Whale Watching Hermanus
Whale Watching Hermanus
Whale Watching Hermanus
4.5
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Boat Based Whale Watching trips in Hermanus & Gansbaai to see Southern Right Whales & other marine life. Season June - December. Adults - R1020 per adult and R510 per child under 12yrs
Hermanus, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Whale Watching Hermanus
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
34 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Aud1507
Fife, UK19 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
I booked this trip 7 months in advance based on other customers' reviews. The whale watching boat trip was to be one of the highlights of our holiday to South Africa. Unfortunately, due the adverse sea conditions, Whale Watching Hermanus had to cancel all their boat trips for the four days we were in Hermanus. However, Shane offered to try to get us booked on a boat trip with another company in Plettenberg Bay as we were due to be there a few days later. On our second attempt from Plett we were successful in getting out and had the most amazing, close up encounter with four humpback whales which interacted with our boat for almost an hour. Considering Whale Watching Hermanus lost all of their business before, during and after the Hermanus Whale Festival, Shane kept in touch and did everything he could to make sure we did get close to whales. Thanks so much for this, Shane. You were instrumental in giving us an incredible experience and for memories which will last a life time.
Written 17 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Audrey Latto,
Thank you for your VERY KIND review and also taking the time to review us on TripAdvisor. It is really appreciated!!! I have to say that you are SPOT ON on what we try to do at Whale Watching Hermanus for our Guests. And thank you for highlighting it in your review. We always want to try to help guests like yourself to not miss this AMAZING experience. So, just like in your case where the weather in Hermanus was poor for a week and your trips were canceled, we always try to see if we can get you on another trip somewhere else if you are continuing your travels elsewhere in South Africa, as Guests are not aware of their options when coming to a country they are new too. There is so much information out there and to try to and figure out everything is almost impossible and that's where we come in. We will take this hassle away for you and try to make your holiday extra special.
We are very privileged to be able to make your HOLIDAY that extra special and thank you for the opportunity.
All the best with the rest of your adventures.
Have a lovely day.
Kind Regards
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 18 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Astomanos
Morden, UK3 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
This was great weather was luckily perfect . Loved it and staff very passionate and fun too. Only negative was that you probably only spend 45 mins with whales - wd recommend the tours are an extra half hour, would happily pay the extra for the time of such a special experience.
Written 15 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa G
Reading, UK35 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We booked on-line for a whale watching trip whilst we were in Cape Town & were told that we wouldn't need to pay until we were there on the day, just in case the trip was cancelled. SADLY for us, the only 2 days that we could make the trip the weather was too bad to go out.
Shane was extremely helpful in giving us suggestions as to where we could walk to view the whales in Hermanus. He gave us suggestions on places to visit & eat & he was a generally really nice & helpful person, even more so when you consider that he wasn't getting paid.
Thanks Shane, if we ever come back to Cape Town I will certainly contact you again for a trip.
Shane was extremely helpful in giving us suggestions as to where we could walk to view the whales in Hermanus. He gave us suggestions on places to visit & eat & he was a generally really nice & helpful person, even more so when you consider that he wasn't getting paid.
Thanks Shane, if we ever come back to Cape Town I will certainly contact you again for a trip.
Written 9 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taryn W
Florida222 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Booked 2-3 months in advance, trip was cancelled on the Saturday due to weather conditions which is understandable. Changed to Sunday. When we got there they were running an hour late, couldn’t find our name and our deposit. Unfortunately we were catching a flight so couldn’t go later.
The booking interaction was so well organized but when we got there it was a dog show! No one knew what anyone was doing, line of people, most were angry due to the disorganized nature of the staff.
The other companies looked very well run. So disappointed, booked this for my husbands birthday months ago and we didn’t get to go 😒
The booking interaction was so well organized but when we got there it was a dog show! No one knew what anyone was doing, line of people, most were angry due to the disorganized nature of the staff.
The other companies looked very well run. So disappointed, booked this for my husbands birthday months ago and we didn’t get to go 😒
Written 14 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Taryn Gecelter,
Thank you for taking the time to review us on Tripadvisor. It is much appreciated. It is only by getting feedback from yourselves that can help us improve our service to guests. So, all feedback whether negative or positive is vital to us and we thank you for it.
We do sincerely apologize with regards to the mix up at the Office with not being able to find you on the booking system. This does, unfortunately, happen from time to time, as no system is full proof. But we will try to improve this. Again we do apologize. The boat was also running late that day and this is out of our hands, as this can happen sometimes. It was not a good day all around. We are so sorry that you missed your Whale Watching Trip as you had a flight to catch from Cape Town as the boat was running late and this resulted in you not being able to go on your Whale Watching Trip.
Have a lovely day.
Kind Regards
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 18 October 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Getaway21893234347
Johannesburg, South Africa51 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Beautiful experience. Got to see a couple of whales with their babies 😍. It was indeed a beautiful sight.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margot J
6 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We booked at Whale Watching Hermanus in advance, but they did not make me pay, they wanted to make sure the weather was favorable for the trip. I paid on the day before the trip directly.
Also, we were not too much on the boat, it didn’t look like a huge tourist site :)
We did the trip at the end of the day!
It was honestly spectacular, we did not know where to look: dolphins swimming around us, seals jumping, whales all playing together.
I recommend it, this is a great experience !
Also, we were not too much on the boat, it didn’t look like a huge tourist site :)
We did the trip at the end of the day!
It was honestly spectacular, we did not know where to look: dolphins swimming around us, seals jumping, whales all playing together.
I recommend it, this is a great experience !
