Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

Experience an up, close and personal encounter with the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean that promises to be an ‘experience to be treasured.’ From June to December you will mostly encounter the Southern Right whales, seals, penguins and marine birds, and often see dolphins, Bryde’s and Humpback whales on this informative and educational tour.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Southern Right Charters - Boat Based Whale Watching
    The whale watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by our whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran. We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’ The purpose-built catamaran provides superior viewing and comfort and during the tour and the friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience. Our Whale Specialist guide will interpret the marine life encountered en route and provide insight into the behaviour of the whales while you are watching them in action. Our videographer will ensure that the best footage is captured.
What's Included
  • Support Crew to ensure passenger comfort
  • Whale specialist guide on board
  • Complimentary Light refreshments
What's Not Included
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • USB Movie of tour (available to purchase at R390)
Additional Information
  • All ages welcome, children U/12 must wear a life jacket at al times which will be provided
  • Please bring along:
  • Weather appropriate clothing and a windbreaker
  • Sensible footwear, sunscreen; cap if necessary
  • Sea sick tablets should be taken in advance as per packet instructions (if necessary)
Location
Southern Right Charters
Enter the New Harbour (Corner of Westcliff & Stil Road), follow the signs for Southern Right Charters, down to the waters' edge.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(198 Ratings)
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Robyn_b
Sep 17, 2024
Breathtaking! - Whales, seals and an amazing pod of common dolphins to finish off the trip! An enthusiastic guide who was knowledgable and friendly
Review provided by Viator
P5258akevad
Sep 16, 2024
Best charter! - I would like to give a very big compliment and Thank you to southern right charters! First of all the tour was amazing, we got to see 2 different species of whales the boat was great and our tourguide gave Lots of information! Unfortunately my friend got seasick after one hour. The way they helped us was outstanding, a special thanks to our tourguide who helped to get her to recover asap but also the rest of the crew and offcourse the team in the office who helped us with getting a hold of our Uber driver. I would definitely recommend this charter, most friendly crew and amazing tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeths322
Sep 15, 2024
Great whale watching excursion with dolphins - We saw lots of whales. And a large pod of dolphins escorted us back to the dock! Excellent charter company. They are conservation focused. We were given a thorough briefing about whales and the history of whaling by Jacques before heading out. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The boat is clean and well maintained. It is comfortable and gives good protection from wind and rain. We did the early departure. This company is the only one with an early departure so we were the only boat on the bay
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karmeliett
Sep 15, 2024
A superb experience - It was very well organized, the instructions and indications were clear. We have you 3 species of whales, it was beautiful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paigeellensmith
Sep 15, 2024
The best thing we’ve ever done! - The trip we had was spectacular - we got much closer and saw much more marine life than we anticipated. The guy who led the tour was so lovely and knowledgable. I would do this tour again and again and again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W7403oeinesc
Sep 4, 2024
Top - The tour started punctually at 6:30 a.m. Meeting point is already 30 minutes before, unfortunately I did not get this information. We drove about 15-20 minutes and saw 2 southern right whales. We were then able to observe these for a very long time. The whales were partly right next to the boat. A great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shenreka21
Sep 3, 2024
A once in a lifetime experience with the whales in Hermanus - An amazing day out to view the whales was the highlight of our Hermanus stay. We were blessed to have the whales right next to the boat and were able to take awesome videos and pictures. The weather was perfect . The drone videos was superb. The staff were happy and welcoming and made the trip even better. Even though our online booking was for 630am(trop was cancelled) and we were waiting there from 6am - The staff kindly accomadated us on their 12pm trip.I highlight recommend Southern right charters anyday for a trip of a lifetime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simon_p
Sep 3, 2024
Thoroughly recommended. - Fantastic experience. We saw 2 types of Whales, Dolphins, Seals and lots of birds. We literally never had time to put our cameras away during the whope trip, because there was always something going on! Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Jason_h
Aug 27, 2024
Incredible Whale Watching! - From start to finish, the experience was incredible, thanks to our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide providing us with fascinating insights about the Southern Right species. We were fortunate enough to spot several majestic Southern Right Whales. Watching these magnificent creatures breach and play in the water was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget.
Review provided by Viator
Bordersmike
Aug 16, 2024
Amazing - Based at the old harbour a few minutes out of town. Friendly, informative and well organised. The boat is very comfortable and modern and well set up for the trip. They are assisted by a drone which is a great idea. They found us a southern right which stayed near us for half an hour or so- absolutely incredible!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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