The 15 Best Whale Watching Trips in South Africa

1.Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

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

See whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds from Hermanus on a guided 90-minute boat trip with wide ocean views and expert crew.

“We had an amazing whale watching experience! 🐋 Before departure there was a clear briefing about which whales we might see, so we felt prepared and excited. The group was limited to only 40 people, and there were different types of boats to choose from, which made everything feel well organized. During the trip, huge whales appeared right next to us and even around us — truly breathtaking! We were lucky to spot a mother and baby whale breaching in the distance. The guide told us it’s a rare sight, which made it even more special. Overall, we are super happy and grateful for such a memorable adventure.”

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2.Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

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

Review of Hermanus whale and dolphin cruise, with practical tips on sightings, seasickness, value, safety, and what to expect aboard.

“Best Whale watching in the world. We saw lots of Southern Right Whales in Hermanus' Walker Bay. You will even see them from the Coast. Beautiful place and professional company with good Crew a Guide.”

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3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

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

Review of Port Elizabeth’s small-group whale, dolphin, and penguin cruise, with wildlife seasons, price, conservation, logistics, and booking advice.

“We were in a small group on the boat and were lucky enough to see a pod of 200 dolphins, penguins hunting for fish and some seals sunbathing. The team really care about the wildlife and spent time explaining to us the different animal behaviRead more”

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4.Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

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

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!!”

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5.Whale Watching Boat Cruise

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

Review of Plettenberg Bay’s 2-hour whale-watching cruise, with beach launch, dolphins, seals, seasonal whale sightings, tips, price, and practical advice.

“It was awesome. A great experience and thanks to Olivia, PK and Ashwin and the skipper. They were all amazing and very friendly as well as answered our questions. I would definitely recommend them. Thank you team.”

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6.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

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

Review of Gansbaai whale watching, with Southern right whales, dolphins, scenic De Keldar cliffs, practical tips, price, and booking advice.

“Friendly welcome from 'Ivanhoes' receptionist, down at Gansbaai Harbour. Faultless experience once on board with crew.”

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7.Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

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

Review of Knysna’s 2-hour whale watching boat tour, with humpbacks, dolphins, Knysna Heads scenery, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.

“Great team, exactly what it says on the tin, you're up close to whales!! The sea can be rough, the boat is fast. I love that stuff but my wife realised she gets sea sick so it wasn't great for her, but again the team were amazing and did everything they could for the (several) people who's stomachs didnt enjoy the fast boat / rough sea element. Worth it to see whales that close up though.”

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8.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

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

Set out from Hermanus New Harbour for a 2-hour whale watch with a marine guide, refreshments, Southern Right whales, dolphins, and seals.

“We had a lovely day on the water with a great crew. They were very enthusiastic and accommodating and we saw a lot of whales, dolphins, and seals. I absolutely recommend it!”

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9.Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

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

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”

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10.Whale Watching Trip by Boat

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

Review of Gansbaai’s 2-hour whale watching boat trip, with Southern Right Whales, dolphins, seals, practical tips, price advice, and FAQs.

“Once in a lifetime experience 😍 Had a great guide, perfect communication before the tour and was so blessed to see the incredible whales! Thanks for this opportunity 😍”

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11.Full-Day Hermanus Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 119 reviews · 1 day · from $120

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 !”

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12.Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 110 reviews · 2 hours · from $249

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.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $57

Review of Hermanus’s private land-based whale walk, with Percy, coastal viewpoints, museum visit, pricing, tips, and booking advice.

“We met up with Percy on Friday and started at the whale museum he was very knowledgable and informative about all aspects of the whales. We had a good 3.30 hours around Hermanus talking in the views and surrounding area we unfortunately didn’t see any whales but it was still a very enjoyable trip would definitely recommend”

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14.Whale-Watching Cruise

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

Search for whales, dolphins, seals, and sharks on a thrilling 90-minute Plettenberg Bay cruise launched through the surf.

“Het leuke moment was het zien van de rug van de walvis! Minder vond ik de uitleg van de gids. Wij zaten achteraan op de boot en hoorden weinig of niets wat de gids vertelde. Voorstel is misschien oortjes of hier en daar microfoons zodat iedereen kan horen wat hij vertelde.”

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15.Whale Watching Knysna – Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 65 reviews · from $94

Review of Knysna’s Ocean Odyssey whale tour, with close encounters, dolphin sightings, practical tips, pricing, safety, and booking advice.

“Really great experience. We saw several Southern Right Whales, including two moms with calves. Also lots of seals and a great variety of birds. Our captain was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make sure all passengers were coRead more”

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