Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town worth booking?
Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town is a 8-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from R 2,000 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (35)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- R 2,000 per person
Spend a day whale watching and wine tasting on this full-day trip to Hermanus from Cape Town. See migrating Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's Whales off the coast of Hermanus from June through mid-December. Sample some of the local wines on route to Cape Town.
What you get
About this experience
Spend a day whale watching and wine tasting on this full-day trip to Hermanus from Cape Town. See migrating Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde's Whales off the coast of Hermanus from June through mid-December. Sample some of the local wines on route to Cape Town.
What's included
Included
- Whale watching boat trip
- Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town
- Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel
- Bottled water onboard the vehicle & boat
- Stony point Penguins Colony
Not included
- Lunch and Drinks and Gratuities (Optional)
- Creation, Hemel and Aarde Road fee is R250
What you'll see and do
Cape Town Central
En-route to Hermanus and 60 minutes east of Cape town stands the Hottentots holland mountain range at about 1000 meters above sea level.The Hottentots mountain were forced up from underground by converging plates over a 100 million years ago.The geologically know Cape folded belt mountain range makes for such beautiful scenery as our journey meanders along the sir Lowry's pass that goes over these dramatic mountains and to the Overberg region of Cape town.
Pass by without stopping
Elgin
Elgin is the largest apple growing town in South Africa.Her lushness amuses and smoothens one's spirit as you drive through towards Hermanus.
Pass by without stopping
Houwhoek Pass
The Houwhoek pass for hold corner was named by the migrating Dutch descendants from Cape town after how much difficulties they faced traversing these mountains to escape the new British law at the Cape in the early 1800s.The mountaing range provides one with breathtaking views and also glimpes of the oldest hotel in South Africa,Houwhoek Inn.
Pass by without stopping
Hermanus
Upon reaching Hermanus new Harbour.Guest will be provided with a 20 minute safety briefing as well what they may expect to see once they sail out to sea. Marine biologist will give full details about the whales. From why they come to our shores during this time of the year as well as some of their most common traits. Our big boat carries a maximum of 80 people we only sail with 65 to enhance a much better experience. By being inquisitive animals as they are, Southern right whales are known to approach the boats most of the times to observe. This behaviour gives guest a much closer view of these huge animals. Some of them weighing up to 50 tons. That is equivalent to 10 fully grown African elephants! Guest will be more than welcome if so they wish to visit the Hermanus town center for shopping or even lunch before they are driven back to Cape town.
180 minutes here
Creation
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 Creation Wine Estate. Should you prefer a take away instead, speak to your guide who will assist you with recommendations at one of the informal eateries.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Hermanus
Hermanus is a quaint and coastal town just an hour and a half east of Cape town City. Known for its sea food restaurants and also the Southern right whale's breeding warm waters. Should you still be keen to see more whales after the boat trip, Intriguing coastal walking trails where whales can be spotted from land are not to be missed. While we are still in Hermanus, guests will also have a chance to have lunch at a restaurant of your choice or do some shopping before we had back to Cape town via the beautiful whale coast route.
90 minutes here
Stony Point Nature Reserve
On the way back to Cape town along the route 44 or the whale coast route.We will have an opportunity to visit a large penguin colony in a town called Betty's bay.Stony point is one of South Africa's only two mainland penguin colonies and the other one being Boulders beach near Cape of good hope.One of the best reason to visit stony point is that since it is far away from most big town,it is usually much quieter and less busy than the very well known boulders beach.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Kleinmond
Our journey back to Cape Town will continue along the coast as opposed to going over the mountains, passing by interesting towns that were established as whaling towns before the banning of whaling in the 1930s e.g kleinmond, Pringle bay, Rooi els and Gordon's bay. Guest will be dropped off at their desired location in Cape town to conclude our eventful day.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zion Escape Tours and Travels
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants seats available on request.
- Minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18 years of age
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great but need to communicate
Whales watching was amazing saw loads of whales two mums and there babies playing which was special. The pickup was 40 mins late, said would be 8.30am and they didn’t show till 9.10 am and I had to what’s app them as they didn’t let us know. which was stressful and we thought we’d miss the boat, but then told we had a 2 hr drive and the boat left at 12 . We thought it went from V&A marina so all a bit confusing but all worked out ok. If you want to see the whales from land just go to Hermanus you can see them for free! Great trip but just bit unclear
via Tripadvisor
Brilliant whale watching tour
Brilliant experience from start to finish! My wife and I were lucky to be the only ones booked for transport between Cape Town and Hermanus - very personalised service in a comfortable Mercedes saloon! The boat cruise in Hermanus was very well organised and we had great views from the upper deck. September is a good month for whale watching and we were not disappointed. We saw over a dozen whales at close quarters and secured some great photos. Based on our experience, this is a great tour and highly recommended when whales are present.
via Viator
Great day with a mix of scenery, wildlife, history, food and wine!
We had a great time on our tour with Fiston. We chose this tour because it included two things we wanted to do - see penguins and go whale-watching - with transfer from Cape Town. We were very happy with Stony Point and our boat trip from Hermanus. The sea was rough when we went, so I'd recommend taking sea-sickness medication. Unexpected bonuses were the drive and Creation winery! The drive along the coast was incredibly beautiful and Fiston made stops at scenic points, while telling us about the history of South Africa. Creation winery (named the #7 winery in the world last year!) was outstanding - we did the tasting menu and it was the most memorable meal of our entire trip.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible
Had a fabulous day trip to Hermanus to go whale watching. We were lucky enough to be the only 2 going on this trip so had a private day tour. Pick up was on time and our guide Armando made the day incredible, he was so knowledgeable, answered lots of questions, he was so lovely, attentive and funny, he looked after us extremely well. Whale watching was incredible and we had the best day, thank you Armando, and remember, ‘you’ll never walk alone’
via Viator
Perfect tour! A must-do
We had an incredible experience on the tour to Hermanus with Zion Tourism. Everything was exceptionally well organized from beginning to end. Our guide, Finston, was outstanding, extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and happy to share interesting information throughout the day. One of the highlights was the organization. Finston had a well planned itinerary with clearly defined timings, which made the entire day smooth and stress free while allowing us to visit everything that was planned. The scenic drive itself was beautiful, with breathtaking views along the way. We also had the opportunity to visit the penguin colony at Betty’s Bay, with admission included in the tour, and saw plenty of wildlife along the route, including many baboons. Hermanus was absolutely spectacular. We saw far more whales than we expected, with unforgettable views and incredible encounters. We also spotted seals and dolphins, making the experience even more special. The tour is not the cheapest option, but considering the distance from Cape Town and the excellent organization, transportation, itinerary, and overall experience, we found it well worth the price. We highly recommend this tour and Zion Tourism, especially Finston as a guide. It was definitely one of the best tours we did in Cape Town and made our trip even more memorable. An excellent experience from beginning to end!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- R 2,000 to R 3,400
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town cost?
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Prices start at R 2,000 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 Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 35 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 Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip 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 Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town?
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Around 12 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip 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 Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike, Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local, Cape Point and Boulder's Penguins Full Day Tour. 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.
What is included in Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town?
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Included: Whale watching boat trip; Pick up and drop off at accommodation in Cape Town; Private tour guide/driver, Vehicle and Fuel; Bottled water onboard the vehicle & boat; and Stony point Penguins Colony. Not included: Lunch and Drinks and Gratuities (Optional); and Creation, Hemel and Aarde Road fee is R250. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 237 listed pickup locations in and around Cape Town. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Whale Watching Shared Boat Trip from Cape Town?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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