Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting worth booking?
Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting is a 10-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from $950 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (42)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $950 per person
Experience the ultimate whale watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus, where you'll see the stunning Southern Right Whales up close. Enjoy private transfers with personalised guidance to enhance your journey. Join a thr
What you get
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Whale watching boat trip
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel
- Stony point Penguins
About this experience
Experience the ultimate whale watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus, where you'll see the stunning Southern Right Whales up close. Enjoy private transfers with personalised guidance to enhance your journey. Join a thrilling boat tour in Hermanus to witness these majestic creatures. Afterwards, treat yourself to a wine tasting at one of the 15 exquisite wine estates in the Hemel-en-Aarde Winelands. This tour offers a seamless blend of marine adventure and fine wine discovery. Cap off your adventure with a visit to the charming Stony Point Penguin Colony. Book now for an unforgettable South African experience that combines nature, wine, and wildlife, perfect for travellers seeking excitement and relaxation.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle
- Whale watching boat trip
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel
- Stony point Penguins
Not included
- Lunch and Drinks
- Gratuities
- Wine Tasting fees
What you'll see and do
Cape Town Central
Prepare for an early morning pick up at your accommodation in Cape Town at approximately 6:30 am, as we set off for our Hermanus Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip. The driving time is approximately 1-hour, 30-minutes to Hermanus from Cape Town.
Pass by without stopping
Upon our arrival at New Harbour in Hermanus, guests will be briefed about these ocean giants by an experienced qualified whale watching specialist. Guests will board a modern shared boat with toilet facilities and embark on a 2 to 3-hour sea excursion. As soon as a whale is spotted, the skipper will stop the boat so that everyone can see these amazing sea creatures up close. As time goes by, the skipper and crew members will try to spot more whales to maximize a full whale watching experience. After the boat trip, guests will return to the New Harbour.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
After the boat trip you are welcome to stop for lunch (own account) at one of the many seaside restaurants or you may opt for lunch in the Hermanus Winelands known as Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) for lunch and/or wine tasting. We recommend Benguela Cove Wine Estate.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Stony Point Nature Reserve
Visit Stony Point Penguins Colony situated in Betty's Bay on your way back to Cape Town. Stony Point is one of the largest African Penguins colonies in South Africa. Benefit from close up chance encounters with one or two of these enchanting creatures.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Cape Town Central
We travel back to Cape Town along the scenic R44 coastline with spectacular views of the Atlantic Seaboard. Drop off will be at your accommodation in Cape Town after the tour. Duration is approximately 1-hour, 30-minutes.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
42 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Brilliant trip
Picked up by Fiston we headed to Herman’s for a 12 noon boat. We drive straight there with Fiston pointing out spots and providing details to the areas we pass through. Upon arrival we get a safety briefing then we’re out on the sea. We are lucky enough to spot Southern Right Whales whilst out, we get lots of photos (none will be gracing the National Geographic) but it’s more about the experience of seeing these magnificent animals. Once we get off the boat we spend over an hour in Hermanus ( this turned into a private trip and Fiston was very accommodating as we did not want to see another vineyard or visit Stoney Point again), we had lunch at Burgundy and then a walk around Hermanus. This is a lovely town and well worth spending time in. After this it’s straight back to the hotel. I would like to take the opportunity to thank and praise Fiston for helping to make a fantastic trip. He was so helpful and is a great ambassador for your company. Many Thanks, Jim & Anya
Response from the operator: Dear Jim & Anya, 🐋 What a fantastic recap—thank you! We’re thrilled you spotted Southern Right Whales and enjoyed flexible, private-style time in Hermanus (great choice with Burgundy!). Huge kudos to Fiston for the smooth drive, local insights, and thoughtful adjustments—he’ll be proud. When you’re back, consider Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Winelands, Cape of Good Hope & Penguins, or a private Cape Town tour—hotel pickup, small groups, expert local guides. Kind regards, Evelyn Ntombela Guest Relations Manager — Beyond Africa Safaris (Cape Town)
via Tripadvisor
Everything went smooth,...
Everything went smooth, whale watching was a great experience! Wine tasting was superior, the wines, the place and the food as well. Our guide was nice, flexible, with a huge amount of information and data. The whole trip gave us a full day of amazing adventures.
