Hermanus Whale Watchers
Experience unforgettable boat-based whale watching with Hermanus Whale Watchers, offering close-up encounters with majestic Southern Right Whales in their natural habitat.
The whale watching season runs from June to the end of November, when the whales return to their breeding grounds in Antarctica.
Whale Watching Season: 1 June 2025 – 30 November 2025
Hermanus Whale Watchers operates trips every day (weather permitting).
Due to the weather constraints we recommend staying at least 3 nights.
The Best Boat-Based Whale Watching in Hermanus
Hermanus, South Africa, is renowned as the world’s land-based whale watching capital, but its boat-based experiences offer an even closer view of the marine magic. Every outing is unique, with varying sightings of the Big-5 of the sea that highlight the richness of Walker Bay’s marine life.
Southern Right Whales take center stage (June - November) during the annual mating and calving season. Bulls arrive first in June, followed by females ready to mate in the Cape’s coastal waters. Pregnant females are the last to arrive—and to leave—departing only when their calves are strong enough for the journey back to Antarctica, where they feed on krill.
Beyond the whales, you may encounter Cape Fur Seals, playful Bottlenose or common Dolphins, and endangered African penguins. Depending on the season, sightings may also include migrating Humpback Whales, resident Bryde’s Whales, and a rich diversity of seabirds drawn to the vibrant marine ecosystem.
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