Hermanus is now most famous for the whales which visit the shore from winter to spring. The southern right whale is the most prolific but not the only whale to visit the shores. The whales were once hunted, and there was a whaling station in the nearby Betty’s Bay. They are now protected. The Old Harbour Museum contains exhibits about the whaling industry.
The position along Walker Bay allows whales to come unusually close to shore, making it possible to view them clearly without needing a boat. Whale season runs from June to December, with peak activity between August and October.
Hermanus Whale Season
Southern right whales migrate annually from Antarctic waters to the sheltered coastline of Hermanus to mate and calve. They typically arrive in June and remain until November or early December.
- June – August: Early arrivals, often active and breaching
- September – October: Peak season, with mothers and calves visible
- November: Numbers begin to decline as whales return south
While southern right whales are the main attraction, other species such as humpback whales and Bryde’s whales may also be seen at different times of the year. Read about different species of whales and dolphins here
Best Time of Day for Whale Watching
- Morning (08:00 – 11:00): Calmer seas and clearer visibility
- Afternoon (14:00 – 17:00): Increased whale activity, though wind can affect conditions
Weather plays a significant role, so calm days generally provide the best viewing.
Where to See Whales in Hermanus
Cliff path
The 12 km Cliff Path is the main viewing route, stretching from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach. It offers uninterrupted views over Walker Bay, with whales often seen just metres from the shoreline. The path is flat, well-maintained, and accessible year-round.
Key Viewing Points
- Gearing’s Point: Near the Old Harbour, with wide views over the bay
- Siever’s Point: Popular, close-up sightings along the cliffs
- Kwaaiwater Lookout: Elevated viewpoint, accessible by car
- Dreunkrans: Short walk from Fick’s Pool, known among locals
- Windsor Bay: Quieter section of the coast with open views
- Die Gang: Easily accessible roadside viewpoint
- Kraal Rock, famed for fishing and an ideal spot for whale and dolphin watching
Ways to Experience Whale Watching
Land-Based Viewing
Best for casual visitors, families, and photographers. No booking is required, and the Cliff Path provides consistent viewing opportunities throughout the season.
Boat-Based Tours
Guided trips offer closer encounters and experienced interpretation. Morning departures are usually best due to calmer sea conditions.
Kayaking
A quieter, low-impact option for experienced paddlers. Guided tours are recommended, and conditions must be suitable.
Beaches
At Voëlklip and Grotto Beach, whales can often be seen from the rocks above the water. These areas offer a more relaxed setting, though whales tend to be slightly further offshore.
The Whale Crier in Hermanus
The Whale Crier is a well-known part of whale watching in Hermanus. The tradition began in 1992 with the first Whale Crier, Pieter Claasen, and has since become closely associated with the town’s whale watching culture. Walking along the streets and the Cliff Path, he uses a kelp horn to signal where whales have been seen. Different sounds and sequences indicate the type of whales and their location, with the code explained on the sandwich board he carries. He is on duty daily during the whale season, typically from 10:00
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