Hermanus Whale Watching and Wine Experience from Cape Town

Hermanus is world-famous for being the best land-based whale-watching destination on Earth. In Hermanus, whales can often be seen just meters from the shore during the season: June to November. Peak Time Summary Calves born: Mainly in August & September. Best overall months: September & October. Season span: June to November/early December. NB: September & October are widely regarded as the best months overall for both quantity and activity of Whales. Travel in comfort along scenic coastal routes, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints and charming seaside towns. Enjoy guided walks along the iconic Cliff Path, offering spectacular ocean views and incredible photo opportunities. During whale season (Peak Time August - October), sightings are frequent and often guaranteed from the cliffs. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour combines storytelling, nature, and creating a personal and authentic experience that goes far beyond sightseeing.

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 Duration: 30 minutes

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

   5 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 their 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

   2 hours

   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

   As we head back to your hotel, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed the Hermanus tour and created wonderful memories along the way. Upon arrival, we will have a brief 15 minutes to say goodbye and wish you safe onward travels.

• 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.