All you need to know about Whale Watching in Hermanus

Nestled along South Africa’s southern coast, Hermanus is widely celebrated as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this coastal town to witness the majestic southern right whales and other species as they migrate and frolic near the shore. It’s good to know that Hermanus is just 2h drive from Cape Town so if you are visiting the Mother City of South Africa in the right season, it is worth to stay a bit longer and take a day trip to this lovely little town.
In this post I will try to cover all you need to know about whale watching here, including the best times to visit, where to spot whales, ethical whale-watching practices, and additional activities to enjoy in this picturesque seaside town.

As said Hermanus, located in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, has earned a global reputation for its whale-watching opportunities. With its deep waters, sheltered bays, and close proximity to breeding grounds, it provides the ideal conditions for whales to approach the shore, often coming as close as 10-15 meters.

The town’s unique topography, with cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, allows for exceptional land-based whale watching. Additionally, Hermanus is known for its Whale Crier—a local town crier equipped with a horn who announces whale sightings, helping visitors get the best view of these giants of the ocean.

Best Time for Whale Watching in Hermanus

The prime whale-watching season in Hermanus runs from June to December. During this period, southern right whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer South African coastline to mate, calve, and nurse their young. August to October is considered the peak period for whale watching, with September offering the best sightings. The Whale Festival, held annually in September, celebrates the height of whale season with various festivities, including eco-marine displays, live music, and arts and crafts. June and July are the beginning months when the whales start arriving, while November and December are when they begin to depart, but sightings are still possible.

Types of whales and other marine mammals
in Hermanus

While southern right whales are the most commonly seen species, Hermanus offers the chance to spot several other types of whales and marine life. Let’s see which ones.

Southern Right Whales are known for their lack of a dorsal fin and distinctive white callosities on their heads. They are massive, reaching up to 18 meters (59 feet) in length and weighing around 80 tons. Southern Right Whales are often spotted breaching, tail-slapping, and “sailing” with their large tail fins exposed above the water.

Humpback Whales have large pectoral fins, a small dorsal fin, and unique tail patterns. They’re slightly smaller than southern rights, typically around 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) long. These whales are known for acrobatic breaches and complex songs. Humpbacks can often be seen off the coast during their annual migration.

Bryde’s whales are typically around 12–15 meters (39–49 feet) and are one of the few whale species that reside in South African waters year-round. They are elusive and tend to be less active on the surface, but they are sometimes spotted in deeper parts of Walker Bay.

It’s not all about the whales in Hermanus though! Bottlenose and common dolphins are frequently seen near the town, often in large pods that playfully follow boats. Cape fur seals and great white sharks can be spotted near the coast as well.

Best Whale Watching Spots in Hermanus

1. Land-Based Whale Watching

Hermanus is one of the best places in the world for land-based whale watching, thanks to the close proximity of whales to the shore and the elevated viewpoints along the cliffs.

Cliff Path
The Cliff Path stretches over 10 kilometers (6 miles) along the coast, offering numerous vantage points to spot whales. Highlights along the path include Old Harbour, Gearings Point, and Sievers Point.

Grotto Beach
Located at the eastern end of the Cliff Path, Grotto Beach is a beautiful Blue Flag beach with good opportunities for whale watching, especially from July to October.
Voëlklip Beach
Another popular beach with stunning views, it is a bit quieter and provides a relaxing spot to observe whales from the shore.

2. Boat-Based Whale Watching

For a closer encounter, consider joining a boat-based whale-watching tour. Hermanus has several operators offering boat tours that take you closer to the whales while adhering to ethical practices. Southern Right Charters is a reputable operator that provide guided whale-watching tours with educational commentary.

3. Kayak Tours

If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, some operators like Walker Bay Adventures offer guided kayak tours that allow you to see the whales from the water. Kayaking provides an eco-friendly option that lets you quietly approach whales without disturbing them.

Ethical Whale Watching:
Responsible and Respectful Practices

Whale watching can have a significant impact on marine life, so it’s important to engage in ethical practices to minimize disturbance to the whales. If you opt for a tour, go only with the authorized agencies. Look for whale-watching operators certified by marine conservation organizations or those who adhere to local regulations. Reputable operators often have knowledgeable guides who educate passengers on whale behavior and conservation. Always keep a safe distance from whales, particularly if you’re on a kayak or boat. Approaching too close can disrupt their natural behavior and may even be dangerous. If you’re photographing whales, avoid using flash as it can startle or stress the animals. It goes without saying that you shouldn’t litter: plastic and other waste can harm marine animals, so make sure to take any trash back with you.

List of must have items during your whale watching:

Binoculars: While whales can often be seen with the naked eye, a good pair of binoculars can enhance your viewing experience.
Camera: Bring a camera with a zoom lens for capturing distant whale activity. A waterproof case is ideal for boat trips.
Sunscreen and Hat: Even on cooler days, the sun can be intense, so wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from UV rays.
Warm Layers: Coastal weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers to stay warm, especially if you’re on a boat.

Other Activities in Hermanus

Explore Fernkloof Nature Reserve

For nature lovers, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a network of hiking trails through fynbos-covered hills and mountain landscapes. The reserve has a rich variety of plant species, and hikers can enjoy stunning views over Hermanus and Walker Bay.

Visit the Old Harbour Museum

The Old Harbour Museum is located in the heart of Hermanus and showcases the town’s fishing heritage. The museum includes exhibits on the history of the region, fishing artifacts, and photos documenting the local way of life.

Wine Tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth Valley) is a scenic wine region just outside Hermanus. Known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the valley has numerous wine estates that offer tastings and tours. Creation Wines is a popular estate where visitors can sample award-winning wines paired with locally-inspired cuisine.

Shop and Dine in the Hermanus Village Market

On weekends, visit the Hermanus Country Market for a selection of local foods, artisan crafts, and live music. It’s a lively spot where you can interact with local vendors, sample fresh produce, and buy souvenirs.

Annual Hermanus Whale Festival

If you’re visiting in September, try to coincide with the Hermanus Whale Festival, South Africa’s only eco-marine festival dedicated to the conservation of marine life. The event features live entertainment, marine conservation exhibits and food stalls.

How to Get to Hermanus

By Car: Hermanus is around a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Cape Town via the N2 highway, making it a convenient day trip or overnight stay. The drive offers beautiful scenery along the coast and through mountain passes.

By Shuttle or Private Tour: Many tour operators in Cape Town offer day trips to Hermanus that include transportation, whale watching, and other sightseeing activities.

Accommodation Options

If you are staying in Cape Town, you can easily arrive to Hermanus for a day trip. However, you can also stay a night or two in this lovely town and enjoy not only the whale watching but also golf courses and the exquisite local cousine. There is a variety of accommodation in town, mostly up scale hotels but if you book early enough you can count on good rates. There are a couple of budget friendly options too but let’s be honest, Hermanus is an expensive little town. Here are some popular options:

The Marine Hotel: A luxurious five-star hotel situated along the cliffs, offering panoramic views of Walker Bay.

Misty Waves Boutique Hotel: Located near the cliff path, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with ocean views.

Hermanus Backpackers: For a more budget-friendly option, Hermanus Backpackers provides affordable accommodation and easy access to the town’s whale-watching spots.

Whether you are arriving for a weekend or just a day trip from Cape Town,, you can be sure to see the whales between June and October!

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