Jump aboard for a spectacular 2-hour whale watching experience along the cliffs of De Kelders. Look for southern right whales and other marine life swimming around you, on board a boat that is never crowded.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Reserve now & pay later to book your spot without any charges today. Learn more
Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Get up close to Southern Right Whales in their natural environment
Encounter the marine wildlife of the Western Cape
Cruise close to the cliffs of De Kelders

Full description

Launch from the quaint fishing harbor of Gansbaai and travel along the cliffs of De Kelders. Enter a nature reserve with the highest concentration of whales in South Africa. Look for southern right whales in their natural environment, along with dolphins, Cape fur seals and sharks. Keep an eye out for humpback, minke and Bryde's whales frolicking in the ocean. Catch a glimpse of the beautiful orcas, False killer whales and enchanting African penguins. Return back to the harbor at the end of your boating adventure.

Includes

Entrance fees
Boat ride
Professional guide

Please note that the listed price does not include a R5 parking fee (payable at check-in)
Gratuities (optional)

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check

Meeting point

Buitekant St, Gansbaai Harbour. When you enter the harbour's main gate - proceed down the road and look out for the local operator's office on the left hand side.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Waterproof camera

Not allowed

Smoking
Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please bring warm clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, your camera and/or video camera and binoculars

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 35 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.5/5
Safety
4.7/5

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Brilliant trip even though we were early in the season. Our Skipper and crew were helpful and friendly, and we had a thorough safety briefing. We sat ‘upstairs’ next to the Skipper, he was very knowledgeable, stopped the boat frequently to show us and explain about marine animals. We saw Sunfish, seals, jellyfish, treated to a spectacular display from a huge pod of dolphins and then finally, a wonderful sighting of a Bryde whale and her calf. Beautiful trip around the bay with great views of the beaches. I loved that the crew are so conscientious and that we stopped to pick up large plastic litter…

May 19, 2022

overall good

The boat was very crowded, which restricted freedom of movement when taking pictures. A good view of the imposing animals was actually only possible at the end of the tour in a phase when the animals were very close to the boat, but otherwise no better view than from the bank at suitable places.

October 7, 2018

Great excursion even without whales

Unfortunately, the tour could not take place on the day booked because there was a machine damage to the boat. The captain and the crew were super nice and tried very hard to keep all guests happy. The alternative appointment took place 3 days later. Unfortunately we didn't see any whales, unfortunately the time is over, but lots of seals. We loved the tour and would book it again anytime. Because we didn't see any whales, there was even a voucher for the next tour. We were really happy because we will definitely be back.

December 9, 2017

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

Gansbaai: Whale Watching Trip by Boat

About this activity

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overall good

Great excursion even without whales