Africa Deluxe Tours Whale-watching at Hermanus

Hermanus

Hermanus is situated on the southern coast of the Western Cape, and is known as the best land based whale watching spot in the world. The Southern Right Whale comes to the South African coastal waters during winter and spring to have their young and to suckle them before returning to the Antarctic. Due to the steep cliffs on the coast, the whales come very close to the shore, ideal for watching them from the land.

Whales were previously hunted from the nearby Betty's Bay, but since this practice has been abolished the whale numbers are increasing every year and they are moving further up the coast.

Other attractions at Hermanus include the Old Harbour Museum that has a display of whales, including a skeleton of a whale, and daily movies with information regarding whales and dolphins that are found on the coast. The 'De Wetshuis Photo Museum' houses a photographic display of the history of the town. Various art and craft markets are held every weekend at different venues in town. Anything from art, food, clothes and locally produced wine can be bought here.

Tours that include Hermanus

View from an Arniston coastal cave

Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Tour Type: Scheduled tours
Luxury Level: *** / ****
Price: R13,625 per person sharing (±US$ 982 )
R800 single supplement (±US$ 57 )

Valid dates: Dec 2014 - Oct 2015


This is a circular 5 day scheduled tour departing from Cape Town. Route 62 journeys through the valleys and mountain passes of the Klein Karoo. On the Garden Route you’ll focus on Knysna You return to Cape Town via the Cape South Coast. Mountain scenery, wildlife, ocean and more.

Highlights: Oudtshoorn , Cango Caves , Route 62 , Garden Route , Knysna , Oudtshoorn ostrich farms , Mossel Bay , The Garden Route Game Lodge , The Bartolomeu Dias Museum , Swellendam , Hermanus , Cape Agulhas .

A whale of a tail

Duration: 1 days, 0 nights
Tour Type: City & day tours
Price: R1,050 per person (±US$ 75 )

Valid dates: Nov 2017 - Oct 2018


The Hermanus day tour operates from July to November, during the annual migration of Southern Right Whales to our coastline. The tour includes scenic drives, a visit to a Penguin Colony and ample time for whale-watching.

Highlights: Hermanus , Betty's Bay African Penguins , Hermanus Whale Watching .

Hermanus attractions

A visitor takes in the view from the mouth of a coastal cave in Arniston.

Arniston / Waenhuiskrans

The town of Arniston is situated on the south coast of South Africa in close proximity to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the continent. Initially it was a fishing village but has now become a popular holiday destination. The original fishing village with its lime washed houses was maintained and has been declared a national monument.

African Penguins at Betty's Bay, not far from Cape Town.

Penguins at Betty’s Bay

African Penguins are classified as ‘vulnerable” and are only found along the African Coast in the Southern Hemisphere. They normally colonize islands and are seldomly found on the the coast of the mainland. Stoney Point at Betty’s Bay is one of only three such places and offers the rare opportunity to see them up close.

The 'cliff path' at Hermanus follows the rocky coastline in and outside of Hermanus for kilometres and perfectly compliments long walks in search of the perfect whale sighting.

Hermanus whale watching

Hermanus is known as the best land based spot for whale watching. The steep coastal cliffs and the depth of the water make it possible for whales to come close to the land. In season, which is normally from June to December, the number of whales at Hermanus can be more than 100.