Trip Status

Boat Based

WHALE WATCHING

Join Southern Right Charters for an informative and educational whale watching experience.

Times

06h30, 09h00, 12h00 & 15h00

Daily Departures, weather permitting.

Check-in is strictly 30 minutes prior to departure time
for check-in & on-land introductory briefing.

For private charters and group bookings, the additional trip time of 17h00 can be requested dependent on time of year.

Rates

2024 Whale Watching

Adults R1320
Students | Seniors R1220
Children (under 12) R660
Children (under 3) FREE

Private exclusive whale watching tours are available on request, please contact us directly.

Duration

1.5 – 3 hours

The boat-based whale watching experience is not capped and is from 1.5 – 3 hours maximum. It depends on travelling time to the whales; the time spent with the whales is the same.

The tour normally averages at about 2 hours.

Whale Watching

TOUR OVERVIEW

LETS GO! The whale watching experience begins with an on-land briefing led by our whale specialist guide – giving you some more information on the day’s plans ahead.

We then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’

During the tour, the friendly, knowledgeable crew are on hand to add that personal touch allowing for an all-round great experience.

With all eyes on watch, the excitement builds for who can see the first whale of the trip!

While around the whales, they are in charge – as we enter their world – getting to spend some unforgettable moments in nature.

Our onboard team, will help interpret the whales (and other marine life encountered), keeping you informed, providing insight into the behaviours of the whales while we watch them.

Our onboard videographer helps capture these moments, allowing you to really just be in the moment & absorb the experience.

On return to land, peruse the local craft and souvenirs available, order your USB movie of the tour which is ready upon return or simply relax at our outdoor seating on the edge of the quay with reading material on all things whales.

 

  • Purpose-built catamaran
  • Experienced & Specialized Whale Watching Skipper & Crew
  • Whale Specialist Guide provides informative commentary
  • The duration of the tour is not capped allowing for a full experience
  • Videographer onboard, professional movie of your experience available to purchase
  • Sighting Guarantee
  • Choose from various daily departures
  • All ages welcome

The peak Hermanus whale watching season typically runs from June to end November. This is the time when the southern right whales migrate to the coastal waters of Hermanus to mate, calve, and nurse their young. Visitors to Hermanus during this period can witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, breaching, spouting, and tail-slapping.

The town of Hermanus is known as one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. The peak whale season runs from June to end November, annually.

During whale season, Hermanus is lucky to the host the bulk of the Southern Right Whales that migrate to the South African coastline. In addition the Humpback and Brydes whales can be seen.

We focus the tour on searching and spending time with the whales but the marine life in the bay is diverse and there is a good chance of encountering Cape fur seals, various species of dolphins and an abundance of sea birds including the African penguin.

Whale Species: Southern Right (Jun-Dec), Humpback (June-September) & Bryde’s whales (all year)

MV Miroshca, our purpose-built whale watching catamaran was purpose built to ensure maximum passenger comfort and superior stability. Constant technical upgrades and maintenance ensure that Southern Right Charters leads the way in safe, comfortable marine tours in South Africa.

READ MORE

Even with our success rate of 99% for whale & dolphin sighting, it is nature and we cannot ‘guarantee’ sightings. If on the rare occasion no whales or dolphins (i.e. cetaceans) are encountered, we offer a 50% refund on your ticket price paid or the opportunity to join us on the next available tour, for free. We cannot manage refunds and amendments for reservations made via 3rd parties.

In Hermanus, the weather is notoriously fickle, especially during the peak season which falls within South African spring. Temperatures can soar to 30 degrees Celsius or higher, but on other days, mist, rain, or wind can make conditions feel much colder.

It’s important to remember that layering is key when dressing for unpredictable weather. So, be sure to pack appropriately and enjoy your adventure on the high seas!

Have a look at this what to bring list if you’re not sure what you should bring with for whale spotting Hermanus.

Upon the confirmation of any booking, it will be regarded that the client has read & accepted all
the Terms and Conditions.

Weather Permitting

This is a weather/sea permitting activity.
The tour may be cancelled with short notice if the weather/sea is unsuitable for the
tour/experience.
If the tour is cancelled, we will contact you via WhatsApp and/or email, only. Please
ensure the contact details you provide at the time of booking are correct.
Should the tour be cancelled due to poor weather/sea conditions, you’ll be offered a different date
subject to availability or a full refund will be given. We recommend that you check your trip status online, especially if you are travelling from out-of-town for the tour

Cancellation Terms
Your reservation will be automatically cancelled if you do not arrive 15 minutes prior to departure
time.
Please call us if you are running late, arrival time is strictly 30 minutes before your reserved
departure time (i.e.: 8:30am; 11:30am or 14:30pm)
For bookings of 1- 10 Persons: Cancellations or amendments received less than 24hrs before
time of trip, a 100% cancellation penalty fee will be charged.
For bookings of 10+ Persons & Private charters: Cancellations or amendments received less than 7 days before time of trip, 100% cancellation fee will be charged.

In the event of unforeseeable circumstances policies can be amended at the discretion of Southern
Right Charters.

Additional Info
All Ages Welcome However, children under 13 years of age must wear life jackets for the full
duration of the tour and be under adult supervision.
For infants, the parents must be notified of the life jacket condition as often children under 2
years old can find them uncomfortable and this also prevents the use of a body baby carrier/wrap.
We strongly advise motion sickness syrup for children. No prams/strollers are permitted on board.
No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Physical Requirement/Mobility Limited mobility is required, no wheelchair access.
Consent, Indemnity & Liability All passengers are required to sign an indemnity form at check-in.
If a guest refuses to sign the indemnity form, they will not be able to partake in the activity and
will not receive a refund. The indemnity form must be signed by a Parent/Legal guardian for minors
under 18 years.
Marketing Material Any photo or video taken by the company during the tour can be used for marketing
purposes without consent from the guest.

Get up close & personal with

THE HERMANUS WHALES

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TODAY

Thursday
12 Dec 2024

Our Hermanus Whale Watching Season has come to a close…..

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year!

We hope to see you in all in 2025!!

Contact us to find out about the Humpback Whale Supergroup Season that has just started – launching from Yzerfontein on the West Coast

Contact Us

* Trip status is updated daily around 16h00 SAST.

* Subject to unforseen circumstances.