Hermanus Whale Watching - Your Questions Answered
What is the best time to see whales in Hermanus?
The whale season in Hermanus runs from June through to the end of November, with September and October widely regarded as the peak months. This is when Walker Bay has the highest concentration of Southern Right Whales, with mothers and calves frequently visible from the clifftops just metres from shore.
Southern Right Whales migrate from their Antarctic feeding grounds each year specifically to breed and calve in the protected waters of Walker Bay. Humpback Whales also pass through Hermanus waters between June and August on their migration toward warmer Indian Ocean breeding grounds, and Bryde’s Whales are present in the bay year-round.
The annual Hermanus Whale Festival, one of the largest whale festivals in the world, takes place in late September or early October — a great time to combine peak whale sightings with live music, food, and local celebrations.
For the best sightings, book during September or October and consider a stay in our Sea View apartment — where you can scan Walker Bay for whale spouts directly from your private patio.
Which time of day is best for whale watching?
Early morning offers the best whale watching conditions in Hermanus. The sea is typically calmer before the afternoon wind picks up, which makes it easier to spot whale spouts and surface activity. The soft morning light is also ideal for photography.
That said, Southern Right Whales are active throughout the day and can be spotted at any hour during the season. A practical approach many visitors take is to book a boat-based whale watching trip for the morning — when conditions are calmest — and spend the afternoon walking the Cliff Path for land-based sightings, which are often just as spectacular.
For the most relaxed whale watching experience, our Sea View apartment lets you observe the bay from your private patio at any time — morning coffee with a whale breach, or sundowners while the whales head back offshore.
Are there any whales in Hermanus now?
Whale season in Hermanus typically begins in early June, when the first Southern Right Whales arrive in Walker Bay from Antarctica. From June onward, sightings are increasingly frequent, building to peak numbers in September and October when Walker Bay is at its most spectacular.
Even early in the season, it is not unusual to spot whales from the Cliff Path or from the water on a boat trip. For real-time sighting updates, the Hermanus Whale Hotline (028 312 2629) is updated regularly during the season.
Peak season fills up fast — if you are planning a September or October trip, it is worth booking your accommodation early. Check availability at hermanusairbnb.co.za/rooms/
Can you go whale watching while pregnant?
Yes — land-based whale watching in Hermanus is perfectly safe during pregnancy, and the good news is that Hermanus is the best place in the world for exactly this kind of experience.
The town’s famous 12 km Cliff Path offers accessible viewing along much of its length, with benches, clear sightlines, and level sections suitable for all stages of pregnancy. Because Southern Right Whales come so close to the Walker Bay shoreline to breed and calve, you do not need to go out on a boat at all — some of the most memorable sightings happen from the cliffs, just metres above the water.
If you are considering a boat-based trip, check with your healthcare provider first, as the motion at sea may not be suitable depending on your stage of pregnancy.
For the most comfortable whale watching during pregnancy, our Sea View apartment offers a private patio with direct ocean views — whale watching from a comfortable chair, with your own kitchen and bathroom steps away.