Whale watching at Hermanus
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One of the best destinations in the world to spot whales is Hermanus in South Africa. Hermanus is located 120 km south of Cape Town. So this could be a weekend trip from Cape Town or as a start of the beloved Garden Route. The beautiful stretched beach, the relaxed atmosphere and indeed, the presence of one of the most impressive animals on earth makes Hermanus an absolute must-do and add to the bucket list.
The nice thing about Hermanus is that everyone keeps each other up to date with a big horn when there are whales off the coast. If you hear a horn sound then you must quickly head towards the coast. So do not forget your binoculars!
This place should not be missed during your stay in South Africa. The view, the whales, the beaches, the peace... The whole picture. Even if you miss the whale season, there is plenty to do, see and experience in this picturesque coastal town.
How to whale watch
You have four ways to go whale watching. From land, with a boat, a plane and kayak. Kayaking is the ultimate way to meet the whales of Walker Bay. In a kayak you paddle through the bay where you can find the Whales. Under the guidance of a guide you come very close to the animals, after which they can decide for themselves whether they come to you or not. Hermanus is famous for the many interactions with the animals, they are very laid back and often curious.
Where to stay
If you are looking for an amazing place to stay and you are not on a budget we recommend The Marine Hermanus. The location is perfect with whale watching areas in front of the hotel and just a 2-minute walk to the restaurants. The hotel had character and our room was beautiful. Also the staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. 
The restaurant was delicious both for breakfast and evening meals. On booking.com they get an average rating of 9.2.
Best time to visit
Often the whales can be found off the coast of Hermanus between June and December. The peak is in September and November. The relatively warm water on the coast makes this it a perfect spot for the whales to play and mate. If you go on the 4th week of September you can see whales and a whale festival. If you really want to see Humpbacks, they are mainly seen from June to August, while Southern capers frequently show themselves from the beginning of October to look for a partner. Click here for the climate in Hermanus.