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Offered languages
- English
- French
Hermanus is world-famous for being the best land-based whale-watching destination on Earth. In Hermanus, whales can often be seen just meters from the shore during the season: June to November.
Peak Time Summary
Calves born: Mainly in August & September.
Best overall months: September & October.
Season span: June to November/early December.
NB: September & October are widely regarded as the best months overall for both quantity and activity of Whales.
Travel in comfort along scenic coastal routes, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints and charming seaside towns. Enjoy guided walks along the iconic Cliff Path, offering spectacular ocean views and incredible photo opportunities. During whale season (Peak Time August - October), sightings are frequent and often guaranteed from the cliffs.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour combines storytelling, nature, and creating a personal and authentic experience that goes far beyond sightseeing.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Walk to the red bus on your left stop and the Aquarium main entrance.
Itinerary
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Cheetah Outreach - Somerset West (Pass by)
Cheetah Outreach is a well-known non-profit conservation and education centre located in Paardevlei, Somerset West, near Cape Town. It was set up to help protect the endangered Southern African cheetah and raise public awareness of the threats these animals face in the wild Duration: 30 minutes
Admission ticket free -
1Gordon's Bay
Enjoy a breathtaking coastal journey between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay, where the road hugs the dramatic Cape coastline and its sparkling turquoise ocean.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Stony Point Nature Reserve
Stony Point Nature Reserve is a protected coastal reserve best known for its African penguin colony — one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world. These endangered “jackass” penguins nest and waddle around the rocky shore, providing excellent opportunities to observe their natural behaviour up close without disturbing them. The colony also attracts several species of cormorants (Crowned, Cape, Bank and White-breasted) as well as gulls and dassies (rock hyrax), making the reserve a great spot for wildlife and birdwatching.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
3Hermanus
Hermanus developed into one of the world’s most famous land-based whale-watching destinations in the early 20th century. Southern right whales began returning annually to their sheltered bays after international whaling declined in the 1930s, allowing populations to slowly recover. By the 1970s, Hermanus was internationally recognized for its close-to-shore whale sightings, often just meters from the coastline. In 1992, the town introduced the Whale Crier, a unique tradition where a horn announces whale sightings along the cliff paths. Today, Hermanus attracts visitors from around the world during the June to November whale season, celebrating these gentle giants through conservation, education, and the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. The town remains a global example of responsible, sustainable whale tourism.
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Hermanus Cliff Path
The Hermanus Cliff Path is a beautifully maintained coastal walkway stretching for several kilometres along the town’s rugged shoreline. It offers panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and some of the world’s best land-based whale watching, especially during the June to November season when southern right whales come close to shore to calve and nurse. The path is easily accessible, dotted with benches and viewpoints, and is perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and nature lovers.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
5Cape Town Central
As we head back to your hotel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed the Hermanus tour and created wonderful memories along the way. Upon arrival, we will have a brief 15 minutes to say goodbye and wish you safe onward travels.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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