunset SailingsSmall GroupsPrivate Charters

In the water

Swim with WhalesWith SnorkellingWith a Marine BiologistWildlife CruisesLuxury Boats