Try the Shark Lady for Shark diving. Enquire for discount rates for groups of 10 or more. When should you arrive for your Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip? 5 Day Garden Route Tour and Addo Elephant National Park, https://vimeopro.com/user6272381/whale-viewing-on-walker-bay, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g472522-d3879043-Reviews-Blue_Goose-Gansbaai_Overstrand_Overberg_District_Western_Cape.html, http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. We have never been whale watching before so are keen for the best experience possible. I haven’t been on the trips due to my terrible sea sickness but over the years I have met lots of people who have been on the trips out of Hermanus and all have been happy with the experience. Whale watching is a hit and miss affair and there are operators for this in both places but for land based viewing Hermanus is best. 1 Night – 2 Trips Package. Other than whales you can also see dolphins, seals, penguins, and marine birds on these trips. They can be seen on Hermanus Boat Cruises, or from our trusty boat, Ivanhoe. We would advise you to book your Whale Watching Trip in Gansbaai way in advance. What will be provided on your Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip? I've been to Hermanus a couple of times to do whale watching The first time I went on a boat from the new harbour in Hermanus and saw whales from a distance which I thought was incredible. Afterwards you’ll head back along the coast to Hermanus for a … Here's their information - http://whaleviewing.co.za/, Here's a short video I shot from the Ivanhoe: https://vimeopro.com/user6272381/whale-viewing-on-walker-bay, It just is the best place for whales, Quiet, friendly community. I haven’t been on the trips due to my terrible sea sickness but over the years I have met lots of people who have been on the trips out of Hermanus and all have been happy with the experience. Enjoy the opportunity to see Southern Right Whales, Brydes Whales and other Marine Life on your boat trip. For the best show in Gansbaai, head out on the whale watching tour of a lifetime. I haven’t been on the trips due to my terrible sea sickness but over the years I have met lots of people who have been on the trips out of Hermanus and all have been happy with the experience. De Kelders is a hidden gem, not well known to the hoards of tourists that visit the area yearly. Continue past Stanford toward Gansbaai. Whale Watching Boat trips are offered daily in and around Gansbaai, as well as in Hermanus. However, two years later I stayed in Hermanus and booked a whale watching trip which actually left from Gansbaai … Hermanus in South Africa is the Land Based Whale Watching capital of the world and every whale watching trip is a unique experience where the sightings vary. Copyright 2018-2020 Whale Watching Hermanus. We lived there several months each year from 2003 to 2016. You don't actually swim with the sharks.. You get into a cage that's strapped to the side of the boat and wear a mask. Our team consists of qualified skippers, an expert Whale Specialist Guide, an engineer, support crew and videographers, and our trips take place at 09h00, 12h00 and 15h00 from June - December each year Get answers to your questions about Hermanus. Answer 1 of 12: Hi, Planning on spending a night to see some whales and do the shark cage dive, does it make more sense to stay in Ganbaai, rather than Hermanus. Hermanus in South Africa is the Land Based Whale Watching capital of the world and every whale watching trip is a unique experience where the sightings vary. Gansbaai Luxury Lodges. Where Whales are most active. Whale Watch Accommodation is situated in De Kelders, Gansbaai, and offers quality accommodation for a family or group of friends. Ten years ago, I was a freelance videographer on shark boats based in Kleinbaai, which is just outside Gansbaai, which is about 40 minutes from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Only 45 minutes away for Hermanus. We hope to have this resolved soon. Welcome to Gansbaai. Gansbaai Luxury Lodges. ... Board the luxury whale watching boat "Dreamcatcher" of Dyer Island Cruises in Gansbaai and enjoy a trip led by a marine biologist. Whale watching boat trip, Hermanus or Gansbaai? Prices. All Rights Reserved. Should we stay in Cape Town and do day trips to the wine country or stay there overnight? It is 165 Kilometre drive from Cape Town City Centre to Gansbaai Harbor. They have very knowledgeable staff and are great at finding whales, despite us going 'out of season'. check with the operator. Whale Watching Tours & Boat Trips Hermanus ⇒ Book Your Hermanus Whale Watching Tour Now There are quite a few different options for Whale Watching Tours in Hermanus. How can I PAY for my Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91608028', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hermanus is better known for whale watching. