Hermanus & Gaansbai Hotels & Resorts

Take to the seas for a whale-watching adventure where you’ll enjoy a close encounter with some of the largest creatures on the planet. Every year, between June and November, southern right whales arrive here in their hundreds from their feeding grounds in the southern ocean to mate and calve in its warm sheltered waters. Seeing these gentle giants, which can grow to 17 metres long, can be a profoundly moving experience.

You’ll begin in Hermanus’s New Harbour with a 15-minute pre-trip briefing over a cup of tea or coffee, covering the basics of whale behaviour, the plan of action on the water and a few safety tips.

After that, it’s time to board the Miroshca, a 60-foot catamaran that’s been specially designed for whale watching in comfort, and head out into Walker Bay, keeping your eyes peeled from the start. Even though the bay – much of which is a marine protected area – covers around 400 square kilometres, you have an excellent chance of spotting whales thanks to the knowledgeable crew and the flexible length of the trip, which can range from 1.5 to 3 hours. Thanks to the onboard commentary from the specialist guide, you’ll also come away with a fuller understanding of the life of these beautiful cetaceans. If you’re very lucky, you may also spot migrating humpbacks or the shy resident Bryde’s whales that tend to stay further offshore.

Please bring: windbreaker jacket, flat sturdy shoes, suncream, hat and on colder days gloves are recommended.