A self-guided shore-watching guide
Hermanus is famous for land-based whale watching, with the Cliff Path following approximately 12 km of Walker Bay coastline. During whale season, Southern Right Whales can sometimes be seen remarkably close to shore from viewpoints, rocky headlands and sections of the path.
Whale sightings and locations change throughout the day and can never be guaranteed.
Prefer a hosted experience?
Prefer to have an experienced local guide show you the Cliff Path? Our 1.5–2 hour Hermanus Whale Watching Walking Tour includes an experienced guide, binoculars, whale spotting from elevated viewpoints, and interpretation of the whales, Walker Bay, Hermanus history and marine ecology.
This free guide shares places to explore; the paid tour offers a guided experience.
Follow the viewpoints from west to east. The map pins named locations confirmed on the Cliff Path; the full sequence, including places without a confirmed pin, is listed below.
Select a mapped location. Other Cliff Path landmarks are described below without approximate pins.
The map shows whale-watching locations that could be reliably mapped. Additional Cliff Path viewing areas are described in the guide below.
The following places run west to east along the coast. Whale activity moves, so consider walking between viewpoints rather than waiting at just one.
01 / West to east
A recognised Westcliff whale-watching area on the western section of the Cliff Path. Scan the water from the coastal path during whale season.
Western Cliff Path section; expect uneven coastal terrain.
02 / West to east
A useful access area for exploring the western Cliff Path and looking out across Walker Bay.
Use nearby public access; check conditions underfoot.
03 / West to east
One of Hermanus’s best-known land-based viewpoints, with broad Walker Bay views and convenient access from central Hermanus.
Accessible from central Hermanus.
Get Directions
04 / West to east
An easy place to scan for whale activity while exploring the historic centre of Hermanus.
Accessible from central Hermanus.
Get Directions05 / West to east
Part of the coastal stretch east of the central Hermanus viewpoints; pause to scan different parts of the bay.
Cliff Path section; uneven ground may occur.
06 / West to east
A recognised Cliff Path landmark between the central Hermanus section and Kraal Rock.
Reached along the coastal path; check the terrain as you walk.
07 / West to east
Elevated coastal viewing where whales and dolphins may be seen, depending on activity in Walker Bay.
A longer Cliff Path section from the town centre; uneven terrain may occur.
08 / West to east
Another recognised viewing area between Kraal Rock and Sievers Point; keep an eye on the water as you move between lookouts.
Reached on foot along the Cliff Path.
09 / West to east
One of Hermanus’s well-known land-based whale-watching points, with excellent views across Walker Bay. Whale positions change, so take time to scan the bay.
Cliff Path viewpoint; check the approach and ground conditions.
Get Directions10 / West to east
An excellent eastern Cliff Path area for scanning Walker Bay during whale season, depending on where the whales are active.
Coastal path and rocky areas; uneven ground may occur.
11 / West to east
Part of the eastern coastal section of the Cliff Path, offering another perspective over Walker Bay.
Beachside coastal section; conditions underfoot may vary.
12 / West to east
Continue along the eastern coast for another opportunity to scan Walker Bay from the path.
Beachside coastal section; conditions underfoot may vary.
13 / West to east
The elevated coastal viewpoints and rocky shoreline around Voëlklip offer a different angle on the bay.
Use the coastal path and watch for uneven ground.
Get Directions14 / West to east
Look over the eastern side of Walker Bay from this long beach and its nearby coastal approaches.
Beach and coastal paths; allow extra time for this eastern section.
Get Directions15 / West to east
The eastern end of the Cliff Path gives wide views towards Walker Bay. Whale sightings still depend on nature.
Eastern end of the route; plan for a longer walk if starting in town.
Whales do not stay in one place. Walking between public viewpoints lets you scan different sections of Walker Bay; these are independent walking ideas, not a guided-tour itinerary.
Rather than attempting the entire path, shortlist Gearing’s Point / Old Harbour, Sievers Point and Kwaaiwater. Choose the stops that suit your available time and access; you can sample several viewpoints without walking the whole coast. Sightings are not promised.
An experienced guide can help you identify whale blows, body language and behaviour while explaining why Southern Right Whales return to Walker Bay.
Central Hermanus offers convenient access to Gearing’s Point and Old Harbour. Other sections involve a longer walk from nearby access points; uneven coastal terrain, rocks and exposed edges may occur. Check current signage, path conditions and parking availability when you arrive. No particular parking space or step-free access is guaranteed.
Hermanus has an official Whale Crier who traditionally walks the Cliff Path during whale season, sounding a kelp horn to draw attention to reported sightings. The crier’s call is a local tradition, not a promise that whales will be visible at any particular spot.
The main Southern Right Whale season runs June to November, sometimes into early December; September and October are typically peak months. For month-by-month detail, read our best time to see whales in Hermanus guide.
Learn more about whales in Walker Bay and Hermanus boat-based whale watching, or enquire about a boat trip. If you would rather walk with a local expert, explore the Hermanus Whale Watching Walking Tour.
Practical answers for exploring the Cliff Path independently.