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timothyc617
6 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
After a quick historical and safety overview, the pros at Whale Watching Hermanus get right to it—they help you board the boat; then you take a quick 20- to 30-minute boat ride into the bay. Within minutes, our guides had spotted multiple pods of Southern Right whales...and within a few more minutes, they were frolicking around our boat, just feet away! I wish I had time to this again—it's an experience I'll never forget. We leaved Whale Watching Hermanus and would recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat. P.S. The catamaran is really stable, so the potential for seasickness is minimized. They even provided refreshments. Do it!!
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Timothy
Thank you for such an amazing review!!! Thank you for taking the time to write the Review. Hermanus Whale Watchers are amazing. All credit goes to the staff that makes the experience so much more. From the time you enter the office to the time you step off the boat you feel well looked after. All CREDIT goes to them.
We are so happy you had an amazing time and glad we could help make it happen for you. We are pleased that we could help to make your holiday that much more special even though it is in such a small way.
We wish you all the best with your future adventures and hope you visit again one day.
All the best and take care
Kind Regards
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 25 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nena L
Rockville, MD18 contributions
Jul 2018
We scheduled beforehand and they were right on time. The boat was in very good condition and the team was very knowledgeable of the habits and behavior of Southern Right Whales. They guided us on the best ways to identify whales and answered all our questions with plenty of information. A two-hour ride to remember. Thank you all for making our whale sighting tour a memorable one.
Written 18 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Nena
Thank you VERY MUCH for taking out the time to write the above review. It is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
We are very happy that we could you help you make this AMAZING EXPERIENCE HAPPEN and to be a small part of trying to make your holiday in South Africa a memorable one.
The crew are amazing and I give ALL CREDIT to them and their hard work on a daily basis.
We wish you all the best for your future travels and hope you come back again.
Have a lovely day.
Kind Regards
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 21 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JST90
Krugersdorp, South Africa5 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
all tour members really enjoyed the whale watching! i received great service from the staff members involved (Emma and Shane)
Written 23 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jacquet
Thank you for taking the time to review us on Tripadvisor. It is VERY MUCH appreciated!!
We are glad that you and your group had a great time on the Whale Watching trip and hope that you come again. Have a great time on your future travels and looking forward to seeing you again hopefully.
Take care!!
Thank you again!
Kind Regards
Emma and Shane
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 26 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yuval B
Pardesiyya, Israel37 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This is a unique experience and a must do. If you come from Cape Town it can be a bit pricy since hermanus is an hour and a half away from Cape Town so that can cost you around a R1000 and then the boat cost R800 pp. but to see these whales is definitely a one in a lifetime experience.
Written 22 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Yuval B
Thank you so much for such a GREAT review. It is so appreciated!!
I totally agree! It is worth the investment to see these beautifull Gentle Giants of the Ocean, the Southern Right Whales. And not only do you see Whales but I am sure you will agree that the trip from Cape Town is beautiful and you made a day of it.
We are so happy that you had an amazing experiance and I can see how you have cherished it.
We thank you again for the awesome review and we wish you and your family all the best for the future and to enjoy your many adventures to come.
Have a great evening.
Kind Regards
Whale Watching Hermanus
Written 3 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, how long it last?
whihc timing is the best to spot the whale
Written 29 October 2021
Hello is it possible to see whales and are you organizing excursions during this period of the year?
Thanks!
Written 16 January 2020
Hello. So sorry we did no see this message. Trips are going at the moment from Gansbaai which is about 45 minutes from Hermanus. You can enjoy a Big 5 Sea Safari. The focus of the trip is to see Brydes Whales, Dolphins, Penguins, Cape Fur Seals, Marine Bird Life and potentially Copper Sharks and Great White Sharks. The Whale season to see Southern Right Whales will start around about in June. Depending when the Whales arrive.
Written 16 April 2021
Is it possible to see whales in late May?
Written 12 December 2019
Estarei em Hermanus no mês de Janeiro. Pelas minhas pesquisas, não tem passeio esse mês. Estou certa?
Written 5 September 2019
Hi Shane we are arriving in June is this s good time to see the whales or is it a little early. Thank in anticipation
Written 3 September 2019
Hi Nesi
Yes this is the time the Southern Right Whales start to arrive in Walker Bay. I would make contact with us again when you arrive to check the activity in the Bay so you can decide if you want to go see the Southern Right whales.
Kind Regards
Shane
Written 16 April 2021
im planning a trip to cape in december, which i understand to be really the tail end (or even past) the whale watching season. any tips on whether this is a worthwhile expedition for the Dec 11-13 timeframe?
Written 17 October 2018
Dear Kamya
The best is to enquire closer to the time to see what the Whale are doing as each season differs every year. Generally the Whale Season ends by 15 December 2018. But get intouch a week or 2 before you plane to go on your Whale Watching trip and we can have a better Idea then.
Hope this helps
Have a lovely day.
Kind Regards
Shane
Written 18 October 2018
Gostaria de reservar um passeio de barco em germanos para ver as baleias. Somos em 2 pessoas. Para dia 28 de setembro de 2018
Written 27 September 2018
Amanhã, dia 28 de setembro , haverá barco para visitar as baleias?
Written 27 September 2018
Shane hi, please can you give me your contact details.... i cant seam to pick up your website or web address... super frustrated at the moment... we are bringing overseas guest and would like to book with you based on the trip advisor reviews
Written 1 July 2018
Dear Amanda
So sorry for this. this is not the 1st time this is happening.
I can't even type my details here. you will have to search on Google Whale Watching Hermanus - 3 walvis street, Suite 2, Sandbaai Hermanus and find me that way.
so sorry for the inconvenience.
Kind Regards
Shane
Written 1 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.