Best spots to whale watch with Cape top tours

PICTURE: UNSPLASH/ WHALE

Whale watching season has begun, ocean lovers. The annual migration season is in full swing. From the peaceful shores of Fish Hoek to the action-packed waters of Gansbaai, the Cape is home to some of the best spots to whale watch in the world.

Here’s a few spots offering tours:

Green Cape Tours

This full-day experience includes land-based whale watching from Hermanus, a guided coastal walk, wine tasting, and return transport to Cape Town.

Times: July to November
Location: 4 Disa Avenue, Fish Hoek
Cost: Various
Book: www.greencapetours.com

Oceans Africa

whale watching — Picture: Oceans Africa / oceansafrica.com

Based in Fish Hoek, Oceans Africa offers customised tours with local experts and multi-day trips across South Africa’s coasts.

Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Location: 14 Saunders Close, Fish Hoek
Book: www.oceansafrica.com

Simon’s Town Boat Company

This operator is known for its safety-first approach and skilled skippers. Guests can enjoy accessible, wheelchair-friendly boarding and trips led by marine experts.

Times: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Location: Wharf Street, Simon’s Town
Book: www.boatcompany.co.za

Hermanus Whale Cruises (Sandown Bay Fishing Co.)

One of the original whale tour operators in the region, this cruise supports the local Hawston community and offers well-informed guides.

Times: Daily, 8am to 5pm
Location: 148 Westcliff Road, Hermanus
Contact: hermanuswhales@lantic.net | 082 369 8931

Hermanus Whale Watchers

These daily cruises offer intimate encounters with whales and other marine wildlife. SATOUR-qualified guides share local knowledge.

Times: Daily | 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm (June to November)
Location: Westcliff Road, New Harbour, Hermanus
Cost: R700 (children) – R1350 (adults)
Book: Hermanus Whale Watchers

Dyer Island Cruises (Marine Dynamics)

A Gansbaai-based marine safari experience that offers a chance to see the Marine Big Five: great white sharks, southern right whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins.

Times: Daily, various hours
Location: 5 Geelbek Street, Van Dyks Bay, Gansbaai
Book: Dyer Island Cruises

Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

Departing from Gansbaai, these two-hour trips offer sweeping views of Hermanus and De Kelders.

Times: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Location: 3 Hawe Weg, Gansbaai Harbour
Cost: R500 to R1750 | Private charter from R36 500
Book: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris

Southern Right Charters

Operating in Walker Bay, this Hermanus-based charter follows the principle of ‘Observing NOT Disturbing’. Their tours often get up close thanks to curious whales.