Frequently asked questions about Southern Right Whales and Whale Watching in Hermanus.

HOW MUCH DOES A 2024 season WHALE WATCHING TRIP COST?

Adult: R1380 per person
Students and Seniors: R 1250 per person
Children U/ 12 years: R 700
Children U/ 3 years – Free

Trip rates are valid for whale watching during the season from 1 June 2023 – 30 November 2024

Cancellation Policy:

FULL REFUND: If the company cancels because of the weather ( Only on discretion of the skipper)
NO REFUNDS: Cancellation 24 hours before the trip.
NO REFUNDS: Private Charters cancellation 72 hours before the trip

WHAT ARE THE TRIP TIMES?

Trip departure times in season are: 9H00am, 11H00am, 14H00pm and 16H00pm, an

An extra tour: 7h00 from September to November.

Please note that check-in time is a half-hour before departure.

From June – November Hermanus Whale Watchers operates trips every day (weather permitting) excluding Christmas Day and New Year.

Trip check-in occurs at the orange crew house on the right when entering Hermanus New Harbour (Hermanus Whale Watchers Office)

DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

We advise you to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

Every whale-watching trip is a unique experience and the sightings vary. from trip to trip.

Southern Right Whales are the stars of the show from June – November during the annual whale-watching season. On a typical whale-watching trip we may encounter Cape Fur Seals, Pods of Common & Bottlenose Dolphins, and endangered African penguins. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales ( June to August) and resident Bryde’s Whales. These Cape coastal waters also attract the largest concentration and variety of seabirds

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE NOT SUITABLE?

Our staff constantly monitors the weather and responds professionally to any changes. Passengers traveling to join us on the day of their trip are strongly advised to telephone us for a sea condition update.

IF MY TOUR IS CANCELLED, WILL I BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEXT ONE?

When the skipper cancels a trip because of the weather we offer 2 options:

Reschedule- change the booking to the next available tour.
Full refund

HOW LONG IS THE TOUR?

All trips are 2 hours including check-in time and safety briefing. Allow 90-minute travelling time from Cape Town.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Weather-appropriate clothing, remember it’s always a little colder at sea than it is on land
Sensible shoes (No high heel shoes and flip-flops
Sunblock, sunglasses & cap, or hat
Windbreaker jacket,
Camera (remember to charge your camera/phone )

WHAT IF I SUFFER FROM MOTION SICKNESS?

If you are susceptible to motion sickness you should take motion-sickness tablets which can be purchased at a local pharmacy in town, as a necessary precaution prior to the trip.