Grootbos  Garden  Lodge Whale Watching

Hermanus Whale Watching Holidays

arrow pointing down

The perfect tailor made Hermanus holiday

Hermanus is a seaside town southeast of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province

Overlooking Walker Bay and long-popular as a retreat and retirement spot by Capetonians, the small town of Hermanus is regarded as one of the finest bases for land-based whale watching in the world.

Between July and November each year thousands of Southern Right Whales (rather bluntly named as they were once simply regarded as the “right” species to hunt) pass by the coast, using the deep waters of Walker Bay to calve and rest before their long journey across the Atlantic Ocean. A clifftop walkway, stretching for miles away from the town allows visitors to head out and gaze down at the whales, the presence of which is rather noisily and theatrically announced by the Hermanus Whale Crier, a colourful character who is found on the clifftops throughout the season. Visitors looking for close encounters can also enjoy boat cruises from Hermanus harbour.

However it isn’t all about the whales. The wholesale development of the town and tourist facilities over recent years make it a great option in the summer months, with the cooling sea breezes and seemingly endless beaches very appealing. Thrill-seekers can head to nearby Gansbaai for cage diving with great white sharks, a truly exhilarating experience. A great secret of the area is the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, a series of vineyards which don’t have the fame of those in the Cape Winelands, but produce some truly superb wines, especially the more “cold weather” varieties such as Pinot Noir.

Accommodation on a luxury Hermanus holiday tends to lean more towards small, owner-run guesthouses, although there are a couple of outstanding hotels for those looking for something truly superb. Visitors looking for somewhere altogether quieter might prefer the small village of De Kelders to the east of Hermanus, whilst a couple of breathtaking private nature reserves are found a little way out of town and provide the ultimate in luxury and things to do.

Far & Wild Customer Reviews

Find out what our customers think of their adventures!

Read all reviews

First class travel company

Kathy & Family travelled to Kenya and Mauritius in July 2018 on a trip organised by Alistair.

On Holiday At  Il  Moran

A real trip of making memories

Heidi & Family travelled to Malawi in July 2018 on a trip organised by Ben.

A Family Selfie In  Majete

Our brief was 'Unknown Adventure' and they delivered!

Michael & Teresa travelled to São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2018 on a trip organised by Alistair.

Michael Foster Bom Bom Bridge

Excellent service from start to finish

Sam & Nick travelled to Kenya in February 2019 on a trip organised by Ben.

Sam And Nick On Honeymoon In Kenya

Even in the middle of the Serengeti our Travel Co-ordinator was on hand to sort any hiccups.

June & Steven travelled to Tanzania in February 2019 on a trip organised by Alistair.

Perfect trip to the Masai Mara

Ellie travelled to Kenya in November 2019 on a trip organised by Ben.

Plan with an Expert Plan with an Expert

Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715

A detailed itinerary in 24hrs A detailed itinerary in 24hrs

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary within 24 hours. It's our service promise to you.

Value Guarantee Value Guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.

A detailed itinerary in 24 hours

Speak to a South Africa expert to start planning your adventure

  • Alistair

    Alistair

    South Africa Specialist

  • Ben

    Ben

    Africa Specialist

Call an expert on

01768 603 715