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Home » Destinations » Africa » South Africa

Whale Watching in Hermanus, South Africa

Modified: Mar 27, 2024 · Published: Oct 31, 2008 by Dave Lee |

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 high, making for a more adventurous experience. We spotted a few seals and a small whale on our way back to the harbor.

Around the world in 74 days!

The following day, I was on my first (of many) Bazbus rides. The company offers a hop-on, hop-off service that runs two 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 trailers in tow instead of larger buses.

Whale watching in Hermanus

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

Southern right whale!

The social epicenter of Hermanus is a little grass-terraced area overlooking the ocean. Behind it, a cluster of restaurants with patios and balconies offers clear views of the water. The whales are so close to shore that you can easily spot them with the naked eye. You can see their flukes (tails), heads, backs, and water sprays from their blowhole.

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 was whales or rocks exposed at low tide. Plus, I'd need them down the road for safaris!

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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