Water activity

From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

4.8 / 5

33 reviews

Activity provider: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
Water activity

From Cape Town: Whale Watching Tour in Hermanus and Gansbaai

Activity provider: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

From US$ 170.42 per person

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive from Cape Town as you explore the beautiful coastline on the way to Gansbaai. Your guide will provide commentary about the area en route. Later, head out on a 2-hour boat trip in search of southern right whales.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1 day
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
Pick-up is provided at any hotel or guest house within approximately 20 kilometers of Cape Town.
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the coastline between Cape Town and Gansbaai
  • Enjoy a 2-hour whale-watching boat trip
  • Visit the Peregrine Farm Stall, and see the variety of fresh produce on offer
Full description
In just 20 minutes you’ll be out of Cape Town’s city center and traveling along the Overberg south coastal route to Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay, and Betty’s Bay. The route is picturesque and is an enjoyable way to set the mood for the full day ahead. Travel beneath Sir Lowry’s Pass and see the sheer cliff faces that drop into the Indian Ocean below. As you near Betty’s Bay, you’ll have views of unspoiled beaches stretching for miles. Stop to see the breeding ground of the African penguins at Stony Point or visit the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. Continue the drive through Hermanus to the seaside town of Gansbaai. The magnificent cliffs of De Kelders and the unspoiled beach provide for perfect land-based whale watching. In Gansbaai, you’ll head out on a 2-hour whale-watching journey. The purpose-built boat and restrictions on the number of passengers make it possible to fully enjoy the experience of observing these creatures at play. Afterwards you’ll head back along the coast to Hermanus for a late lunch (not included in the tour price). There’s much to see and discover in Hermanus, including up-market shops and arts and crafts stalls. Head along the N2 to the Peregrine Farm Stall, the final stop on the tour. Experience old-fashioned values and quality produce straight from the farms.
Includes
  • Pick-up and drop off
  • Qualified local guide
  • All entrance fees
  • Lunch

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • You will receive confirmation at the time of booking
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Be sure to bring warm clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera/video camera, and binoculars
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 33 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.9/5

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Star rating:

The whole trip was excellent but what really made it so much more memorable and fun was Charlton, our brilliant guide. He was really knowledgable and tailored the day to our interests. Seeing whales so close was an outstanding, once in a lifetime experience.

March 28, 2023

Great tour, very well organized. The pick up was at the time agreed. We arrived in Gansbaai and we did one of the most beautiful experience. The tour operator(Ivanhoe) has great experience and they are also very professional and what I like more is their passion and attention to respect the whales. We had a very lucky day with 6 whales around the boat. Great experience. I recommend it.

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March 28, 2023

It was a great experience on the boat along the coast line. Seeing Southern Right Whales in the waves was a fantastic experience. The skipper and his crew did a fantastic job to spot the whales in the waves and approaching them with respect. The crew was very professional and did their job to make the day in Gansbaai a magical experience.

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March 28, 2023

Product ID: 65291