Departs From Hermanus New Harbour
Direct access to Walker Bay.
Walker Bay, South Africa
Whale Watching Hermanus
Whale Watching Hermanus offers unforgettable boat-based whale watching trips from Hermanus New Harbour into Walker Bay, one of South Africa's most famous whale watching destinations. During the season, visitors may encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals and seabirds.
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Quick Facts
Location
Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Departure Point
Hermanus New Harbour
Duration
1.5 – 2 hours
Arrival Time
30 minutes before departure
Whale Season
June to early December
Peak Southern Right Season
September and October
Weather Dependent
Yes
Wildlife Sightings Guaranteed
No
Hermanus Whale Watching Rates
1.5 to 2 Hours (Weather Dependent) New Harbour, Hermanus
Adult
Ages 13+
R1,580
Per Adult
Pensioner / Student
Valid ID required
R1,480
Per Person
Child Under 12
Ages 4 – 12
R790
Per Child
Child Under 3
On parent's lap
Free
Free of Charge
All departures are weather dependent and subject to sea conditions for guest safety.
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Why Visitors Choose Hermanus For Whale Watching
Hermanus is recognised as one of the world's leading whale watching destinations. Walker Bay attracts visitors from around the world during the whale season thanks to its spectacular marine wildlife, dramatic coastline and excellent whale viewing opportunities.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, however whale sightings have been recorded on approximately 90% of trips during both the current season and the previous season.
Depending on the season, visitors may encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, dolphins, Cape Fur Seals and seabirds.
Independent reviews from travellers are available on Google and TripAdvisor.
Why Book This Trip?
Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary
One of the world's best whale watching destinations.
Southern Right Whale Hotspot
Peak season September and October.
Experienced Crew
Professional whale watching guides and crew.
Family Friendly Experience
Suitable for most ages.
Trusted By Travellers
Independent Google and TripAdvisor reviews available.
Hermanus Whale Watching Departure Times
- 06:00 (in summer when daylight allows)
- 09:00
- 11:00
- 12:00
- 14:00
- 15:00
- 16:00
- 18:00 (occasionally in summer when daylight allows)
All departures operate weather permitting. Exact daily schedules vary with season, tide and sea conditions.
Whale Sightings Are Never Guaranteed
Whales are wild marine mammals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. However, Hermanus has an excellent seasonal track record. Based on reported trip outcomes, whale watching trips this season have achieved around a 90% sighting success rate, with the previous season also achieving around a 90% sighting success rate.
This reflects historical seasonal performance and is not a guarantee of future sightings.
Best Time For Whale Watching In Hermanus
The Hermanus whale watching season generally runs from June to early December, with peak Southern Right Whale activity typically occurring during September and October. There is no guaranteed best time of day for whale watching in Hermanus. Morning and afternoon trips can both provide excellent experiences depending on whale movements, weather and sea conditions.
Whale Watching Season In Hermanus
Southern Right Whale Season
Southern Right Whales arrive in Walker Bay from June, with peak activity in September and October when mothers and calves are frequently seen close to shore. Numbers gradually decline through November and early December.
Humpback Whale Migration
Humpback Whales migrate past the Cape coast during winter and spring, with sightings possible from Hermanus on their journey along the South African coastline.
Bryde's Whales
A resident species of the South African coast, Bryde's Whales can be encountered in deeper sections of Walker Bay throughout the year, often spotted feeding on bait fish.
Walker Bay — A Whale Watching Destination
Walker Bay's sheltered, deep waters and dramatic cliff-lined coastline make it one of the world's most famous whale watching destinations and the perfect natural amphitheatre for Southern Right Whale viewing.
Hermanus New Harbour — Departure Information
Boat-based whale watching trips in Hermanus depart from the New Harbour, located approximately 2 km from the town centre.
Guests are requested to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow sufficient time for harbour entry, parking, check-in, safety briefing and life jacket fitting before boarding.
📍 Hermanus New Harbour Location
Tap the button below to open the Hermanus New Harbour directly in Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions on the day of your trip.
Visitors entering the New Harbour should note that a small harbour entry fee may be payable at the harbour gate. This fee is controlled by the harbour authorities and is subject to change.
There is generally ample parking available within the New Harbour. Parking is at the visitor's own risk, although the area is generally considered safe during normal operating hours.
The New Harbour is also home to several popular restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, drinks or a meal before or after their whale watching trip, including:
Boarding information
Boarding arrangements may vary depending on the vessel, tide, weather and sea conditions. Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to discuss their requirements when making an enquiry.
Whale Watching In Hermanus Today
Whale sightings in Hermanus vary daily depending on the season, weather, sea conditions and whale movements within Walker Bay. During the Southern Right Whale season, sightings are often excellent from both whale watching boats and the famous Hermanus Cliff Path.
Depending on the time of year, visitors may encounter Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Bryde's Whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals and seabirds. All scheduled whale watching departures operate weather permitting and every trip offers a unique experience.
Whale Watching In Hermanus In December, January And March
December
Southern Right Whales may still be seen around Hermanus during early December, but the main whale season is beginning to taper off.
January
January falls outside the main Southern Right Whale season in Hermanus. Visitors looking for marine wildlife experiences during January can consider the Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition, the Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Sea Safari, or a Plettenberg Bay dolphin watching trip if travelling the Garden Route.
