An exciting way to view the magnificent Southern Right whales that visit the Cape each season to breed and calve, this whale-watching tour is guaranteed to be an experience to remember. Usually between August and November, the Cape whale season is a fantastic time to view large numbers of whales along the coast. The Whale Route is famous for wonderful whale watching and the tour travels along the coastline through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay, en route to Hermanus.
Look out upon spectacular views from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as we drive along Sir Lowrey’s Pass. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are major highlights for nature lovers and the stop at Hamilton Russel Wine Estate gives you the opportunity to experience Hermanus Viticulture.
Make sure to listen out for the ‘whale crier’ in Hermanus, as they sound their horn when there are whales in the bay! Known for world class whale watching, Hermanus offers perfect vantage points for viewing these giants of the sea playing in the waves.
Pick up and drop off at your hotel or guesthouse around Cape Town.
Morning tour departure: 08:00 – 09:00
Afternoon tour return: Approx. 17:30
An exciting spot for nature lovers, this tour includes a stop at the fantastic Fernkloof Nature Reserve. Spanning 2000 hectares of mountain and coastal fynbos, Fernkloof is also home to an astounding number of small animals and birds. Another beautiful spot, the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are definitely worth a visit. On weekdays and Saturdays an excursion through the Hamilton Russell Wine Estate allows a glimpse into Hermanus’ viticulture, unfortunately unavailable on Sunday.
Sir Lowry’s Pass and the journey through the sleepy coastal towns of the Whale Route offer a chance to take in the views of the Cape coastline.
A whale-watching destination, Hermanus offers prime viewing points for observing these giants of the deep from the shore. The only town in the world that has a ‘whale crier’, Hermanus has someone on duty throughout whale season to sound a call when whales are in the bay. From a clear vantage point, the crier’s job is to sound their horn when they spot a whale, letting bystanders know when there are whales in the bay.
The sheltered bay draws the whales to this area each year, giving whale watchers the exciting opportunity to see whales frolic in the water and breach into the air. Having been one of the more lucrative whaling stations in South Africa, The Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus has a number of relics from this era.
Having gotten its name during whaling days many centuries ago, the Southern Right Whale was named the ‘right’ whale due to its size and the fact that it floated once it had been harpooned, making it easy for whalers to catch. Although commercial whaling has been banned for some time now, these beautiful animals are unfortunately classified as endangered. With only 3000 Southern Right whales left in the seas today, a chance to see these whales in their natural environment is something quite special.
Whale watchers may get the chance to see Southern Right Whales ‘sailing’, a playful trait when the whales use their elevated flukes to catch the wind.
