Hermanus Day Tour Whale Watching and Scenic Coastal Drive

Discover the beauty of Hermanus on this full-day tour from Cape Town, perfect for wildlife lovers and coastal explorers. Walk the famous cliff paths with stunning ocean views, spot southern right whales from the shore (in season), and visit Stony Point to see the charming African penguin colony up close. Enjoy the scenic coastal drive, explore the quaint town, and savor lunch at a local spot while learning about the region’s marine and cultural heritage. With a knowledgeable guide, flexible itinerary, and comfortable transport, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of the Cape’s natural wonders.

1. 1

   Cheetah Outreach - Somerset West

   Pass by

   Cheetah Outreach is a well-known non-profit conservation and education centre located in Paardevlei, Somerset West, near Cape Town. It was set up to help protect the endangered Southern African cheetah and raise public awareness of the threats these animals face in the wild.

2. 2

   Gordon's Bay

   30 min

   Enjoy a breathtaking coastal journey between Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay, where the road hugs the dramatic Cape coastline and its sparkling turquoise ocean.

3. 3

   Stony Point Nature Reserve

   1 hour

   Stony Point Nature Reserve is a protected coastal reserve best known for its African penguin colony — one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world. These endangered “jackass” penguins nest and waddle around the rocky shore, providing excellent opportunities to observe their natural behaviour up close without disturbing them. The colony also attracts several species of cormorants (Crowned, Cape, Bank and White-breasted) as well as gulls and dassies (rock hyrax), making the reserve a great spot for wildlife and birdwatching.

4. 4

   Hermanus

   6 hours

   Hermanus developed into one of the world’s most famous land-based whale-watching destinations in the early 20th century. Southern right whales began returning annually to its sheltered bays after international whaling declined in the 1930s, allowing populations to slowly recover. By the 1970s, Hermanus was internationally recognized for its close-to-shore whale sightings, often just meters from the coastline. In 1992, the town introduced the Whale Crier, a unique tradition where a horn announces whale sightings along the cliff paths. Today, Hermanus attracts visitors from around the world during the June to November whale season, celebrating these gentle giants through conservation, education, and the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. The town remains a global example of responsible, sustainable whale tourism.

5. 5

   Hermanus Cliff Path

   1 hour

   The Hermanus Cliff Path is a beautifully maintained coastal walkway stretching for several kilometres along the town’s rugged shoreline. It offers panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and some of the world’s best land-based whale watching, especially during the June to November season when southern right whales come close to shore to calve and nurse. The path is easily accessible, dotted with benches and viewpoints, and is perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and nature lovers.

6. 6

   Cape Town Central

   15 min

   On the return to your pick-up point, we’ll have a 15-minute farewell stop to say goodbye and wrap up the tour

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.