No trip to the Western Cape is complete without a visit to watch the whales in Hermanus. Best sighted during the months from August to November, when the much revered Southern Right Whales are making their slow migratory pilgrimage along the coast, whale watching in Hermanus is one of the Cape�s most exciting draw-cards.
Where to Watch the Whales
The Southern Right Whales can be enjoyed from any of three vantage points.
On the High Seas
For the adventurous traveller, watching the whales from an ocean-going boat is about as good as it gets. Offering the opportunity to interact with these magnificent giants of the sea, an expedition on a boat also holds the promise of possible sightings of dolphins, seals, otters and a host of rare sea-birds.
Meander along a Sea Path
Hermanus boasts some of the best land-based whale watching in the world and for this reason many tourists choose to keep their feet on solid ground and marvel at the whales as they come to calve and frolic in Walker Bay. The whales come within metres of the rocky cliffs, which serve as an ideal viewing point. Visitors can rest awhile on a conveniently situated bench, or meander along the path on the lookout for a mother and calf pair in the waves.
Watch from the Comfort of your Hotel Room
The Windsor Hotel offers the opportunity to enjoy the sport of whale watching in Hermanus, from the comfort of your cosy, comfortably appointed sea-facing hotel room. Right on the edge of the cliffs, the oldest hotel in this seaside town offers panoramic ocean views and the opportunity to enjoy not only the whales, but warm hospitality and personal service.
Enjoy the Whales
Wherever your preferred whale watching spot, whale watching in Hermanus is an endless source of entertainment and pleasure; whether you are a local who waits in anticipation for their return each year, or a once off visitor, their gambols never fail to charm and delight.