Hermanus Whale Watching – Book direct best operator in the area!
Hermanus Whale Watching - Known world wide to be the best place for Southern Right Whale Viewing!
Whale Watching Hermanus on a purpose built boat!
Ivanhoe has an extensive track record dating back to 1996 and is one of the pioneer companies that helped establish the whale watching industry in South Africa.
Over the years, Ivanhoe have earned a reputation for providing an unparalleled whale watching experience in Hermanus.
Our custom-built whale watching boat departs from the quaint fishing harbor of Gansbaai, which is a picturesque 35-minute drive from Hermanus and a 2-hour drive from Cape Town.
From Gansbaai, we set a course towards the world-renowned whale watching capital of Hermanus, passing by the stunning Cliffs of De Kelders on our right-hand side.
This particular region of Walker Bay has been scientifically proven to have the highest density of Southern Right Whales year after year, solidifying its reputation as the "True Gem" of boat-based whale watching in South Africa.
Whale Watching Hermanus
The whale watching season in Hermanus typically runs from June to December.
However, as these are wild animals, their migration schedule may change, causing them to arrive earlier or leave later than usual.
In such cases, we adjust our schedule accordingly to ensure the best possible viewing experience for our clients.
While each trip is unique, our whale watching journey usually lasts for approximately 2 hours.
With our experienced skipper and crew, who possess a wealth of knowledge about the area, we usually expect to spot not only whales, but also dolphins, seals, and a variety of coastal marine fish and birds.
Whale Season (June - December)
Trip Duration (2 Hours)
Trip Times (7am - 10am - 1pm - 3:30pm)
2024 Whale Watching Pricing
Adults - R 1750.00
Children Under 12 - R 875.00
Children Under 5 - Free
Private Charter - R 36500.00
2024 Whale & Shark Combo Pricing
Children 8-12 - R 2540.00
Adults - R 3850.00
What our clients "Say and See"
Hermanus Whale Watching a true bucket list experience not to be missed!
The Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe is a custom-built 42-foot catamaran that has been designed with the purpose of providing the best possible whale watching experience. While the boat is licensed to carry up to 40 passengers, we choose to limit the number to 25 to avoid overcrowding and ensure that everyone has ample space to move around and enjoy the view of these magnificent creatures. The boat is both safe and stable, making it suitable for passengers of all ages, from infants to grandparents. Our crew is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do, and they take great pride in sharing their expertise to make your whale watching adventure truly unforgettable.
What you could see
Since we are observing animals in their natural habitat, we cannot guarantee that any two trips will be identical. However, we always strive to provide our passengers with the best possible viewing experience. We hope to show you a diverse range of marine animals, including whales, dolphins, seals, and various species of coastal fish and birds. There are occasions where we are humbled by the sight of Southern Right whales approaching our boat, coming so close that it feels like they are inspecting us. Of course, it is important to remember that we must not touch them under any circumstances. Our whale watching experience has been highly rated on TripAdvisor and we believe that it is an experience that everyone should add to their bucket list.
About Us
Ivanhoe Sea Safaris is proud to have pioneered boat-based whale watching in South Africa. We have worked closely with esteemed scientists to establish regulations and rules for approaching the animals in a manner that minimizes impact and ensures their continued flourishing. We have been granted the permit for Area 6 of Walker Bay, which is renowned for offering the best whale sightings along the entire South African coastline. The geography of the bay provides a natural sanctuary for mother whales and their calves, protecting them from predators. In addition, a Marine Protected Area has been designated in front of the Cliffs of De Kelders. We have developed a unique, personalized service that our clients can enjoy, with the knowledge that we are not intruding upon these magnificent creatures.
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