Cape Town to Hermanus: Whale Watching, Wine & Farm Stall Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.89 (177 reviews) 92% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/9

Duration10h

GroupUp to 18

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Hermanus whales coastal drive wine tasting & farm flavors

You’ll ride along one of South Africa’s most beautiful coasts from Cape Town to Hermanus with a local guide, watch for Southern Right whales from cliffside paths or even by boat during season, sample wines in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and snack your way through Peregrine Farm Stall’s shelves of fresh-baked treats—all in one easygoing day.

10h

Step-by-step itinerary

Hermanus whale watching and wine tasting

Stop at Pitstop 1950’s Pump Diner
Admire coastal and Hermanus views
Whale sightseeing cruise (seasonal)
Walk kloof top pathways for whales
Explore shops and galleries in Hermanus
Urban wine tasting in Hemel en Aarde
Visit Peregrine Farm Stall café and deli

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the blue—ocean blue, sky blue, even the faded paint on the old 1950’s diner where we stopped for coffee just outside Cape Town. The Pitstop felt like a movie set, all chrome and South African quirks. Our guide, Sipho, waved us inside with a grin and ordered “moerkoffie” for everyone. It smelled strong enough to wake up a rhino (I nearly asked for sugar but chickened out). We sat by the window and watched mist roll over the cliffs—someone said you could sometimes spot whales from here if you’re lucky. Not today though. Just that salty air and the sound of someone laughing behind the counter.

The drive along the coast to Hermanus was all twists and sudden views—one minute you’re staring at fynbos scrub, next it’s open sea with white spray. Sipho kept pointing out little things: fishermen casting lines off rocks, dassies sunning themselves on boulders. When we finally reached Hermanus, it was quieter than I expected. A few locals were leaning on railings above Walker Bay, scanning for Southern Right whales. We joined them, squinting into the glare—then someone shouted and there it was: a slow curve of dark back breaking the surface way out in the bay. I didn’t expect to feel so giddy just seeing that much whale from land.

We wandered through town after that—shops full of driftwood art, a gallery with bright splashes of color, people chatting in Afrikaans and English. Lunch was wherever you wanted; I grabbed something simple overlooking the water because honestly I didn’t want to miss anything happening out there. Later we followed Sipho along these cliff paths he called “kloof tops,” where you get maybe the best shore-based whale watching anywhere (his words). He told stories about old whalers and pointed out kelp forests swaying below us.

On our way back toward Cape Town we stopped at this place called Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin Valley—sort of half café, half deli, all wood beams and fresh bread smells. I bought a loaf still warm from the oven (ate half before we even got back on the bus). There was also a wine tasting in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley earlier—crisp whites mostly—and I tried to pronounce “Hemel-en-Aarde” right but Sipho just laughed and shook his head. Still think about that bread sometimes.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Cape Town, guided transport along scenic coastal routes with WiFi onboard, leisure time exploring Hermanus town and its cliffside paths for whale watching during season, an urban wine tasting featuring Hemel-en-Aarde Valley wines, plus a visit to Peregrine Farm Stall where you can try local produce or fresh baked goods before heading back home in comfort.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Sightseeing South Africa