The 11 Best Whale Watching Tours in South Africa

1.Hermanus: Boat Based Whale Watching Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,180 reviews · 1h 30m · from $93Our pick

Review of Hermanus whale watching by boat, with practical tips on wildlife, timing, sea conditions, value, and what to expect for $93.

“Loved the whale watching trip! We saw a mother and a calf. Amazing to see those magnificent animals so close by. The crew respects the animals. They keep their distance, and don't bother them. But you have plenty of time to watch the whales. A must-do when in South Africa.”

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2.Hermanus: Whale and Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 807 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Review of Hermanus whale watching with Southern Right Charters, covering sightings, boat comfort, guides, value, timing, and practical tips.

“We enjoyed the trip, we were fortunate to see some southern right whales and seals. The guide was friendly, entusiastic, informative. The staff was very helpful when I got seasick. We recommend this tour!”

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3.Whale, Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 687 reviews · from $185Top rated

Cruise Algoa Bay from Port Elizabeth for whales, dolphins, penguins, and conservation insight aboard a small, sustainable catamaran.

“We had a wonderful experience! The team was super helpful, engaged and living for their mission. We were so lucky to see jot only dolphins, seals, two whales but also a hammerhead shark and a bunch of penguins swimming to feed. Would recommend everytime!”

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4.From Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 378 reviews · 7 hours · from $221

Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale watching trip, with Gansbaai boat details, wildlife, transport, costs, timing, and practical tips.

“Great day trip. Having been able to see a mom and baby right up close to the boat Made the whole day. The weather was cool and rainy coming down from Cape Town once out in the water the sun and whales showed us how beautiful life is. Only thing could have made this day better would have been a little longer out on the water.”

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5.Plettenberg Bay: Whale Watching Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 362 reviews · 2 hours · from $49Best value

Review of Plettenberg Bay’s 2-hour whale cruise, with dolphins, seals, beach launches, seasonal advice, value, and practical tips.

“We have seen so many animals including seals, dolphins and whales.”

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6.Whale Watching from Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · from $112

Review of Gansbaai whale watching, with Southern right whales, dolphins, practical tips, pricing, boat details, and booking advice.

“We did Whale Watching with Ivanhoe Safaris. It was not a nice experience. Approximately 15 drunk Russians sceaming every time we saw the whales coming out of the water. The guide did not tell them to shut up! The boat was smelly from petro, no drinks except water. Read more”

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7.Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 205 reviews · from $91

Set out from Hermanus New Harbour for a two-hour whale tour with expert guides, close sightings, refreshments, dolphins, seals, and seasonal whales.

“Our family had an amazing day of whale watching. Great crew and very informative tour. Sighted many Southern Right Whales up close to the boat. Also saw dolphins. Highly recommend this trip to anyone.”

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8.From Cape Town: Full Day Guided Hermanus and Whale Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · from $51

Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale tour, with coastal views, shore watching, Hemel-en-Aarde wine tasting, and Peregrine Farm Stall.

“What a wonderful experience and interesting stops along the way! It's a beautiful drive with interesting stops and nuggets of information along the way. Hermanus is a beautiful town any day of the year. 'Opted for the additional sightseRead more”

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9.From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 110 reviews · 2 hours · from $249

Review a Cape Town whale-watching day trip to Gansbaai, with coastal scenery, penguins, Hermanus, lunch, and practical booking advice.

“Terrific experience. Totally recommend. Everything went smoothly! Special thanks to guide Prem!”

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10.Whale Watching Walking Tours (Land-Based) – from JUNE 2025

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews · from $57

See Hermanus whales from quiet coastal paths with a private guide, museum visit, air-conditioned vehicle, and flexible viewing stops.

“We met up with Percy on Friday and started at the whale museum he was very knowledgable and informative about all aspects of the whales. We had a good 3.30 hours around Hermanus talking in the views and surrounding area we unfortunately didn’t see any whales but it was still a very enjoyable trip would definitely recommend”

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11.Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip and Private Wine Tour from Cape Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · from $242

Review of Cape Town’s Hermanus whale watching, wine tasting, penguins, private guide, scenic coast, costs, timing, and practical tips.

“This was a great day trip, well worth a visit while in Cape Town. Our guide Danton made sure we had a pleasant time. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. The six course paring menu at Creation wines was amazing. The whale watching wRead more”

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