Whale Watching

Hermanus is a small town an hour and a half along the east coast from Cape Town. Once famous for the healing powers of its ‘champagne air’ it now boasts another claim to fame.

Also the best land based whale watching site in the world. The Southern Right Whale visits the shores all along South Africa’s Western Cape coast every year from July to November to breed and calve. But nowhere offers views of this magical phenomenon quite like Hermanus.

The most common whale seen in Hermanus is the Southern Right Whale. Keen spotters however may also be lucky enough to see Humpbacks or Brydes whales and occasionally even Killer Whales.

Also famed for being the only town in the world to have its very own ‘whale crier’. Similar to the town criers of Europe, the whale crier announces the presence of whales in the bay by blowing his unique kelp horn.

If whale watching from the cliff tops is not up close and personal enough for you there is also the option of boat based whale watching trips. They will take you closer to the whales then you ever dreamed of being and give you the opportunity to spot other wildlife such as dolphins, seals and otters.

If the weather is not conducive to whale watching, do not despair. There are plenty of other things to do in and around Hermanus. There are many great wine farms in the region which offer wine tastings and cellar tours as well as a number of fabulous art galleries which showcase local talent.

WINE AND WHALES

Combine your day out in Hermanus with a visit to a top Hemel en Aarde Winery.
Half an hour from Hermanus in a valley with very dramatic scenery, we can visit a winery for food and wine pairing lesson and a barrel tasting with the winemaker.

This tour is only offered June – November when the whales are here