The Whale Coast
A seasonal whale-watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus: a private drive along the Clarence Drive coastal road, a boat trip on Walker Bay with Southern Right Charters, and time for lunch in town, reserved for your own party of up to four guests.
About this experience
A seasonal whale-watching tour from Cape Town to Hermanus: a private drive along the Clarence Drive coastal road, a boat trip on Walker Bay with Southern Right Charters, and time for lunch in town, reserved for your own party of up to four guests.
Set out from Cape Town for a full-day journey to the Cape Whale Coast, available during whale-watching season. The outward drive follows Clarence Drive, one of the region’s most beautiful coastal roads, winding between the mountain slopes and the edge of False Bay. We pause at selected viewpoints when time and road conditions allow, with views of the coast and the seaside villages of Rooi-Els, Betty’s Bay and Pringle Bay along the route.
In Hermanus you board a whale-watching excursion with Southern Right Charters. The trip begins with a short briefing on land before heading out from the New Harbour with a specialist guide and crew. Keep watch for Southern Right whales and the other marine life that may be encountered in the bay. Sightings are never guaranteed, as these are wild animals, and the boat trip is subject to suitable sea and weather conditions.
Back on shore, enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice in Hermanus, at your own expense. Depending on the timing of the sailing, there is time for a short stroll along the waterfront or the cliff path before the return drive to Cape Town, usually via the N2.
What is private is your guide and your vehicle. The boat trip is a shared operator experience, and other guests may be aboard the vessel.
Who this tour is for
Ideal for travellers who want a flexible, locally guided experience with personal attention — couples, families, solo travellers, and small private groups.
Guided in English and Spanish
Tell us your preferred language when you book. We confirm it against the guide available for your date — if we cannot cover it, we offer you another date, English, or a refund.
Pickup and customisation
Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking. Where practical, the route and pace can be adjusted around weather, timing, and interests.
What makes this tour special
Request this tour
Choose your preferred date and time, then send us your details. We will confirm your booking shortly.
Your route
Cape Town pickup at 08:00
Clarence Drive scenic route
Hermanus New Harbour check-in & briefing
Whale-watching boat trip on Walker Bay
Lunch & free time in Hermanus
Return to Cape Town via the N2
Times may vary depending on season, traffic, weather, and tour conditions.
What to expect
Included
- Private registered tour guide
- Pickup and return in the agreed Cape Town service area
- One standard Southern Right Charters whale-watching ticket per guest on the booking
- Scenic stops along Clarence Drive, subject to the day’s schedule, road access and weather
Not included
- Lunch, snacks and drinks in Hermanus
- Personal purchases, souvenirs and gratuities
- Any activity or admission not listed on your confirmed booking
Good to know
- A warm layer or windbreaker
- Comfortable shoes
- Motion-sickness medication, if you need it
- Sun protection and a hat
- A camera or phone for photographs
- A card or cash for lunch
- Runs only in whale season, normally June to November, on dates when Southern Right Charters has a suitable sailing.
- The boat trip is weather- and sea-dependent and may be delayed or cancelled at short notice. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed.
- The operator requires check-in at least 30 minutes before departure; a late arrival can mean a missed trip.
- The coastal drive is winding and the sea can be choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring medication.
- Lunch is at your own expense. Your restaurant choice and time in town depend on when the boat returns.
- Traffic, weather, road access and the boat schedule may change the order of stops or the time in Hermanus.
- This is a long day: an 08:00 start and an early-evening return to Cape Town.
Questions about this tour
Practical answers before you book. For anything else, read our full FAQ or ask us directly.
Where does this tour start?
This tour starts from Pickup at 08:00 from your accommodation in central Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront, Green Point or Sea Point; other areas by arrangement. Exact pickup or meeting details are confirmed with you during booking.
What languages are available?
This tour is offered in English and Spanish. Add your preferred language during booking so we can plan communication clearly.
Do I pay when I book?
No payment is taken when you send a booking request. We confirm availability first, then share payment details before anything is finalised.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
61 days or more before: 90% refunded. 31 to 60 days before: 70% refunded. 15 to 30 days before: 50% refunded. 8 to 14 days before: 25% refunded. Less than 8 days before, or no-show: no refund. The cancellation charge is the percentage shown above or the actual non-recoverable supplier commitments, whichever is higher, and will never exceed the total amount paid. For changes, contact us or use Check My Booking with your reference.
How many guests can join?
2–4 guests. The booking step shows whether this departure can be shared with other travellers or reserved exclusively for your group.
How long is the tour?
±10 hours. Where practical, pace and timing can be adjusted around weather, traffic, and your interests.