Ocean Blue Adventures offers several tours, with whale watching being the highlight. Despite being somewhat underrated, they provide some of the best tours in the area, with guides sharing their in-depth knowledge about the animals.

I went on their whale-watching tour, which runs from June to November, and was lucky enough to see both southern right and humpback whales up close. We had a pre-trip briefing to explain what to expect, and they made sure everyone felt safe.

What I really liked was how much focus they put on conservation through the ORCA Foundation and how they follow strict rules to protect the whales. Plus, their special permit lets them get closer to the whales, making the experience feel more personal.

Apart from whale watching, they also offer eco-tours from December to May, which focus on marine life like dolphins, seals, and sharks. They also run guided hikes on the Robberg Peninsula, and a cultural community tour to engage with the local area.

However, one downside is the price, which can feel steep, particularly for families, with whale-watching tickets costing R970 for adults and R500 for children.

Incredible whale watching and adventure

“Awesome whale watching!!! We saw 3 whales and 2 calves in 1.5h and spent a lot of time very close to them. The crew was fabulous especially Nino was very knowledgeable and a great guide! Afterwards a quick stop at the seal colony was also really cool. But the best was beaching the boat at the end of the trip!!! What an adventure!!! Thanks so much!!!!”

Tobias Bittner | Google Review

Expertly planned and unforgettable experience

“Very professionally done, good instruction, good boat, good life jackets. You only go out when the weather is right. Next to the seal rock we saw a wah cow with a baby very close that stayed next to the boat for half an hour. A fantastic experience that I would definitely recommend.”

Dr. med. Peter Steul (DOC) | Google Review

Southern Right Charters runs whale-watching tours from June to December when the whales are in the area. The boat is a catamaran, offering plenty of space to move around and enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options during the trip.

The crew is knowledgeable and provides helpful information about the whales and other marine life throughout the tour. Safety is a priority, with life jackets provided for children and other safety features like a dual navigation system on board.

The prices are R1,320 for adults, R1,220 for students and seniors, and R660 for children under 12, with under-3s going free. Private tours are also available on request for those looking for a more personal experience.

The tours are weather-dependent, so it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially during the peak months. They usually last around 2 hours but can stretch up to 3 hours depending on whale sightings.

However, one downside is that there are no alternative tours outside of whale season, so if you visit outside of the June to December window, you’ll miss the opportunity to experience the whale-watching tours.

Memorable experience with the kids

“A memorable moment with the kids. They tell you from the get go that this is the whales season, however, we can’t predict if we will see them or not, and that understandable as you will be stopping at their migration route hoping for them to pass.

We were so lucky to see a mama southern whale with her new babe. What an amazing sight. Also, kudos to the whole crew. They were very professional, very knowledgeable, and very organized.

Thanks for these memorable moments. The kids will never forget it!”

Osama Saeed | Google Review

Comfortable catamaran with excellent observation spots

“We were very happy with their service from the very beginning.

Clear website and easy to make reservation. Nice staff, both on the shore and on the ship. The ship itself is a catamaran, and therefore is very stable on a wave. Quite comfortable and easy to walk around the ship to find a best place for the whale observation. The guide was amusing and easy to listen, as well as very knowledgeable about the marine life. Free coffee and cookies after the trip.

It was a fantastic experience! Very recommended for everybody visiting Hermanus.”

Vladimir Azov | Google Review

Ivanhoe Sea Safaris offers whale-watching tours on a 42 ft catamaran with space for 25 passengers, viewing decks, and onboard toilets. Trips start at R1,750 per adult for international visitors, with lower rates for kids, students, and seniors.

Trips run from June to December, with options like standard whale-watching tours, sunset cruises, and private charters. They also offer combo packages, such as whale watching with shark cage diving or helicopter flights, for something different.

Safety is well covered, with life jackets available and the boat meeting SAMSA standards. There’s also a helpful talk at the start of the trip to explain the route and what animals to look out for, which I found useful.

Booking is straightforward online, and they also offer combo packages like shark diving or helicopter tours for something extra. I liked that they support local schools by running free trips, which shows they care about the community.

The only downside is that the pricing may be high for some, especially international visitors, due to the exchange rate and local costs. While this helps the business and supports the community, it could be a bit much for some tourists.

Genuine and knowledgeable whale-watching experience

“On the list since a while, this trip to SA in spring time was just the right one to give it a try. We came to Gansbaai end of October, the period of very high probability of whale sightings – and we were not disappointed. The boat left with Johan as captain and 25 people, we were lucky to get a seat on top (8 people only, perfect view all around). While the first half an hour was more a ‘getting there’, we then had a few back sightings of Southern Right Whales and calves, rounded up by a whale mom and her calf just next to the boat at the end.

Johan takes well care of the whales’ well-being, respects marine protection areas and knows a lot of behaviour and moods of the whales – the perfect mix of expectations and care.

We would very much recommend to go with Ivanhoe; parking at the harbour is as easy as the entire trip. Thanks to the Ivanhoe crew!”

Joerg | Google Review

Incredible wildlife sighting and expert crew

“As a charter boat captain and fishing guide in south Florida I get to see a lot of amazing wildlife. The trip my wife and I took with Ivanhoe in November 2023 was amazing. We saw so many Southern right whales I was blown away. The captain and mate were great. Hands down an amazing experience of a lifetime.”

Controlled Chaos FishingTeam | Google Review

Whale and Dolphin Tours Durban offers boat trips for whale and dolphin watching, with two boats available: a 7.2 m rubber duck and a 28 ft Butt Cat. The skippers, who have years of experience at sea, provide an intimate and knowledgeable experience.

The whale-watching trip lasts two hours and is priced at R650 per person, while the dolphin-watching trip lasts one hour at R350 per person. Each tour is limited to 10–11 passengers, which ensures a more personal experience on the water.

One thing I liked is that they’re partnered with Whale Time, which works with the Wild Lands Conservation Trust. It shows they’re serious about supporting conservation and responsible whale watching. 

However, they don’t operate on Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year’s, so you’re out of luck if you’re planning during the holidays. Moreover, the boats are small, which is great for a more intimate experience but may not be ideal if you’re with a large group.

Knowledgeable and engaging skipper

“This was my first time going on a whale tour but definitely not my last with whale and dolphin tours! I had such a beautiful experience we saw around 6-7 whales and were lucky enough to see one of the whale breach as well! Our skipper Brad was very entertaining and he was able to help spot many whales! It’s well worth the money! Do your research of the most active period and try it out! This one is well worth it for any whale enthusiasts out there!”

Safiya Shaikh | Google Review

Memorable whale-watching with entertaining skipper

“We had a wonderful experience whale watching! Captain Brad was fantastic—kind, knowledgeable, and made the trip both fun and informative. He shared fascinating details about the whales and the ocean, which really added to the experience. Our daughter had an amazing time, and seeing her excitement made it even more special. The boat was comfortable, and we were lucky enough to see several whales up close. It was a memorable adventure for the whole family, and we’d highly recommend it!”

Artistic Sip | Google Review

Ocean Safaris offers whale and dolphin watching tours, using a specially designed cat-style boat powered to accommodate up to 30 passengers. With an official permit, they’re authorised to approach whales as closely as 50 meters once spotted.

The Dolphin Discovery Cruise runs from December to May, and the Whale Watching Cruise takes place from June to November. Both trips last about 2 hours, and the weather plays a big part in whether the tour can go ahead. 

Safety is a top priority for Ocean Safaris, with all skippers trained and accredited by the South African Maritime Safety Association. They also follow strict safety rules set by the SABBWWA to make sure both passengers and marine life are protected.

A few things to consider is that there’s a minimum of 4 guests required for the safari to go ahead, and if this isn’t met, your booking may be rescheduled. Delays can also happen due to the boats being launched by tractor, which can affect the trip timing.

Family-friendly experience

“We had a sensational time on the Ocean Safari whale watching trip. Our guide Kiki (I may have misspelt / mispronounced that incorrectly) was super clear on likelihood of seeing things on conditions and very clued up on the whales and dolphins.

We did get very lucky with our weather as it was as flat as a millpond with clear skies. We did the early morning trip which is apparently always the best for spotting wildlife.

We saw 14 right whales, a pod of bottle nose dolphins and had very close up interactions with them.

Ocean Safaris were very clear about the conditions and moved our trip from the previous day due to bad weather and gave us plenty of notice and opportunity to rectify it.

5 star whale watching experience at a very reasonable price for 2 hours.”

Jonny Boatman | Google Review

Clear communication and exceptional wildlife sightings

“Our family had a great experience with Ocean Safaris Whale and Dolphin Watching. Our 4 year old was with us and he had an amazing time. We lucked out and got to see a family of hump back whales. This was on Oct 4th. We went on the 9:30am tour. We were told to arrive 20 mins before and the timing was perfect.”

Erica Knowles | Google Review