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Hermanus & Gansbaai Holidays
Experience the roaring euphoria of the Western Cape’s renowned Whale Coast in the towns of Hermanus and Gansbaai. Both offer phenomenal front row views when it comes to marine life and wildlife experiences.
Giant whales surfacing just metres from the cliff’s edge bring floods of spellbinding thrills. Fast moving copper sharks circling your boat serve up heart-thumping rushes of adrenalin. And cantering by horse along pearly beaches will see you leave nothing but hoof prints in the sand.
From May to December, southern right whales come so close to the shore that viewing from land is just as special as viewing from water. Sea captains will take you out to meet Geyser Rock’s 50,000 strong sociable colony of fur seals and sail you across scenic waters in search of playful pods of bow riding dolphins. It’s in these coastal towns that you’ll find a community supporting, protecting and conserving the Marine Big Five – sharks, whales, dolphins, penguins and seals.
The people you meet will be marine biologists, seasoned fishermen and guardians of gentle giants. Regulars and newcomers are embraced like long lost friends and at lively Saturday markets expect to chat with everyone from the local skipper to the shark expert. There's a much-loved seasonal tradition in Hermanus too; hearing the whale crier blowing his kelp horn to let everyone know when the Kings of the Deep are close by.
Our knowledge of this area, coupled with skilled guides on the ground, will be at the heart and soul of your experiences. By championing their efforts to keep coastal biodiversity hotspots thriving, we’ll connect you to nature on an unforgettable journey.
Hermanus & Gansbaai Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Hermanus & Gansbaai
Grootbos Nature Reserve - Forest Lodge
Offering peace, tranquillity and access to an abundance of diverse natural environments.
The Marine Hermanus
This classic hotel has a stunning clifftop location that's perfect for whale watching
Holidays in Hermanus & Gansbaai
- Hermanus & Gansbaai
- 5 Star
Offering peace, tranquillity and access to an abundance of diverse natural environments.
- Hermanus & Gansbaai
- 5 Star
Grootbos Nature Reserve is located within 2,500 hectares of pristine wilderness and is a botanical paradise with 947 plant species identified.
- Hermanus & Gansbaai
- 4 Star
Stay in South Africa's whale-watching capital at Abalone Guest Lodge.
- Hermanus & Gansbaai
- 5 Star
This classic hotel has a stunning clifftop location that's perfect for whale watching
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Hermanus Whale Watching
Take to the seas for a whale-watching adventure where you’ll enjoy a close encounter with some of the largest creatures on the planet. Every year, between June and November, southern right whales arrive here in their hundreds from their feeding grounds in the southern ocean to mate and calve in its warm sheltered waters. Seeing these gentle giants, which can grow to 17 metres long, can be a profoundly moving experience.
You’ll begin in Hermanus’s New Harbour with a 15-minute pre-trip briefing over a cup of tea or coffee, covering the basics of whale behaviour, the plan of action on the water and a few safety tips.
After that, it’s time to board the Miroshca, a 60-foot catamaran that’s been specially designed for whale watching in comfort, and head out into Walker Bay, keeping your eyes peeled from the start. Even though the bay – much of which is a marine protected area – covers around 400 square kilometres, you have an excellent chance of spotting whales thanks to the knowledgeable crew and the flexible length of the trip, which can range from 1.5 to 3 hours. Thanks to the onboard commentary from the specialist guide, you’ll also come away with a fuller understanding of the life of these beautiful cetaceans. If you’re very lucky, you may also spot migrating humpbacks or the shy resident Bryde’s whales that tend to stay further offshore.
Please bring: windbreaker jacket, flat sturdy shoes, suncream, hat and on colder days gloves are recommended.
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