Hermanus: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip in Hermanus – An In-Depth Guide

Hermanus is one of the most popular spots in South Africa for whale and dolphin watching. Every summer, tourists flock to the picturesque town with the hopes of catching a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

The area off the coast of Hermanus is a breeding ground for both whales and common dolphins, meaning there is always a good chance of spotting these gorgeous and intelligent creatures when on a boat trip from the town.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about whale and dolphin-watching boat trips in Hermanus, from competitive prices and tour packages, to what you can expect to see if you’re lucky enough.

Why Go Whale & Dolphin Watching in Hermanus?

Hermanus provides some of the most reliable marine mammal sightings in the world – it’s even boasted–to be the best land-based whale watching location in the world. This is not an exaggeration either – during the months of August and October, it’s common to spot over 200 whales each.

The Southern Right Whale is particularly known to take up residence in the bay, as they’re attracted to the area due to its relatively shallow depths, which provide an ideal feeding grounds and breeding ground.

Every summer, tens of thousands of dolphins come in to visit the bay too. These dolphins include Heaviside’s dolphins and common dolphins, with both species often putting on a show for whale watchers.

And lastly, Hermanus is simply a beautiful place, providing stunning views of the coastline, towering mountains, quaint fishing boats, and far-reaching blue sea – something worth seeing for yourself if you can.

How Much Do Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trips from Hermanus Cost?

Prices for a whale or dolphin watching boat ride from Hermanus vary a lot depending on which operator you use, as well as the length of your ride and the type of package you select.

A one-hour trip will generally cost anywhere from $30 – $100 per person, with operators providing deals and discounts for group bookings. Longer trips will typically start somewhere around $130 per person, with costs increasing depending on the package you choose.

Additionally, many operators will offer all-inclusive packages, providing food and refreshments in addition to whale and dolphin watching. These packages may also include additional activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, and offer discounts if you book in bulk.

It’s always worth shopping around when looking for a whale watching boat trips in Hermanus – keep an eye out for deals and packagesto help get the best deal possible.

How to Book a Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip From Hermanus?

Booking your whale or dolphin watching boat trip from Hermanus is easy. There are numerous operators based in the town itself, many of which provide online booking sites for ease when reserving your spot on the boat.

One very popular option is GetYourGuide, which provides boat tours from both Hermanus and the nearby Gansbaai harbor. This service makes it easy to book in advance, with competitive prices and an array of packages to choose from. Operators like GetYourGuide specializes in combining whale and dolphin watching with other activities such as snorkeling and kayaking – again, allowing you to craft the perfect boat trip for a memorable experience.

It’s important to bear in mind that if booking a tour through an operator like GetYourGuide, you may need to purchase a minimum number of tickets so that the tour goes ahead. If this is the case, you should always triple check before purchasing your tickets that there are enough people booked on the trip!

Other operators may have different booking processes – some may be more hands-on than others – but ultimately most will provide everything you need to know through their respective booking systems or websites. Make sure you read up before reserving your spot!

What Equipment Do I Need For Whale & Dolphin Watching?

Unlike many other activities, whale and dolphin watching doesn’t require any specialist equipment or clothing. However, it’s worth ensuring that you bring along a few items that make side trips more enjoyable:

• Sun cream
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Winter clothing (it can get cold at sea)
• Binoculars (for spotting whales from land)
• Camera (for taking close-up photos)
• Sea sickness tablets (for those who are prone to motion sickness)
• Snorkeling equipment (if your tour includes this activity)

Most operators will provide some of these items (such as snorkels), as well as light refreshments onboard during your trip. However, it’s always worth double checking before setting sail!

What Can I Expect to See On My Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip?

Whale watching trips that depart from Hermansus come with no guarantees – while they area excellent place to spot whales and dolphins on a regular basis, sightings are always sporadic and depend on weather conditionson the day.

The good news is that most trips run multiple routes along the coast – meaning that with some luck you should see something special during your voyage!

It’s also worth noting that most trips are conducted by experienced guides who will provide plenty of information about marine life during your journey around Hermanus Bay. Knowing what types of whales you may see in advance can make spotting them much easier!

On top of this, most operators will also provide light refreshments during your trip – making it an almost complete package for those enjoying a day out at sea!

Overall Opinion

A whale or dolphin watching boat trip from Hermanus makes for a great day out – both for tourists visiting the area as well as locals trying something new! Prices are generally reasonable and operators are always willing to provide discounts for larger groups – plus with knowledgeable guides it’s easy to learn fascinating facts about marine life while out at sea! The main excitement however is spotting whales or dolphins in their natural habitat – something that can’t always be guaranteed unfortunately but can still prove an amazing sight regardless! To book a whale or dolphin watching boat trip in Hermanus – check out GetYourGuide, who provide competitive prices and a range of packages for all types of travelers!