Whale Watching In Hermanus

My last hoorah in Cape Town was a two and a half hour cruise from the V&A waterfront to Robben Island, and past the beaches of Clifton (another affluent district) on the boat that set the most recent speed record for encircling the globe (74 days). The waves were especially high, making for a more adventurous experience. On our way back to the harbor, we spotted a few seals and a small whale.

The next morning I was on my first (of many) Baz bus rides. Baz Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service that runs two different routes between Cape Town and Johannesburg. The service is similar to what I experienced in New Zealand with Stray, though half the price and with minivans and trailer in tow instead of larger buses.

My first destination, Hermanus, is a popular whale watching town, so it seemed fitting that I stay in Moby's Traveler Lodge. Southern Right Wales are the most frequent visitors to the Hermanus coastline though Humpback and one other species are also in the waters. Upon check-in, I immediately booked a shark cage dive for the next morning.

The social epicenter of Hermanus is a little, grass-terraced area overlooking the ocean. A cluster of restaurants with patios and balconies are behind it offering clear views of the water. The whales are so close to shore, you can easily spot them with the naked eye, tails, heads, backs, sprays of water from their blowholes. After a quick lunch, I bought a pair of binoculars and found the whale watching much more fun. It took the guesswork out of whether the black area you spotted were whales or rocks exposed at low tide. Plus, I'd need them down the road for safaris!

Last Updated on September 18th, 2009