March
March falls outside the main Southern Right Whale season in Hermanus. Visitors looking for marine wildlife experiences during March can consider the Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition, the Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Sea Safari, or a Plettenberg Bay dolphin watching trip.
Land-Based Whale Watching In Hermanus
Hermanus is famous for land-based whale watching along the Cliff Path. Visitors may see whales from viewpoints such as Gearing's Point, Sievers Point and the Old Harbour during the season.
Whale Tours In Hermanus
Whale tours in Hermanus depart daily during the season from Hermanus New Harbour and last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Each licensed boat-based whale watching trip is led by an experienced skipper and marine guide, with safety briefings, life jackets and permitted whale approach distances in line with South African marine regulations.
Seasonal Whale Expeditions
Beyond the Hermanus Season — Cape West Coast Humpback Whale Expeditions
When the Southern Right Whale season in Walker Bay winds down, an entirely different marine spectacle begins along the Cape West Coast. From November to March, Humpback Whales gather in vast feeding aggregations known as Humpback Whale super groups — one of the rarest and most extraordinary whale watching experiences on earth.
Cape West Coast · Seasonal Expedition
Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition
A seasonal Cape West Coast Whale Watching Expedition (November – March) searching for Humpback Whale super groups off Yzerfontein — small-group, expedition-style days at sea on the west coast's most productive Humpback feeding grounds.
Season
November – March (Humpback feeding season)
Departs from
Yzerfontein Harbour · Cape West Coast (~90 min from Cape Town)
Format
Small-group expedition experience — 1-day and 5-day options
Visiting Hermanus outside the Southern Right Whale season? The Seasonal Humpback Whale Expedition at Yzerfontein is one of the few destinations on earth where Humpback super-group behaviour is regularly observed from a boat.
Marine Wildlife Experience Hub
Other Whale & Marine Wildlife Experiences In South Africa
Beyond Walker Bay, our marine wildlife cluster covers four leading South African coastlines — each with its own season, species and character.
Whale Watching Hermanus
June to early December
Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, Bryde's Whales and marine wildlife in Walker Bay.
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Sea Safari
Year-round
Whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and marine wildlife around Dyer Island and Geyser Rock.
Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition
November to March
Specialised Humpback Whale expeditions along the Cape West Coast.
Plettenberg Bay Dolphin Watching
Year-round
Dolphins, seals, seabirds and marine wildlife along the Garden Route coastline.
Whale Watching Hermanus FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking your Hermanus whale watching trip.
Local Travel Guide
Things To Do Before & After Your Whale Watching Trip
Pair your Walker Bay whale watching trip with the Hermanus Cliff Path, Rotary Way Lookout, the Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley, Grotto and Voëlklip beaches, Fernkloof hiking trails and day trips to the Stony Point penguins, Stanford and Cape Agulhas — the southernmost tip of Africa.
Related Destinations
Explore whale watching across South Africa
Discover whale watching trips, scenic flights and marine wildlife experiences across South Africa's leading coastal destinations.
Whale Watching Gansbaai
Big 5 marine safaris with whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and African penguins at Dyer Island.
Whale Watching Cape Town
False Bay departures and day trips combining Cape Town's coast with peak Walker Bay sightings.
Whale Watching Mossel Bay
Garden Route whale watching with Southern Rights, Humpbacks and Bryde's Whales close to shore.
Whale Watching Knysna
Knysna Heads and the Garden Route — whales, dolphins and a stunning estuary backdrop.
Whale Watching Plettenberg Bay
Plett's sheltered bay — Humpbacks, Southern Rights, Bryde's Whales and resident dolphin pods.
Hermanus Whale Watching Flights
Scenic flights over Walker Bay — a bird's-eye view of whales, dolphins and coastline.
Yzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition
Seasonal Cape West Coast whale watching expedition (Nov–Mar) searching for Humpback Whale super groups.
Plan Your Trip
Whale watching guides & resources
Explore prices, seasons and destinations across South Africa to plan the right whale watching experience.
Whale Watching Hermanus Home
Unforgettable whale watching trips in Hermanus, South Africa — Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, dolphins and seals in Walker Bay.
Things To Do In Hermanus
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Whale Watching Prices
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Whale Watching Season — South Africa
Month-by-month guide to whale season across every destination.
Best Whale Watching in South Africa
Where to go, what to see, and which destination suits your trip.
Walker Bay Whale Guide
Everything to know about Walker Bay — the world's premier Southern Right Whale nursery.
Hermanus Whale Watching Flights
Scenic whale watching flights over Walker Bay and the Hermanus coastline.
Marine Wildlife Cluster
Other Marine Wildlife Experiences You May Enjoy
Explore our other marine wildlife experiences along the South African coast.
Gansbaai Marine Big 5 Sea Safari
Discover whales, dolphins, seals, penguins and marine wildlife around Dyer Island.
ExploreYzerfontein Humpback Whale Expedition
Join a specialised expedition targeting Humpback Whales along the Cape West Coast.
ExplorePlettenberg Bay Dolphin Watching
Encounter dolphins, seals, seabirds and marine wildlife along the Garden Route coastline.
ExploreBooking Enquiry
Book Whale Watching Hermanus
Send your preferred date and we'll confirm tour options and availability — usually within a few hours via WhatsApp or email.
Prefer to chat? Chat on WhatsApp or call +27 28 050 2273.