Whale watching in Hermanus
Hermanus is one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching spots — when to see southern right whales, the clifftop path, and the Cape day trip.
Hermanus, about 90 minutes east of Cape Town along the coast, is famous for whale watching you can do from dry land — southern right whales come astonishingly close to the cliffs to calve.
Seeing the whales
- The season runs roughly June to November, peaking September–October, when whales are often just metres offshore.
- The Cliff Path — a 12 km walkway along the shore — gives free, superb vantage points; Grotto Beach and Gearing’s Point are favourites.
- Hermanus even has a “whale crier” who signals sightings, and boat-based trips run for a closer look.
Making a trip of it
Pair it with the Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley just inland (cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and the drive along Clarence Drive, one of the Cape’s most scenic coastal roads.
Getting there
It’s an easy self-drive day trip or overnight from Cape Town. Browse places to stay in Hermanus and Cape Town.