Cape Town is a breathtaking destination, and the Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip and Penguins Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s natural wonders. This nine-hour excursion promises a thrilling adventure, from observing the majestic southern right whales on a two-to-three-hour boat trip to capturing stunning photographs of the adorable Stony Point Penguins. With knowledgeable guides, a delectable lunch, and a wheelchair-accessible setup, this tour caters to diverse preferences and needs. As the tour unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other captivating sights and experiences await.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Tours In Hermanus.

Key Points

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Key Points

  • This full-day tour from Cape Town includes a 2-3 hour whale watching boat trip in Hermanus and a visit to the Stony Point Penguins Colony.
  • The tour is priced at $260.68 per person and covers transportation, activities, meals, and other amenities in an all-inclusive package.
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights throughout the day and accommodations for mobility challenges.
  • The tour features a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund guaranteed if canceled due to poor weather conditions.
  • Participants can enjoy opportunities for wildlife photography, educational information about the local marine ecosystem, and a scenic return trip to Cape Town.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Tour Overview and Pricing

This Cape Town whale watching and penguin tour package offers an enriching day-long experience starting from $260.68 per person.

The tour lasts 9 hours with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests will be picked up from their hotels in Cape Town between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, then transferred to Hermanus for a 2-3 hour boat trip to spot southern right whales, seals, and marine birds.

Afterward, they’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Stony Point to see the penguins.

The scenic return to Cape Town completes this all-inclusive outing that covers transportation, activities, and meals.

Itinerary and Experience

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Itinerary and Experience

Guests embark on their excursion with hotel pick-ups in Cape Town between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, before being transferred to the seaside town of Hermanus.

In Hermanus, they enjoy a 2-3 hour whale watching boat trip, with possible sightings of southern right whales, seals, and marine birds.

Afterward, they’ve lunch at a local restaurant and then drive to Bettys Bay for a photo stop at the Stony Point Penguins Colony.

The scenic return trip to Cape Town along Route 44 completes the day’s activities.

The itinerary includes:

  1. Whale watching boat trip
  2. Lunch at a local restaurant
  3. Stony Point Penguins Colony photo stop

Included in the Tour

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Included in the Tour

The tour includes a private guide/driver and vehicle throughout the day, providing guests with bottled water and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

The highlight is the 2-3 hour whale watching boat trip, where visitors may spot southern right whales, seals, and marine birds.

After the boat excursion, a stop is made at the Stony Point Nature Reserve to see the Penguins Colony.

Meals, drinks, and wine tasting fees are all covered.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and live tour guidance is provided in English.

Guests are advised to bring warm clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable, and the tour may be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor conditions.

Tour Accessibility and Participation

As a live-guided tour in English, the Hermanus Whale Watching and Penguins Tour is accessible to wheelchair users and most travelers.

The tour features:

  1. A private experience with only your group participating.
  2. A knowledgeable guide to provide insights and assistance throughout the day.
  3. Accommodations for those with mobility challenges, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive journey.

Whether you’re seeking an adventure or a scenic exploration, this tour caters to a wide range of participants.

With its flexibility and accessibility, the Hermanus Whale Watching and Penguins Tour promises an enriching and memorable experience for all.

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Weather and Cancellation Policy

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Weather and Cancellation Policy

Dependent on favorable weather conditions, the Hermanus Whale Watching and Penguins Tour guarantees a full refund if the excursion is canceled due to poor weather.

The tour operator closely monitors weather forecasts and will contact customers if the tour needs to be rescheduled. Guests can easily cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans change.

The outdoor nature of the activities requires good weather, as high winds or heavy rain would impede the whale watching boat trip and limit sightings at the penguin colony.

Customers can book with confidence, knowing their investment is protected in the event of inclement conditions.

Whale Watching Boat Trip

During the Hermanus Whale Watching and Penguins Tour, guests can expect a 2-3 hour boat trip to observe the majestic southern right whales that frequent the area’s sheltered bays.

Potential sightings may also include seals and various marine birds. The boat trip offers an up-close and personal encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The tour provides:

  1. Unparalleled views of the whales breaching, tail-slapping, or simply resting on the surface.
  2. Opportunities to capture stunning photographs to commemorate the experience.
  3. Knowledgeable guides who share insights about the whales’ behaviors and the local marine ecosystem.

Penguins Colony Photo Stop

After the whale watching boat trip, the tour then proceeds to the Stony Point Penguins Colony for a photo stop.

Situated in the coastal town of Bettys Bay, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a thriving colony of African penguins. Visitors can observe these charismatic seabirds up close as they waddle along the boardwalk and bask in the sun.

The photo stop provides an excellent opportunity to capture the penguins in their natural habitat and learn about their conservation efforts.

With the scenic coastal backdrop, the Stony Point Penguins Colony visit is a highlight of the Cape Town tour, offering a unique glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region.

Booking and Confirmation Details

Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour - Booking and Confirmation Details

With the remarkable Stony Point Penguins Colony visit concluded, travelers can now focus on the booking and confirmation details for this comprehensive Cape Town tour.

The tour offers a convenient "reserve now & pay later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without immediate payment. Plus, the tour features a flexible cancellation policy, granting a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Upon booking, travelers will receive immediate confirmation, ensuring a seamless planning experience.

The tour’s accessibility features, including a live English-speaking guide and wheelchair-friendly transportation, cater to a diverse range of participants, making this an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Whales?

The best time to see whales is typically during the Southern Right Whale breeding season, which runs from June to November in the coastal regions of South Africa. This is when the whales migrate to these waters to give birth and nurse their calves.

Can I Take Photos During the Whale Watching Tour?

Yes, passengers can take photos during the whale watching boat trip. The tour provides opportunities to capture images of the majestic southern right whales, seals, and marine birds spotted throughout the 2-3 hour excursion.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it offers a range of activities that are engaging and educational. The whale watching and penguin colony visits are particularly exciting for young travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. All meals and drinks are provided as part of the tour’s inclusions. Participants should rely on the catering services offered during the tour.

What Should I Bring for the Penguin Colony Visit?

For the penguin colony visit, travelers should bring warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera to capture the adorable penguins. Sunscreen and a hat may also be helpful in the outdoor setting.

The Sum Up

The Cape Town: Hermanus Whale Watching Boat Trip & Penguins Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the captivating natural wonders of the region. From witnessing the majestic southern right whales to capturing stunning photographs of the Stony Point Penguins Colony, this tour is a must-experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its wheelchair-accessible design and knowledgeable guides, it provides an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all.

You can check if your dates are available here: