Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Shared Tour,From Cape Town

The Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Shared Tour from Cape Town promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Embarking on an eight-hour journey, you will witness the majestic southern right whales up close. The tour includes a scenic drive through vibrant townships, a visit to the stunning Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, and an optional boat cruise for an intimate encounter with these magnificent creatures. Wheelchair-friendly transportation and a knowledgeable guide ensure a comfortable and informative experience. With the opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, it’s no wonder this tour has become a must-do activity for visitors to the Cape region.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Full-Day Tours In South Africa.

Key Points

1. An 8-hour excursion from Cape Town to witness southern right whales, with prices starting at £82.55 per person and conducted in English.
2. Itinerary includes a visit to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden and an optional 2-hour whale watching boat cruise from Hermanus Harbour.
3. Wheelchair-friendly transportation with pickup and drop-off from seven locations across Cape Town, and a scenic return journey with photo stops.
4. Full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, and the boat cruise is priced at R1300 per adult, R1200 for students, and R650 for children.
5. The tour showcases the cultural diversity of townships like Langa and Khayelitsha, and provides an immersive experience to witness the majestic southern right whales in their natural habitat.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Shared Tour" offers an eight-hour excursion from Cape Town, providing participants with the opportunity to witness the captivating presence of southern right whales.

Priced from £82.55 per person, the tour is conducted in English and includes pickup from seven locations in the city. Accessibility is wheelchair-friendly, and the cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The itinerary includes stops at the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden and the town of Hermanus, where an optional two-hour boat cruise for whale watching is available at an additional cost.

Itinerary

The day begins with a departure from Cape Town, where the tour travels through notable townships, including Langa and Khayelitsha.

The next stop is the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, where visitors enjoy a 30-minute visit to take in the scenic views.

Arriving in Hermanus, the group has the option to embark on a 2-hour whale watching boat cruise (for an additional fee) to spot the majestic southern right whales.

After the boat trip, the tour provides free time in Hermanus town for lunch at the participant’s expense.

The return journey features scenic photo stops at various locations.

The itinerary includes:

1. Departure from Cape Town
2. Harold Porter National Botanical Garden visit
3. Hermanus arrival and optional boat cruise
4. Lunch in Hermanus town
5. Scenic return drive with photo stops

Whale Watching Experience

Visitors have the opportunity to embark on an optional 2-hour whale watching boat trip from Hermanus Harbour.

The boat can accommodate up to 80 people and includes a safety briefing before departure.

The focus of the tour is on spotting southern right whales, which are known to frequent the area from June to mid-December.

Passengers will gain insights into the whales’ behaviors and learn about their seasonal presence in the region.

The boat trip is priced at R1300 per adult, R1200 for students, and R650 for children, providing a chance to witness these majestic marine creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Transportation Details

An air-conditioned van with fuel surcharge included transports participants on the Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Shared Tour.

Pick-up and drop-off locations span 7 spots across Cape Town, offering convenient access. These include:

1. Mouille Point
2. 15 Varneys Rd
3. 28 Hof St
4. 0B Quendon Rd

The tour’s return journey provides scenic photo stops along the way, allowing guests to capture memorable moments from their whale watching experience.

With the included hotel pick-up and drop-off, guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to and from Hermanus.

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Included and Excluded

The Hermanus Whale Watching Full Day Shared Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and a bottle of water. Entrance to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is also covered. However, lunch is not included and is at the participant’s own expense. Plus, the optional 2-hour whale watching boat trip comes with an additional cost of R1300 per adult, R1200 for students, and R650 for children. Pets are not allowed on this tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Lunch
Professional guide	Boat trip (optional, additional cost)
Bottle of water	Pets not allowed
Entrance to Harold Porter National Botanical Garden

Pickup Locations

The tour provides pickup from seven convenient locations across Cape Town, including Mouille Point, 15 Varneys Rd, 28 Hof St, 0B Quendon Rd, Tamboerskloof, 35 Keerweder St, and 20 Somerset Rd.

This ensures accessibility for participants from various areas of the city. The pickup points offer easy access and the return journey drops guests off at the same locations, allowing for a seamless start and end to the Hermanus whale watching experience.

Key benefits of the pickup service include:

1. Convenience for participants
2. Centralized access points across Cape Town
3. Consistent drop-off at the end of the tour
4. Hassle-free transportation to the whale watching destination.

Boat Cruise Details

For those interested in a closer look at the whales, the tour offers an optional 2-hour whale watching boat trip departing from Hermanus Harbour.

The boat trip costs R1300 per adult, R1200 for students, and R650 for children. The boat can accommodate up to 80 people and includes a safety briefing before departure.

The focus of the boat cruise is on spotting southern right whales, with insights into their behavior and seasonal presence from June to mid-December.

Participants can expect an immersive experience, getting up close to these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Scenic Highlights

The tour’s scenic journey through notable townships like Langa and Khayelitsha offers participants a glimpse into South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.

The visit to the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden allows for sightseeing and taking in the captivating views.

The scenic drive back to Cape Town includes photo stops at various picturesque locations, providing opportunities to capture the region’s natural beauty.

The tour’s itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the following highlights:

1. Langa and Khayelitsha townships
2. Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
3. Scenic photo stops during the return journey
4. Diverse cultural and natural landscapes of the region

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not include lunch, so attendees are responsible for their own meal during the free time in Hermanus town.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?

The tour does not have a minimum number of participants required. It is a shared tour, so the group size can vary, and the tour will operate as long as there are at least 2 people booked.

What Happens if the Weather Is Poor on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is poor on the tour day, the boat trip may be canceled, but the tour will continue with alternative whale-watching opportunities from land. The provider offers flexibility and will adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. Private tours allow for more flexibility and a personalized experience. Guests can customize the itinerary and enjoy the tour with their own group.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Families?

The tour provider offers a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 and above, as well as a 15% discount for families with children under 12. These discounts can be applied when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This Hermanus Whale Watching tour from Cape Town offers an unforgettable experience. Travelers will witness the majestic southern right whales, explore the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, and enjoy a comfortable, wheelchair-friendly van. The optional boat cruise provides an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures. This full-day adventure through vibrant townships is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy South Africa’s stunning natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: