# Hermanus whale watching

## Whale watching in Hermanus: the season, shore and boat options, and tours from Cape Town

*Published: 2026-05-05 13:46:58*
*Tags: whale watching, Hermanus, South Africa, safari tours, marine life, outdoor adventures, travel guides, wildlife tours*

> Hermanus whale watching: southern right whales from June to November, best July to October, from the shore or by boat, with tours from $170.

## Article

Whale watching in Hermanus

 Hermanus, about 1.5 hours' drive from Cape Town, is one of the best places in the world to watch southern right whales. Every year they come into Walker Bay to mate, give birth and nurse their calves, often close to the shore, so you can see them from the cliff path as well as from a boat.

 When to go

 Whales are usually in Walker Bay from June to November, with the most sightings from July to October. In good weeks you may see them breaching, lobtailing and slapping their tails on the water.

 Ways to see them

 From the shore: the cliff path through town has benches and viewpoints, and costs nothing.
 By boat: licensed operators take small boats out into Walker Bay for a closer view. Trips usually last about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the sea and the whales.
 Tours from Cape Town

 Our Hermanus boat trip with transfers costs from $170 per person. The private Hermanus tour costs from $193 and adds the penguins at Stony Point and wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Both run during the whale season.

 Tips

 Dress warmly in layers; it is cold on the water in winter.
 Bring binoculars, a camera and sunscreen.
 Take seasickness tablets beforehand if you are prone to it.
 Boats must keep a set distance from the whales, so a zoom lens helps.
 Hermanus is easy to combine with a shark cage dive in nearby Gansbaai. For more ideas, see our other travel guides.

 Frequently asked questions

 When is the best time to see whales in Hermanus?

 From June to November, with the most sightings from July to October.

 How much does a whale watching tour cost?

 Our Hermanus boat trip with transfers from Cape Town costs from $170 per person.

 Do I need to book?

 Yes, especially at weekends in the peak months, as boat places are limited.

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[Read on Amity Adventure](https://www.amityadventure.com/blogs/hermanus-whale-watching-tour/)