Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

Check the best months for sightings, map your driving route from Cape Town, and prepare for rapid coastal weather changes.

Hermanus Whale Watching and Cliff Path

Walker Bay, Hermanus, 7200

GPS -34.4221, 19.2435

Open directions

Getting there

Drive independently or book a guided day trip.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive from Cape Town via the N2 highway or the scenic R44 coastal route (Clarence Drive).	1.5 to 2 hours		Safe parking is available at the New Harbour for boat trips or at various spots along the Cliff Path near the town center.
Tour: Book a guided day tour or private transport departing from Cape Town.	Full day	From R3,000 for private transport (boat tickets usually extra)	Many tours include hotel pickup, a scheduled boat trip, and a wine tasting stop in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The official season spans from June to November. August, September, and October offer the highest chances of seeing calves. Read Best time to visit for a month-by-month breakdown.

What to bring

Binoculars for spotting whales further out in the bay from the cliffs
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket for the boat and coastal breeze
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes for the 12km Cliff Path
Polarized sunglasses to cut water glare and see beneath the surface
Camera with a good zoom lens or telephoto capability
Anti-nausea medication if you are prone to seasickness on boats
Warm layers, as the weather can change rapidly in the Western Cape

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The Cliff Path is part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve.

It features several wheelchair and pushchair-friendly sections.

How the day runs

Suggested ways to structure your time in Hermanus.

Focus on a boat tour and a short coastal walk.

09:00
Arrive at New Harbour
Park your car and check in 30 minutes before your boat departs.
09:30
Boat Safari
Spend 1.5 to 2 hours on the water looking for whales.
12:00
Gearing's Point
Drive to the town center and walk this scenic section of the Cliff Path.
13:00
Old Harbour Museum
Learn about the local fishing history before getting lunch.

What to bring

Coastal weather changes quickly. Pack a windbreaker or waterproof jacket. Wear sturdy walking shoes for the 12km Cliff Path. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are essential.

Bring binoculars for spotting whales from the shore. Polarized sunglasses will cut water glare. If you get seasick easily, take medication before boarding a boat. Check Packing Guide for more packing advice.

Easiest way to do it

Passengers on a boat watch a large whale surfacing in the ocean.

Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus

2 h 4.7 (258)

Support Crew to ensure passenger comfort
Whale specialist guide on board
Complimentary Light refreshments

From$110per person

Viator$110 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

When is the best time to see whales in Hermanus?

The official season is June to November. Sightings peak in August, September, and October. During these months, whales come close to the shoreline to calve.

How far is Hermanus from Cape Town?

Hermanus is roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Cape Town. You can take the direct N2 highway. Alternatively, drive the scenic R44 coastal route.

Where do the whale watching boats depart from in Hermanus?

All permitted whale watching boats depart from the Hermanus New Harbour. There is safe parking available on-site for visitors.