Hermanus: Whale Watching Boat Trip and Wine Tasting ,Penguin

Hermanus, a coastal gem in South Africa, offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Join a thrilling boat trip and experience intimate encounters with these gentle giants, from the iconic southern right to the awe-inspiring humpback and Bryde’s whales. While marveling at the whales, you’ll also have a chance to spot playful dolphins and visit a charming penguin colony. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – indulge in a wine tasting at a renowned Hermanus winery, savoring the region’s finest vintages while admiring the stunning coastal vistas. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hermanus.

Good To Know

• The whale watching boat trip offers close encounters with southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, as well as playful dolphins.
• The excursion includes an optional wine tasting at a Hermanus winery, allowing visitors to sample regional vintages with coastal views.
• The tour also includes a visit to the Stony Point Nature Reserve, home to a thriving African penguin colony, with guided tours providing insights into their behaviors.
• Convenient pickup from four locations in the Cape Town area, with a maximum of 10 participants for a personalized experience.
• Flexible booking options, including a "reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Whale Watching Highlights

One of the key highlights of the whale watching experience is the opportunity to witness the majestic southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales up close.

Guests can expect close encounters with these gentle giants as they breach, spout, and frolic in their natural habitat along the Hermanus coastline. The knowledgeable guide provides educational insights, sharing fascinating facts and behaviors of these marine mammals.

Sightings of playful dolphins are also common, adding to the excitement of the tour. With the small group size, guests can enjoy an intimate and personalized wildlife viewing experience, capturing unforgettable memories and stunning photographs throughout the journey.

About the Tour Experience

The tour begins with a pickup from one of the four convenient locations in the Cape Town area, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day.

During the 9-hour excursion, a small group of no more than 10 you will enjoy close encounters with various whale species, including southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales, as well as dolphins.

A knowledgeable guide provides educational insights throughout the experience.

Along the way, guests can take in scenic views, do some shopping, and visit the Penguin colony at Betty’s Bay.

The tour also includes an optional lunch and wine tasting at a top Hermanus winery, as well as a visit to the Stony Point Nature Reserve.

Wine Tasting in Hermanus

During the whale watching excursion, guests have the opportunity to enjoy an optional wine tasting at a top Hermanus winery. This activity allows visitors to sample some of the region’s finest vintages while taking in the stunning coastal views.

The wine tasting is an additional fee, but well worth it for oenophiles seeking to pair their whale sightings with exceptional local wines. The tasting takes place at a picturesque estate, where guests can learn about the winemaking process and purchase bottles to take home.

Whether you’re a wine lover or simply want to complement your whale watching experience, the Hermanus wine tasting is a delightful add-on to this tour.

Optional Stony Point Visit

As an optional addition to the whale watching excursion, visitors can also explore Stony Point Nature Reserve. This coastal haven is home to a thriving African penguin colony, offering a unique opportunity to observe these charming seabirds in their natural habitat.

The reserve features:

1. Guided tours that provide insights into the lives and behaviors of the penguins.
2. Scenic walking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna.
3. A chance to witness the captivating spectacle of thousands of penguins nesting, breeding, and swimming along the rocky shoreline.

The Stony Point visit is an optional add-on, offering an enriching experience for those seeking to extend their Hermanus adventure.

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What’s Included and Excluded

The whale watching and wine tasting excursion includes a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Guests will enjoy the services of a specialist guide on board, as well as light refreshments like crisps and bottled water. Pickup and drop-off to the hotel are provided, and the entrance fee to the harbor is covered.

Plus, an optional movie and short film of the tour are available for purchase. However, the lunch and wine tasting at a wine estate, as well as the guided tour of the Stony Point Nature Reserve, come at an extra fee.

The itinerary is also subject to change, allowing for flexibility throughout the day.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers have the flexibility to reserve their spot without upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The booking and cancellation policy offers several advantages:

1. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund if their plans change.
2. Customer reviews indicate an overall rating of 3/5 based on 1 review, providing valuable insights for prospective customers.
3. Communication regarding pickup instructions is facilitated through WhatsApp, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

The combination of flexible booking options, free cancellation, and clear communication channels makes this whale watching and wine tasting experience in Hermanus an appealing choice for travelers.

Getting to the Tour Pickup

Travelers have a convenient choice of four pickup locations in the Cape Town area: the city center, The Westin Cape Town, Camps Bay, and Sea Point.

Pickups are included, so there’s no need to worry about transportation. Just let the tour operator know where you’d like to be picked up, and they’ll handle the rest.

This makes it easy to join the tour, whether you’re staying in the city center, a hotel, or one of the coastal suburbs.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the tour’s multilingual guide can provide insights in both French and English throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

According to the activity overview, light refreshments like crisps and bottled water are provided on the boat trip. It doesn’t mention if passengers can bring their own food and drinks, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, allowing families with children to participate. However, the small group size and nature of the activities may not be suitable for very young kids.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Location?

Yes, passengers can request a specific pickup location from the 4 available options: Cape Town City Centre, The Westin Cape Town, Camps Bay, or Sea Point. The tour provider includes pickup and drop-off service as part of the package.

Can I Stay Behind in Hermanus Instead of Returning to Cape Town?

Yes, you can stay behind in Hermanus instead of returning to Cape Town. The tour allows participants to opt-out of the return transfer, giving you the flexibility to explore Hermanus further on your own.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Whale Watching?

No, you don’t need to bring any special equipment for the whale watching tour. The tour provider supplies binoculars and provides educational insights about the whales from a specialist guide on board.

The Sum Up

The Hermanus whale watching boat trip and wine tasting experience offers an unforgettable encounter with marine wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. Witness whales, dolphins, and penguins in their natural habitats, then savor regional wines while taking in breathtaking views. Whether you choose to visit Stony Point or not, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable adventure in Hermanus.

You can check availability for your dates here: