SOUTH AFRICA · WHALE WATCHING TRIPS IN CAPE TOWN
The good whale watching trips in Cape Town fill up a season ahead, and school holidays here run over Christmas. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Review of a Cape Town whale-watching trip to Gansbaai and Hermanus, with Southern Right Whales, dolphins, seals, transport, costs, and practical tips.
“The tour was Great although the whales were a Bit shy on our tour, but that is nature. Nevertheless we saw some whales, even calfs and they were amazing! Thanks to Ivanhoe and also special thanks to our Guide Alfonzo who did a great Job!!”
Review the Cape Town to Hermanus whale tour, with coastal views, shore whale watching, wine tasting, and practical booking tips.
“What a wonderful experience and interesting stops along the way! It's a beautiful drive with interesting stops and nuggets of information along the way. Hermanus is a beautiful town any day of the year. 'Opted for the additional sightseRead more”
Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale tour, with coastal towns, botanical gardens, whale watching, pricing, timing, and booking advice.
“Notre guide était serviable, aimable est très sympa. Mais il y a eu un gros manque d’organisation : certaines personnes du groupe voulaient faire l’excursion en bateau, mais leur place n’était pas réservée donc nous avons dû écourter la visite du jardin botanique pour arriver plus tôt à Hermanus. Aussi, la suite de l’itinéraire ne correspondait pas aux instructions qu’avaient reçues le guide donc il ne s’est pas arrêté en haut du col par exemple. C’est dommage !”
Review of the Cape Town to Gansbaai whale watching tour, with coastal scenery, penguins, Hermanus, farm-stall food, and practical booking tips.
“It was so amazing and exceptional. Best way to see and also take knowlegde about whales. Specially our guide Petra (on boat) was so smart and sofisticated.”
Review of Hermanus whale watching, Stony Point penguins, and Cape wine tasting on a private day trip from Cape Town.
“We were not able to watch the whales due to the bad weather, so we went to Cape of Good hope tour instead. Our host Ray was awesome - very pleasant , knowledgeable and careful.”
Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale watching tour, with coastal views, wine tasting, practical timing, cruise costs, and seasonal advice.
“Nice drive to and from Hermanus and we enjoyed the day. Sadly no whales. Probably frightened away by the number of people at the Whale Festival (very busy!) which we didn't know was on when we booked - this would have been useful info! We lost time in Hermanus because of the festival traffic and felt like our departure time was made earlier to ensure another passenger returned in time for a flight (why book the tour on that day!). We were also disappointed that we were not returned to our pick up point in the same vehicle and had to transfer/wait for a bus with vague instructions . This…”
See Southern Right Whales from Hermanus, enjoy coastal scenery, free time, wine tasting, and optional boat viewing from Cape Town.
“I booked the Full day whale watching in Hermanus trip from Cape Town. Not up to the usual Viator standards, by far. The tour as advertised in the UK is not what we got. We were not taken to the cliff top walk we were given restricted time in tRead more”
Review of Hermanus boat whale watching with Paul Polano Tours, private pickup, marine guide, catamaran comfort, pricing, timing, and tips.
“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.”
Review of the Hermanus whale-watching tour from Cape Town, with hotel pickup, Walker Bay boat trip, scenic drive, costs, and practical tips.
“The drive to and from Hermanus is limited to 8 people but the boat trip was with a big group. I have read the comments before and was contacting viator about the group size, they confirmed a small group with max. 8 people also for the boat trip. That wasn’t the case… you barely see whales but the driver was very nice”
Review of Yzerfontein’s small-group whale expedition, with humpbacks, dolphins, seabirds, snacks, lunch, costs, and practical tips.
“What an amazing day if you’re in Cape Town or anywhere near than get yourself along here it’s about 1.5 hours north.”
Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale and penguin tour, including boat sightings, lunch, transport, timing, price, and practical booking tips.
“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.”
Review of Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town with private pickup, boat sightings, optional penguins, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Timbers made this experience one for the books for sure, the scenic view, the dinner, the whales, the penguins and the laughs he made this experience perfect from beginning to end! We are excited to do it again in the future for sure!”
Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale tour, with coastal stops, gardens, hotel transport, boat options, costs, and practical booking advice.
“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”
Ride a private trike from Cape Town to Hermanus, with whale watching, coastal roads, photo stops, lunch, and hotel pickup.
“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!”
Review of Hermanus whale watching from Cape Town, covering the scenic drive, boat trip, cost, guides, wildlife, and practical tips.
“We loved it. Our driver, Laetitia, was fantastic! She holds so much knowledge regarding South Africa history! It was truely a one of a kind oportunity. We saw different whales including a mom and its baby. We took the 9am tour so prepare for the cold! In general, a 10 out of 10.”
Cape sea days, bush mornings, tasting rooms and the long road east.
