Whale Watching from Gansbaai: Southern Right Whales Up Close

Board a small boat and watch Southern right whales surface alongside you off De Keldar

A 2-hour whale watching tour from Gansbaai takes you on a boat along the De Keldar cliffs to see Southern right whales and other marine life in the water around you. The boat stays small so nobody is squeezed in. A professional guide in English is included, and you can choose between a 10:00am or 1:00pm departure. Bring warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars or a camera.

The experience

You arrive in Gansbaai and board a boat built to stay uncrowded. The operator keeps group size low so you're not jostling for a view. The 2-hour run takes you out along the cliffs of De Keldar, where Southern right whales move through the water. A professional guide narrates what you're seeing and points out other marine life as it appears. The boat moves slowly enough that you can watch and photograph without missing the moment.

Whales surface close enough that you see them clearly without binoculars, though bringing a pair or a camera with a zoom lens gives you more detail. The guide reads the water and the animals' behavior, so you understand what you're watching instead of just seeing shapes move past. The boat is built for this work: stable in the swells and positioned so everyone on board gets a sightline, not a view of someone else's shoulder.

Bring layers: the water is cold and the wind picks up once you're offshore. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen matter even on a cloudy day. The tour runs year-round, though Southern right whales are most common in the winter months (June to November). Parking at the departure point carries a small fee payable when you check in.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• 2-hour boat ride along the De Keldar cliffs.
• small-group experience designed to avoid overcrowding.

Options for this experience

3 options

Whale Trip 10:00amGuide in English · 10:00Enjoy a two-hour trip to observe southern right whales from a vessel built specifically for whale viewing, offering a comfortable way to see these gentle giants.

Whale Trip 1:00pmGuide in English · 13:00Enjoy a two-hour trip to observe southern right whales from a vessel built specifically for whale viewing, offering a comfortable way to see these gentle giants.

Full day tour from Cape Town to GansbaaiGuide in English · 07:00Make the most of the scenic two-hour drive from Cape Town by upgrading to a full-day tour, with pickup by a qualified tour guide, and explore the beautiful coastline between Cape Town and Gansbaai.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 10:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 15 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Eubalaena Sea Safaris CC - Trading as Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

Is this one for you?Book the morning departure if you want the calmer water and clearer light for photography. The afternoon slot works better if you're arriving in Gansbaai later in the day and want to see whales before you leave the area.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

441 verified traveler reviews

5 ★402

4 ★25

3 ★7

2 ★3

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When do Southern right whales show up off Gansbaai?

Southern right whales are most common from June through November, the Southern Hemisphere winter. The tour runs all year, and other marine life appears in the water outside the peak whale season, but the winter months give you the best chance of seeing whales.

How many people fit on the whale watching boat?

The boat is kept small on purpose so the group never feels crowded and everyone gets a clear view. The operator limits capacity to preserve the experience, though the exact number varies by departure.

What should I bring on the whale watching tour?

Bring warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and binoculars or a camera. The water is cold and the wind is real once you're offshore, so layers matter more than you might expect on a sunny day.

Is the whale watching boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat and all boarding areas are wheelchair accessible. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one.

What's included in the whale watching tour price?

The tour includes the 2-hour boat ride and a professional guide who speaks English. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included. A parking fee of R5 is payable at check-in.

Can I choose what time the tour departs?

Yes, you can book either the 10:00am or 1:00pm departure when you purchase your ticket. Both tours run the same 2-hour route along De Keldar.