Hermanus Cliff Path Whale Tour: Southern Right Whales

Walk the cliffs above Walker Bay and watch whales approach within touching distance of the rocks.

A land-based whale tour in Hermanus follows the Hermanus Cliff Path with Dave de Beer, a behavioural specialist who has spent two decades photographing Southern Right Whales. The tour starts with a museum visit to learn whale biology and the history of whaling, then moves to a 2-hour guided walk along the cliffs 15 metres above the ocean, where the shallow water below, about 10 metres deep, brings whales within 50 to 300 metres of shore. You'll learn to read individual whale behaviour and timing for breaching. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, along with bottled water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Land based whale watching tour

• Visit museum about Southern Right Whales
• Walk along Hermanus cliff path
• Observe whales and learn behaviors

The experience

The Hermanus Cliff Path sits at an elevation that gives you a vantage most visitors don't find on their own. The ocean depth immediately below the cliffs is only about 10 metres, which is why Southern Right Whales approach so close to the rocks: sometimes nearly touching distance. Dave de Beer has photographed these whales for over 20 years and knows each one individually, so he can tell you the age and behaviour patterns of the animals you're watching and predict when a breach is likely to happen.

The tour begins at a museum where you'll learn the size, weight and migration patterns of Southern Right Whales, and the history of the whaling industry that nearly wiped them out. From there, you walk the cliff path itself for 2 hours with Dave, who points out the secret sighting locations and explains what the whales are doing as you watch them. The walk covers the beautiful stretch of coastline in front of town. The shallow bay means whales are often visible between 50 and 300 metres from the shore, close enough to see their behaviour clearly.

An air-conditioned vehicle is included, and you'll have bottled water throughout. The tour suits all fitness levels, though the cliff walk itself is the main physical component.

What’s included

• Museum introduction to Southern Right Whales and Hermanus whaling history.
• 2-hour guided walk along the Hermanus Cliff Path with Dave de Beer.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 14 years) · Infant (under 8): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Dave de Beer - Hermanus Whales and Walks

Is this one for you?The tour starts from town and includes vehicle transport, so you don't need a car or a ride to reach the cliff path. If you're staying in Hermanus without your own transport, this is how you access the best vantage point for whale watching and the knowledge of someone who has studied these animals for two decades.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (8 to 14 years); Infant (under 8): 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.

What is the Hermanus Cliff Path like as a walk?

The Hermanus Cliff Path is a 2-hour guided walk along the clifftop at about 15 metres above the ocean, following the coastline in front of town. The path gives you a high vantage point to watch whales in Walker Bay without descending to the water.

How close do the whales actually get to the shore?

Southern Right Whales are often seen between 50 and 300 metres from the shoreline. The shallow water immediately below the cliffs, about 10 metres deep, allows them to approach the rocks closely, sometimes nearly to touching distance, because the depth suits their feeding and resting behaviour.

What will Dave de Beer teach me about the whales?

Dave shares knowledge from 20 years of photographing and observing Southern Right Whales. He knows each whale individually and can tell you its age, behaviour patterns, and the best timing to see a breach. He also explains the connection between the whales and Hermanus, and the history of whaling that nearly led to their extinction.

What happens at the museum part of the tour?

The museum visit introduces you to Southern Right Whale biology (their size, length and weight), and explains the synergy between the whales and Hermanus. You'll learn about the whaling era and its impact on the species, setting context for what you'll see on the cliff path.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The main activity is a 2-hour walk along the cliff path, which is a gentle pace along the clifftop rather than a strenuous hike.