Response from the operator: Dear Gabor, 🌊🐋 Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your Hermanus Whale Watching & Private Wine Tour from Cape Town exceeded expectations. Seeing the majestic whales in Hermanus is always a breathtaking highlight, and pairing it with a world-class Stellenbosch & Franschhoek wine tasting 🍷 truly makes for the perfect day. We’re thrilled you enjoyed not only the whales, but also the superb wines, beautiful estates, and delicious food. Your kind words about our guide’s flexibility, friendliness, and knowledge mean the world to us—we pride ourselves on creating luxury small-group tours 🚐 that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable. We can’t wait to welcome you back to explore even more—whether it’s a Cape Peninsula adventure to the Cape of Good Hope, a Garden Route safari 🦁, or a Robben Island & Table Mountain tour. With gratitude, Evelyn Ntombela 🌟 Guest Relations Manager | Beyond Africa Safaris
via Viator
Good day Whale watching in Hermanus
Seas were rough but definately saw Wright Whales. Followed up with a great lunch at a great winery. Well done.
Response from the operator: Dear Scott, Thank you for sharing your experience! 🐋 Despite the rough seas, we’re thrilled you had the chance to see the magnificent Southern Right Whales during our Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip. Following up with a delicious lunch at one of our renowned Cape Winelands wineries makes for a perfect day! 🍷🌊 We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable whale watching tours and wine experiences from Cape Town. Warm regards, Beyond Africa Safaris Team #HermanusWhaleWatching #CapeWinelandsTours #WhaleWatchingSouthAfrica #BeyondAfricaSafaris
via Viator
Missing refund for private tour cancelled by Beyond Africa Safaris
The day before our private whale watching tour, Amy from Beyond Africa Safaris emailed that the tour was cancelled due to bad weather. We totally understood, as there were rough sea warnings and days of hard rain. We were leaving the following day, so sadly missed the whales and couldn't reschedule. She assured me in writing that my $850 payment would be refunded. It's been 5 weeks now, and no refund, despite numerous assuring emails. In a strange twist, instead of refunding my money, a new bizarre invoice was sent to me to pay them an additional sum of money. Multiple emails about the bad invoice (and my refund) have since gone unanswered and my refund is still outstanding.
Response from the operator: Dear Nancy, Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience with us. We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience you have experienced. We can confirm that the full amount you paid for the tour was refunded to you via PayPal after you initiated a chargeback. Please note that Beyond Africa Safaris did not send an additional invoice. Any communication regarding charges could be related to bank fees associated with the PayPal transaction, which we tried to inform you about. The cancellation of the whale watching tour was due entirely to weather conditions, a decision made by the operators, Southern Right Charters, for the safety of all guests. If you have any further questions or need proof of the refund, please feel free to contact us directly. We are here to assist you and ensure this matter is fully resolved. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Best regards, Pinky Ntombela Marketing Manager Beyond Africa Safaris
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Tour with Exceptional Service from Guide Jean
We had an unforgettable experience with the Hermanus Whale Watching and Private Wine Tour, which I highly recommend. The scenery, the tour organization, and the itinerary were all top-notch, offering a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Special recognition goes to our guide, Jean Nepo Ndayambaje, who went above and beyond to make our day seamless and enjoyable. After realizing we had left our bag in the tour vehicle, Jean took the extra step of retrieving it and personally delivering it back to our hotel, even though it was after his working hours. His kindness, dedication, and professionalism added a personal touch to an already outstanding experience. Thank you to Beyond Africa Safaris and Jean for an incredible day—we will definitely be back!
Response from the operator: Dear Mecaze, Thank you for sharing your extraordinary experience with the Hermanus Whale Watching and Private Wine Tour through Beyond Africa Safaris & Tours. We are thrilled to hear that the combination of stunning scenery, well-organized itinerary, and perfect blend of adventure and relaxation made your tour unforgettable. We’re especially proud to hear about the exceptional service provided by Jean Nepo Ndayambaje. His dedication to going above and beyond, even after hours, is truly commendable and reflects the level of care we strive to offer all our guests. Jean’s kindness and professionalism indeed add a special touch to any tour. We are grateful for your high recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more incredible adventures in the future. Warm regards, Pinky Ntombela Marketing Manager
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 2+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $950 to $13460
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting cost?
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Prices start at $950 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 Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 42 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 Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting?
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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 Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 2. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting?
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Around 15 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Wine Tasting 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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