Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town worth booking?
Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town is a 9-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $1707 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (15)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $1707 per person
Enjoy a full-day shared whale watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus, including a boat-based whale watching cruise and a visit to the Stony Point Penguin Colony. Travel with shared transfers from Cape Town, cruise into
What you get
- Shared Tour Guide/Driver, Vehicle and Fuel
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Entrance fees: Whale watching boat trip
- Entrance fees: Stony Point Penguin Colony
About this experience
Enjoy a full-day shared whale watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus, including a boat-based whale watching cruise and a visit to the Stony Point Penguin Colony. Travel with shared transfers from Cape Town, cruise into Walker Bay to search for Southern Right whales and other marine life, and enjoy one of the Western Cape’s most popular coastal wildlife experiences in one day. • Shared full-day Hermanus whale watching tour from Cape Town • Boat-based whale watching cruise included in the tour price • Search for Southern Right whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and seasonal marine life • Visit Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay • See African Penguins from the reserve boardwalks • Enjoy scenic coastal views along the Cape Whale Coast • Convenient shared pickup and drop-off from Cape Town • Great seasonal wildlife tour for nature lovers, couples, families, and first-time visitors
What's included
Included
- Shared Tour Guide/Driver, Vehicle and Fuel
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Entrance fees: Whale watching boat trip
- Entrance fees: Stony Point Penguin Colony
Not included
- Drinks and Gratuities (optional)
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Cape Town Central
Begin with shared pickup from selected Cape Town hotels and accommodation. Pickup times may vary depending on the number of guests and collection points. Travel from Cape Town towards Hermanus, passing scenic mountain and coastal landscapes along the way. The route may vary depending on road conditions, weather, and the day’s whale watching cruise schedule.
150 minutes here
Board a whale watching vessel in Hermanus for a boat-based marine wildlife experience in Walker Bay. Search for Southern Right whales during whale season, as well as possible sightings of Humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and other marine life. The boat cruise duration depends on sea conditions and the location of marine activity on the day.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hermanus Cliff Path
After the boat cruise, enjoy free time in Hermanus for lunch at own account or a short walk along the coastal area, depending on the day’s timing and sea conditions. Look out for the whale crier who alerts us where to spot the whales from the shoreline.
60 minutes here
Stony Point Nature Reserve
Visit the Stony Point Penguin Colony, one of the Western Cape’s best places to see African Penguins. Walk along the boardwalks and enjoy views of the penguins and coastal scenery.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Town Central
Relax on the shared return transfer to Cape Town. Drop-off will be at your original pickup point or selected Cape Town accommodation.
150 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Whale viewing
Excellent crew, and lucky enough to see the whales…couple of mama & calf and a big male too… enjoyed thoroughly and recommend to all…the water was rough, so few os us had sea sickness, but the crew was prepared for it.
Response from the operator: Dear Abey_I, Thank you for your fantastic review! 🐋🌊 We’re thrilled you had the incredible luck of spotting mama whales, calves, and a big male during your Hermanus Whale Watching tour. Our crew always strives to provide excellent service and support, especially when the seas get rough. 🤗⚓ Your recommendation means a lot to us and future guests looking for unforgettable wildlife encounters near Cape Town. We hope to welcome you again soon for more amazing adventures with Beyond Africa Safaris! 🇿🇦✨ Warm regards, Evelyn Ntombela Guest Relations Manager | Beyond Africa Safaris #WhaleWatching #Hermanus #CapeTownTours #BeyondAfricaSafaris
via Viator
Whale watching
Was a great trip, and that was due to our amazing guide Mr Papi(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️), he made the day great including our unscheduled wine tasting at Benguela Cove. Negative was we didn’t spot our ticket did not include the cost of the Whale Watching trip! (Note to self to check small print)
Response from the operator: Memorable Whale Watching Experience Great Trip Thanks to Our Amazing Guide, Mr. Papi! Thank you, Stephan, for sharing your experience on the Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip with Shared Transfers from Cape Town! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great time and that Mr. Papi made your day special. Unforgettable Moments and Wine Tasting It’s wonderful to know that Mr. Papi's enthusiasm and knowledge enhanced your trip, along with the unscheduled wine tasting at Benguela Cove. We always aim to provide unique experiences that make your journey memorable. Important Notes on Pricing We appreciate your feedback regarding the whale watching ticket costs. Transparency in our pricing is essential, and we regret any confusion caused by the ticket details. We encourage all guests to review the fine print, and we’ll work to make our inclusions and exclusions clearer in the future. Thank You for Your Recommendation! Thank you for choosing Beyond Africa Safari and Tours. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure, where you can create even more wonderful memories! Warm regards, D Govender
via Tripadvisor
This is a must for visitors of Cape Town for the whales, ocean waves, and mountains that you will experience
One of the best trips I have taken in Cape Town, this is not 5 star since the operator after I arrived to Hermanus Harber asked me to pay extra money and claimed that the price I payed according to the website is outdated…! So this reduced the fun and excitement I had with the family even though I refused their request. The driver also stopped at a wine farm which was a waste of precious time.
Response from the operator: Good day Valued Client Thank you for the review of this tour.We had not met your expectation and we do hope that when you are back with us again that we sure would make a difference. Travel safe
via Viator
Wonderful. Whale watching
We have just returned from our trip to Hermanus to see the whales All I can say is wow My wife and I never expected to see so many and so up close to the boat . We felt so privileged to witness the Whales with the new calves passing by. The tour guide and driver Alfani was excellent picked us up and drove to a half way stop for breakfast, then on to Hermanus to the boat . The trip lasted a couple of hours and it was worth every penny . I highly recommend this trip at one point the boat was surrounded by whales of each side , totally amazing experience. We went on to a lovely restaurant In Hermanus town afterwards called Bientangs Cave for fish and chips it was lovely and the surroundings are unique. Your table is out on the rocks. After lunch finally we stopped off on the way back at the Benguela cove Vineyard for a cheese & wine pairing it was delicious and the property is stunning. A wonderful day . Thank you
Response from the operator: Good day Valued Client Wow! Thank you for leaving such an amazing review of your fantastic experience. We wish you all the best with your future travels and hope to have you back with us soon again in Cape Town.
via Viator
Great trip and location
Enjoyed the whale watching and Hermanus is a lovely place to enjoy a drink/meal after. Possibly a little expensive especially with the added cost of the transport from Cape Town.
Response from the operator: Good day Valued Client Thank you for choosing us for this tour. We’re glad to hear that you were satisfied with your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1707 to $6480
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd, who run 32 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.8 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Beyond Africa Safaris (Pty)Ltd runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town cost?
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Prices start at $1707 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Cruise & Penguins from Cape Town start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Penguins Day Tour from Cape Town, Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour, Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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