Hermanus

Experience an up, close and personal encounter with the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean that promises to be an ‘experience to be treasured.’ From June to December you will mostly encounter the Southern Right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on this informative and educational tour.

After 20 years of photographing and observing the behavioural patterns of the Southern Right Whales that visit Walker Bay annually, I consider myself a Whale behavioural specialist and I offer a unique and interactive land based whale watching experience, that includes sharing knowledge and personal stories spanning over two decades. During my time photographing these spectacular mammals, it became a dream of mine to publish a photographic coffee table book. I'm pleased to say the 2nd edition, Hermanus Whales, the Journey Continues, is available directly from me and selected outlets in Hermanus. I look forward to meeting you & sharing my knowledge & passion about the SRW's & the town I live in.

We operate from Gansbaai around the world-famous Dyer Island where you might be so fortunate to see the Marine Big 5 – the Southern Right Whale/Humpback/Bryde’s Whales, various shark species, the Cape fur seal (around 60 000 on Geyser Rock), the endangered African Penguin and various visiting dolphin species. The area is also home to a wide variety of seabirds.

Explore unique vineyards in South African wine country on a perfect day out amongst the vines. Benguela Cove Wine Estate boasts the longest stretch of ocean facing vineyards (2.6km), grown at the lowest altitude (2.7m above sea level).

Travel with us to one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Whale season lasts from June to December in Hermanus. Watch whales, dolphins and seals at play! Travel back via a spectacular Clarens Drive coastal route.

As a photographer and Tour Guide based in Hermanus for approximately 20 years, I am passionate about the Whales, Birds & Nature. There are seabirds, shorebirds, coastal scrub birds, water birds and mountain fynbos to experience within the Overberg. You don't need to be an avid birder, beginners & nature lovers are left thoroughly impressed by the splendour of our area, and I often have guests return for a second tour because there is simply too much to take in all in one trip. I look forward to meeting you, sharing stories and finding those birds you're searching for.

Embark on an unforgettable shared whale watching and penguin tour with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off from Cape Town! Enjoy shared transfers to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa. Witness Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat and explore the vibrant African penguin colony at Stony Point Nature Reserve. Your tour includes entrance tickets to both the whale watching boat trip and the penguin colony, providing you with incredible opportunities for close encounters with Africa's oceanic wildlife. Don’t miss this extraordinary adventure—book your tour today!

Boat Based Whale Watching The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by our whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran. We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ The purpose-built catamaran provides superior viewing and comfort and during the tour and the friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience. Our Whale Specialist guide will interpret the marine life encountered en route and provide insight into the behaviour of the whales while you are watching them in action. Our videographer will ensure that the best footage is captured.

Discover Hermanus on our unique walking tour! From hidden alleys to the famous cliff path, explore the culinary character of the area at 6 local cafés/restaurants. Meet artisans and family-run establishments, savoring authentic food and drink selections. Start with a caffeine fix with a twist. Sample patisserie, biltong, perlemoen, locally made sorbet, and more! Learn about local culture, history, and food trends while covering points of interest. The 3-hour tour spans 1.5km, with mostly flat terrain and one slight climb. Join us at the start of your holiday and come hungry!

Take this opportunity to go whale watching from one of the best land-based viewing spots in the world, Hermanus. From July to November the Southern Right Whale comes to breed in the bay near this seaside town, an easy and beautiful drive from Cape Town. You will also enjoy a wine tasting at Bouchard Finlayson wine estate

Hermanus has been recognized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. Hermanus is the mating and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale from June to November. It is a chance to encounter and spend a moment with these marine giants, and informative and educational whale watching experience.

If you prefer to follow your own time and schedule, let us provide you with a vehicle and a guide to explore the Cape’s unspoiled beauty. Plan your own tour and experience the Cape in your own style! We offer Individual or group private tours of Cape Town. If you or a group of people would like to go on tours without any other strangers, you can take advantage of our private group tours where it will be only you and your friends / family / group on the tour, no outsiders. Visit Hermanus, recognized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. Enjoy a scenic drive along the False Bay coastline, with a picture opportunity at Sir Lowry's Pass. Get the chance to be blown away by the magnificent coastline and enjoy land based whale watching of Southern Right Whales as they make their yearly migration from the Antarctic.

Arrange a Private Transfer in one of our luxury, air conditioned vehicles between Hermanus and Cape Town International Airport.

Cape Town is famous for its incredible whale watching, and this boat tour offers the perfect chance to embark on an exciting adventure. Set sail to spot the majestic Southern Right Whales, along with playful dolphins and seals. By booking in advance, you can ensure a date that fits your schedule and enjoy added perks like hotel pickup, plus snacks and bottled water on board. It's the ideal way to experience Cape Town’s marine life up close!

Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world and is only a two-and-a-half hour scenic drive from Cape Town. It is here that we will make your dreams come true! The experienced crew will share their vast knowledge of the water world where they operate when they take you to view sharks from the surface or underwater from a cage. This marine wonderland is the closest place in the world where you can safely see these apex predators in their natural environment. Great White shark behaviour has been unpredictable since Orca predation in 2017. We work with various shark species, including Bronze Whaler and sevengill sharks.

This is a great booking with us as it combines several aspects of tourism in Cape Town. Travelers visit this peaceful town of Hermanus known to draw thousands of travelers from all over the world to see the biggest animal in the world the Whales. On their way to this place they can choose to use the coastal scenic drive The MaClaren drive – one of the most beautiful drives in the world. They also pass through the Penguin Colony at Betty's Bay where they can see the flightless birds. Travelers can also choose to pass by a Botanical Garden which is also a major attraction on the route. Finally after land based whale watching they can enjoy some of the best wines on offer in South Africa at the Benguela Cove Winery. The food served at the several restaurants at the horbour is amazing – this they do as they watch the gentle giants – the whales which grace the South African coast in winter.

This tour is a private tour, only you and your party to enjoy. Tour guides are well known in the area and can show you all the hidden gems and places only locals know about.

Embark on an unforgettable whale-watching boat trip from Hermanus, one of the best places in the world to see whales up close. Feel the excitement as you search for majestic whales in their natural habitat. Once whales are spotted, the boat approaches slowly, allowing for safe and close observation. Enjoy the best views from the top deck (weather permitting) and learn about marine life from the knowledgeable crew. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and other marine life along the way. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour offers an exhilarating and educational adventure at sea.

You may think you’re a fear-defying thrill lover, but can you handle the ultimate heart-pounding experience? Find out in Gansbaai by cage diving with various shark species. This full-day shark-diving experience takes you out into the open ocean off the shore of Gansbaai and puts you in their habitat. Before jumping in, you'll learn about the sharks from the onboard marine biologist and expert guides. Breakfast, snacks and Hermanus hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Whale Route Full Day Whale-watching tours offer an exciting way to witness the majestic Southern Right whales that come to the Cape each season to breed and calve. Whale season typically runs between August and November in the Cape, and each season, large numbers of whales can be seen along the coast. The best place to see these creatures is along the famous Whale Route, which spans along the coastline passing Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay en route to Hermanus.