Southern Right Whales
- Season:
- June to December
- Best months:
- September to October
Visit the Gansbaai coastline each year to calve and rest in the sheltered bays around Dyer Island.
Gansbaai · 45 Minutes from Hermanus
Gansbaai Whale Watching
Only a 45-minute drive from Hermanus, Gansbaai offers one of South Africa's most exciting whale watching and marine wildlife experiences. Trips operate within the world-famous Greater Dyer Island ecosystem, home to whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and spectacular birdlife.
Season
June to December
Duration
2 to 2.5 hours (weather and sightings dependent)
Departs from
Gansbaai (45 minutes from Hermanus)
Gansbaai Pricing
Adult
Ages 13+
R2,340
Per Person
Child Under 12
Ages 5 – 12
R1,725
Per Child
Child Under 5
Under 5
Free
Free of Charge
Conservation Fee
Payable by all guests
R150
Per Person (additional)
A R150 per person conservation fee applies in addition to the trip rate and is collected separately. All departures are weather, tide and sightings dependent.
Gansbaai Departure Times
Morning DepartureAfternoon DepartureNo Preference
Departure times are tide and weather dependent. Morning and afternoon departures are available — exact meeting times are confirmed the day before your trip based on tides, weather conditions and operational requirements. Our reservations team will notify you of your check-in time.
What Whales Can You See in Gansbaai?
The Greater Dyer Island ecosystem supports an extraordinary concentration of marine wildlife — whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks and seabirds — all viewable from a single boat-based trip.
Humpback Whales
- Season:
- Early June & late December
May be seen during their annual migrations along the South African coastline.
Bryde's Whales
- Season:
- Occasionally year-round
Resident along the coast and seen feeding offshore at any time of year.
Dolphins
- Season:
- Year-round
Three species of dolphins can be encountered in the area throughout the year.
Cape Fur Seals
- Season:
- Year-round
Trips are guaranteed to visit Geyser Rock, home to a Cape Fur Seal colony of approximately 60,000 seals.
African Penguins
- Season:
- Year-round
View Dyer Island, one of the last remaining strongholds of the endangered African Penguin. Guests do not go ashore as it is a protected nature reserve.
Bronze Whaler Sharks
- Season:
- Year-round
Cruise through the famous waters of Shark Alley where Bronze Whaler Sharks are frequently encountered.
Seabirds
- Season:
- Year-round
The area is renowned for albatross, cormorants, petrels, shearwaters, gannets and numerous other seabird species.
When Is Whale Season in Gansbaai?
Whale and marine wildlife sightings month by month in Gansbaai and around the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Right Whale | ||||||||||||
| Humpback WhaleMigrating early June & late December | ||||||||||||
| Bryde's WhaleOccasional, year-round | ||||||||||||
| Dolphins (3 species) | ||||||||||||
| Cape Fur Seals (Geyser Rock) | ||||||||||||
| African Penguins (Dyer Island) | ||||||||||||
| Bronze Whaler Sharks (Shark Alley) | ||||||||||||
| Seabirds (albatross, gannets, petrels) |
Peak sightings In season Not commonly seen
What You May See
- Southern Right Whales (June – December)
- Humpback Whales (early June & late December migrations)
- Bryde's Whales (occasionally year-round)
- Three species of dolphins (year-round)
- Cape Fur Seals at Geyser Rock (~60,000 strong)
- African Penguins on Dyer Island
- Bronze Whaler Sharks in Shark Alley
- Albatross, gannets, cormorants, petrels & shearwaters
What to Bring
- Warm windproof jacket
- Sunscreen, hat & sunglasses
- Camera with strap
- Light, non-slip shoes
- Seasickness medication if prone
Gansbaai Whale Watching Experience
Cruise the Greater Dyer Island ecosystem — Southern Right Whales, Cape Fur Seals at Geyser Rock, Shark Alley and African Penguins on Dyer Island.
More Scenes from Gansbaai
Whales, seals and marine wildlife around Dyer Island and Shark Alley.
Gansbaai Whale Watching Video Gallery
Watch the Gansbaai whale watching experience — tap any clip to play.
Southern Right Whale Encounter Dyer Island & Shark Alley On-Board the Whale Watching Boat Greater Dyer Island Ecosystem Marine Wildlife in Action Cape Fur Seal Colony at Geyser Rock Bronze Whaler Sharks in Shark Alley
Trip Highlights
- Only 45 minutes from Hermanus — an excellent alternative
- Explore the world-famous Greater Dyer Island ecosystem
- Guaranteed visit to Geyser Rock seal colony (~60,000 seals)
- Cruise the legendary Shark Alley
- View Dyer Island — last stronghold of the African Penguin
- Some of South Africa's richest marine wildlife viewing
Gansbaai Whale Watching FAQ
How long is the Gansbaai whale watching trip?
Trips typically last between 2 and 2.5 hours depending on wildlife sightings and sea conditions.
When is whale season in Gansbaai?
Southern Right Whales are typically seen from June to December. Humpback Whales may also be encountered during their migrations in early June and late December.
What marine life can I see in Gansbaai?
Gansbaai is best known for Southern Right Whales during the winter and spring whale season. Visitors may also encounter migrating Humpback Whales at certain times of the year, along with Bryde's Whales, dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, Bronze Whaler Sharks and a wide variety of seabirds. Whale sightings vary depending on season, weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
What whales can I see in Gansbaai?
Gansbaai is best known for Southern Right Whales during the winter and spring whale season. Visitors may also encounter migrating Humpback Whales at certain times of the year. Whale sightings vary depending on season, weather, sea conditions and whale movements.
When is the best time to see Humpback Whales in Gansbaai?
Humpback Whales migrate past the Gansbaai coastline during their annual journey along the South African coast. Seasonal viewing opportunities are typically associated with May to June and November to January, while peak migration activity offshore may often occur between July and October.
Can I visit Dyer Island?
No. Dyer Island is a protected nature reserve and visitors are not permitted to go ashore. The island is viewed from the boat.
How far is Gansbaai from Hermanus?
Gansbaai is only a 45-minute drive from Hermanus, making it an excellent alternative or add-on whale watching destination.
How much does Gansbaai whale watching cost?
Adults are R2,340 per person, children under 12 are R1,725 per child and children under 5 travel free of charge. A R150 per person conservation fee applies in addition to the trip rate.
What time does the boat depart?
Morning and afternoon departures are available. Exact meeting times are tide and weather dependent and are confirmed the day before your trip — our reservations team will notify you of your check-in time.
Marine Wildlife Cluster
Other Marine Wildlife Experiences You May Enjoy
Explore our other marine wildlife experiences along the South African coast.
Whale Watching Hermanus
Experience Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay during the annual whale season.
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Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Sea Safari
Discover whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and marine wildlife around Dyer Island.
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Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition
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Plettenberg Bay Dolphin Watching
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ExploreBook Your Gansbaai Whale Watching Trip
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Trip Summary
Gansbaai Whale Watching
- Duration
- 2 to 2.5 hours (weather and sightings dependent)
- Departure Times
- Morning Departure | Afternoon Departure | No Preference
- Pricing
- Adult: R2,340 | Child Under 12: R1,725 | Child Under 5: Free | Conservation Fee: R150
- Season
- June to December
Departure times are tide and weather dependent. Morning and afternoon departures are available — exact meeting times are confirmed the day before your trip based on tides, weather conditions and operational requirements. Our reservations team will notify you of your check-in time.
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