Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Tour Southern Right Whales June-Dec

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/14

Duration2h

GroupUp to 50

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Watch Southern Right whales from a catamaran with a marine specialist on board

You board a catamaran in Hermanus harbour with a whale specialist guide who briefs you on land first, then interprets the marine life as you encounter it. Southern Right whales dominate June through December, alongside seals, penguins, and occasional dolphins. A videographer captures footage, refreshments are included, and the boat's design means you actually get a view. Bring a windbreaker and seasickness tablets if you need them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat based whale watching experience

Attend on-land briefing
Board catamaran at Hermanus New Harbour
Search for whales and marine life
Listen to whale specialist guide
Enjoy videographer capturing footage

The Experience

The catamaran cuts through the water faster than you'd expect, and suddenly the guide points — there's a whale tail breaking the surface maybe fifty metres away. You weren't ready for how real it would be, how the whole boat goes quiet when one surfaces. The trip starts on land with a briefing from the whale specialist, who walks you through what you're about to see and how to read the animals' behaviour, then you head down the jetty to the boat itself. It's a purpose-built catamaran, designed so you're not crammed in with forty other people fighting for a view — the layout actually lets you move around and see properly.

From June through December, Southern Right whales are the main event, but the waters around Hermanus pull in seals, penguins, dolphins, and sometimes Bryde's or Humpback whales depending on the season. The crew knows the harbour and the animals' patterns, and they're genuinely friendly rather than just going through the motions. Your guide keeps talking throughout — not in that exhausting way where you can't hear yourself think, but enough that you understand what you're watching. There's a videographer on board too, capturing footage so you're not just relying on your phone camera to prove any of this happened.

The boat ride itself is smooth enough that even if you're worried about seasickness, you can take tablets beforehand and be fine. Bring a windbreaker because the wind off the water is real, even on a calm day, and sensible shoes because the jetty and the boat deck aren't forgiving if you slip. Light refreshments are included, so you're not standing there hungry while waiting for the next sighting. Kids under twelve get a life jacket — it's provided, and it's non-negotiable, which is the kind of detail that tells you they've thought this through.

What’s included

On-land briefing with a whale specialist guide before boarding.
boat-based whale watching from the Hermanus New Harbour on a purpose-built catamaran.
whale specialist guide interpretation throughout the tour.
videographer capturing footage.
support crew for passenger comfort.
complimentary light refreshments.
life jackets for children under 12.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Southern Right Charters

Is this one for you?Right for travellers wanting a close encounter with Southern Right whales without the uncertainty of land-based spotting — the catamaran gets you out to where the animals are. Plan for a morning or afternoon on the water with wind and spray, which is exactly what makes the viewing possible.