Hermanus Whale Watching
Walker Bay is the world's best land-based whale watching — southern right whales come within metres of the cliff path in spring.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The best land-based whale watching in the world, and worth timing a trip around.
The best land-based whale watching in the world, and worth timing a trip around.
- Trip Role
- Trip Anchor
- Ideal Stay
- 1-2 nights in season
- Best For
- Anyone in the Western Cape in whale season, families, photographers.
- Skip If
- Visitors outside June–November — the whales are the point.
- Go If
- It's September or October and you're anywhere near the Whale Coast.
Why it's worth your time
Hermanus is the town that built itself around the southern right whales that come into Walker Bay from June to November, and the cliff path that runs along the top of the town is genuinely the best shore-based whale watching anywhere. The whales come within metres of the rocks, you watch from a bench with a coffee, and it costs nothing. The peak is September into October, when the whales are closest and most active, and the town's whale crier — a horn-blowing local who announces sightings — is a real and charming institution. The town itself is busier than it needs to be, but the experience outshines the crowds. A boat trip from the harbour gets you closer if you want it; most people don't need it. Time your visit for the season, not the town.
What we love
Southern right whales from a cliff path, no boat required.
What to know
Whales Jun–Nov, peak Sep–Oct. Walk the cliff path morning and evening. Boat trips optional.
More wildlife experience in Western Cape
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Boardwalk among an African penguin colony on granite boulders — Cape Town's most accessible marine wildlife.
Cape Vulture Colony at Potberg
The last Western Cape breeding colony of Cape vultures — best viewed from the De Hoop hiking trails.
Dyer Island Marine Big 5
Whales, great whites, Cape fur seals, African penguins and dolphins around Dyer Island — the original 'Marine Big Five'.
Dyer Island Marine Reserve
Boat-based marine wildlife off Gansbaai — seals, seabirds, sharks, and whales around Dyer and Geyser Rock.
Gansbaai Great White Shark Cage Diving
Marine predator capital — cage diving with great whites and bronze whalers off Dyer Island, plus whales in season.
Hermanus Cliff Path
A 12km cliff walk where southern right whales surface meters offshore in season.