PICTURE: UNSPLASH/ WHALE
Whale watching season has begun, ocean lovers. The annual migration season is in full swing. From the peaceful shores of Fish Hoek to the action-packed waters of Gansbaai, the Cape is home to some of the best spots to whale watch in the world.
Here’s a few spots offering tours:
Green Cape Tours
This full-day experience includes land-based whale watching from Hermanus, a guided coastal walk, wine tasting, and return transport to Cape Town.
Oceans Africa
Based in Fish Hoek, Oceans Africa offers customised tours with local experts and multi-day trips across South Africa’s coasts.
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
- Location: 14 Saunders Close, Fish Hoek
- Book: www.oceansafrica.com
Simon’s Town Boat Company
This operator is known for its safety-first approach and skilled skippers. Guests can enjoy accessible, wheelchair-friendly boarding and trips led by marine experts.
- Times: Daily, 9am to 5pm
- Location: Wharf Street, Simon’s Town
- Book: www.boatcompany.co.za
Hermanus Whale Cruises (Sandown Bay Fishing Co.)
One of the original whale tour operators in the region, this cruise supports the local Hawston community and offers well-informed guides.
- Times: Daily, 8am to 5pm
- Location: 148 Westcliff Road, Hermanus
- Contact: hermanuswhales@lantic.net | 082 369 8931
Hermanus Whale Watchers
These daily cruises offer intimate encounters with whales and other marine wildlife. SATOUR-qualified guides share local knowledge.
- Times: Daily | 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm (June to November)
- Location: Westcliff Road, New Harbour, Hermanus
- Cost: R700 (children) – R1350 (adults)
- Book: Hermanus Whale Watchers
Dyer Island Cruises (Marine Dynamics)
A Gansbaai-based marine safari experience that offers a chance to see the Marine Big Five: great white sharks, southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins.
- Times: Daily, various hours
- Location: 5 Geelbek Street, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai
- Book: Dyer Island Cruises
Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
Departing from Gansbaai, these two-hour trips offer sweeping views of Hermanus and De Kelders.
- Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
- Location: 3 Hawe Weg, Gansbaai Harbour
- Cost: R500 to R1750 | Private charter from R36 500
- Book: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
Southern Right Charters
Operating in Walker Bay, this Hermanus-based charter follows the principle of ‘Observing NOT Disturbing’. Their tours often get up close thanks to curious whales.
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- Location: The Whale Shack, Whale Road, Hermanus
- Cost: From R660 (children) to R1320 (adults)
- Book: Southern Right Charters
Captain Jacks
Hout Bay’s Captain Jacks runs fast-response trips when sightings occur. The area boasts sightings of whales, dolphins, sunfish and seals.
- Times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
- Location: Hout Bay Harbour
- Book: Captain Jacks
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Angelica Rhoda
Also see: All you can experience in Mossel Bay