Hermanus Whale Watching Tour: Southern Right Whales

Southern Right Whales breach and tail-slap within meters of the Hermanus shoreline.

A five-hour private day tour from Cape Town to Hermanus combines land-based and boat whale watching during Southern Right Whale season (June–November) with a guided wine tasting at Benguela Cove Wine Estate. The tour includes pickup from Cape Town, an air-conditioned vehicle, boat entrance fees, wine tasting entry, bottled water, and Wi-Fi on board. Whale sightings are seasonal and weather-dependent; boat tours may be canceled or rescheduled due to rough seas, though shoreline viewing remains more reliable.

The Experience

The drive from Cape Town to Hermanus follows one of South Africa's most scenic coastal routes, taking you through the Western Cape landscape to one of the world's best land-based whale watching destinations. During whale season (June through November), Southern Right Whales return to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay to mate and give birth, and they often surface close enough to the shoreline that you can watch them breach and tail-slap without leaving the cliffs. Your expert guide shares insights into their behavior, migration patterns, and conservation efforts as the day unfolds.

The tour splits between shoreline viewing and a boat excursion. Shoreline watching is more reliable in rough conditions and lets you move along the cliffs to follow the whales; boat access brings you closer when seas permit, though trips may be rescheduled or canceled if swells are too heavy. Morning departures often offer calmer water and better light for photography. Patience matters — whales surface irregularly, and sightings depend on season, weather, and whether they're in the bay that day.

After whale watching, you head to Benguela Cove Wine Estate for a guided tasting of award-winning cool-climate wines overlooking the vineyards and lagoon. The estate sits in the same coastal region that shapes the whales' habitat, and the terroir reflects the cold Atlantic currents that define the area. The full day runs about five hours and includes the drive, both viewing experiences, and the tasting. Pickup from your Cape Town accommodation is included; if you prefer to meet the group at the designated point (The new Barbourin in Hermanus), that option is available.

What’s included

• Private guide in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi.
• boat entrance fees.
• wine tasting entry at Benguela Cove Wine Estate.
• bottled water.
• pickup from your Cape Town accommodation (or meet at the designated point in Hermanus).

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by KJA Tours (Pty)Ltd

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so the pace and stops follow your group's interests rather than a fixed itinerary shared with strangers — ideal if you want flexibility to linger when whales surface or move along the cliffs to follow them. The boat access is included when seas permit, but shoreline viewing is the reliable constant, which suits photographers and families with young children who prefer solid ground and uninterrupted sightlines over the closer but rougher boat experience.

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Top questions

When is the best time to see Southern Right Whales in Hermanus?

Southern Right Whales are in Walker Bay from June through November, with peak numbers typically in September and October. Morning departures often provide calmer seas and better visibility for watching them breach and tail-slap near the shoreline.

What happens if the boat trip gets canceled due to rough seas?

Boat tours may be rescheduled or canceled when swells are too heavy, but shoreline viewing from the cliffs remains available and is often more reliable in rough conditions. Your guide will adjust the day's plan based on sea conditions when you arrive.

Is the wine tasting included in the tour price?

Yes, entrance to Benguela Cove Wine Estate and a guided wine tasting are included. The tasting takes place after whale watching and overlooks the vineyards and lagoon.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Cape Town?

No, pickup from your Cape Town accommodation is included in the tour. If you prefer to meet the group at the designated meeting point (The new Barbourin in Hermanus), you can arrange that instead.

What should I bring for a day of whale watching and wine tasting?

Bring layers and a windproof jacket — coastal weather changes quickly, and cliff-top viewing can be windy. Sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars help with whale spotting. The vehicle is air-conditioned and bottled water is provided on board.