Welcome to Hermanus, The Mecca of Southern Right Whales

Hermanus! The Whale Capital of South Africa during the Winter/Spring months is one of the best places to see the Southern Right Whales in all its splendor, either land-based from the sea shore or boat-based for a closer encounter with these ocean giants.  

Each year from mid-June to the end of November, the bay in Hermanus becomes a mecca for spotting the Southern Right Whales in numbers as they flock near these shores in South Africa. Visitors just like you from all over the world come to Hermanus to see the ocean giants and possibly have a close encounter with them. But there is more to Hermanus than only the Southern Right Whales.

Hermanus has some of the best luxury hotels in South Africa with ocean views from which to spot the Southern Right Whale from the comfort of your bedroom or terrace. Hermanus is home to some of the top restaurants in South Africa serving delectable cuisine and fresh seafood.

Only a few kilometers from the seaside town of Hermanus you will find Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven-and-Earth), tucked away in the Hermanus Winelands. Known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the country, Hermanus Winelands is home to only 15 exclusive wine estates, such as Creation Wines, Hamilton Russell and Newton-Johnson, to name a few. 

Why Go?:

Hermanus is one of the few places in the world where you can take a once in a lifetime opportunity to come face to face with the Southern Right Whales on a Whale Watching boat trip. Benefit from our certified whale watching boat company complete with qualified crew members and a certified boat to give you the confidence of traveling in safety at all times. 

Wine lovers should not miss out on the exclusive wine estates in the Hermanus Winelands and take the opportunity to taste some of the best Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a variety of other fine wines produced in this region.

Where to Go?:

From Cape Town we will transfer you in either a private vehicle or a small group vehicle to New Harbour in Hermanus for the ultimate whale watching experience. From New Harbour we set sail to where the Southern Right Whales are frolicking in the ocean for a fun-filled 2 to 3 hours encounter. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants or take a drive to the Hermanus Winelands for lunch among the vineyards.

When to Go?:

The best time to visit Hermanus is during the whale season from mid-June to the end of November annually when the Southern Right Whales are in the bay. 

Best Time to Go: Best: Good:

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Highlights:

  • From mid-June to the end of November, Hermanus becomes a mecca for spotting the Southern Right Whales.
  • Hermanus has some of the best luxury hotels in South Africa.
  • Hermanus is home to some of the top restaurants in South Africa.
  • Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven-and-Earth), tucked away in the Hermanus Winelands is home to 15 exclusive wine estates.
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