Hermanus and Gansbaai, Western Cape.

On the Western Cape, Hermanus and Gansbaai are the 2 main areas for whale watching, either boat-based or land-based. 

Click here to ask us to plan an itinerary for you including whale watching as part of your trip to South Africa.

Hermanus

Only 120 km from Cape Town, the pretty little town of Hermanus is one of the world's 12 best whale viewing sites.  It is a popular weekend and holiday destination for South Africans, as well as for overseas visitors.

The local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear.

Gansbaai

Gansbaai (meaning Goose Bay) is a quaint traditional fishing village just 50 km along the coast from Hermanus.  The awesome De Kelders cliffs offer excellent land viewing opportunities along the coast during the whale watching season. 

The boat-based whale watching trips from here, with our recommended operator, Dyer Island Cruises, also visit Dyer Island, which is home to a colony of African or jackass penguins, and Geyser Rock, home to an incredible 50,000 Cape fur seals. 

But be warned - the seals are great fun to watch - but the smell is not so fantastic! 

The trip also takes in Shark Alley, where Great White sharks can be seen gliding through the water. For a great adrenalin rush, try experiencing the Great White shark close up, from the protection of a solid cage submerged in the water, which can also be arranged with Dyer Island Cruises.