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Boat Based Whale Watching trips in Hermanus & Gansbaai to see Southern Right Whales & other marine life. Hermanus and Gansbaai On the Western Cape, Hermanus and Gansbaai are the main areas for whale watching, either boat-based or land-based, and the good selection of accommodation means a stay of 2 nights here is highly recommended during the whale season. Light Refreshments are included. Continue this route until soon after the Houw Hoek pass when you will see the R43 turnoff to Hermanus which you need to take. What happens after you have booked your Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip ? Boat Based Whale Watching trips in Hermanus & Gansbaai to see Southern Right Whales & other marine life. We will be on a 2 week tour of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The boat operator throws out a long rope with a piece of fish attached to it to use as bait. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91585423', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Blue Goose - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g472522-d3879043-Reviews-Blue_Goose-Gansbaai_Overstrand_Overberg_District_Western_Cape.html. Hermanus Whale Watching & Sunset Boat Trips Launching from Gansbaai. PS - I didn't go underwater to shoot the scenes of a shark swimming around. How long is the Whale Watching Gansbaai Boat Trip ?? When they spot a shark coming up to get the bait, the Dive Master yells 'DIVE!!' Highly recommended adventures. In many ways Gansbaai is better for whale viewing as there are far less crowds. If the Southern Right Whales have migrated, then you will be warned of this before committing yourself and a discount will apply. Prices range between $70 USD and $280 USD. Related: What are the most popular tours in Hermanus? Both trips were excellent - we even had their own marine biologist as our Tour Guide. Payment can be made by Cash or Credit Card on arrival at the Gansbaai Harbour Office. Answer 1 of 10: Hi, We will be on a 2 week tour of South Africa in early October and will be driving from Cape Town to Hermanus for a 2 night stay. I would just book one of them. If you’re planning on going whale watching in Hermanus or Gansbaai, here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your whale watching experience. 5-stars Hotels in Gansbaai 4-stars Hotels in Gansbaai 3-stars Hotels in Gansbaai. “Southern Right Whales - The Gentle Giants of our Ocean”. Southern Right Whales are the stars of the show during the annual mating in calving season, which starts with the arrival of the bulls in June, closely followed by the females. We recommend that you avoid alcohol the previous night, as alcohol induces sea sickness. Take a sea sickness tablet the night before your Whale Watching trip and again 1 hour before your Gansbaai Whale Watching Trip. I haven’t been on the trips due to my terrible sea sickness but over the years I have met lots of people who have been on the trips out of Hermanus and all have been happy with the experience. To feedback from the original posting, we can thoroughly recommend (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Any … more. Plettenberg Bay. Yes you certainly may. You will be very disappointed ? Answer 1 of 12: Hi, Planning on spending a night to see some whales and do the shark cage dive, does it make more sense to stay in Ganbaai, rather than Hermanus. Season June - December. I am a little biased, though... Our 2nd home in South Africa for 13 years was in De Kelders, which is about 3 kms from 'downtown' Gansbaai. To enquire or book a Whale Watching Trip in Hermanus please can you email us on [email protected] or send us an online enquiry form or enquire on our live online Chat. Sorry for the inconvenience caused. Plettenberg Bay is about 530 km drive from Cape Town City Centre. For the best show in Gansbaai, head out on the whale watching tour of a lifetime. Most of them go out of the new harbour. Boat Based Whale Watching trips in Hermanus & Gansbaai to see Southern Right Whales & other marine life. Time. It is a popular weekend and holiday destination for South Africans, as well as for overseas visitors. Whale watching from Gansbaai or Hermanus? Are there any age restrictions? We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. Maybe ask your accommodation which one they would book? Whale watching tours from Cape Town generally take place a few times a day, so you have the option of going early morning whale watching, an afternoon tour or an evening/sunset whale watching tour. The seashore is deep enough to enable very close encounters. We are operating and have a South African Special running at 40% discount! Prices range between $70 USD and $280 USD. Whale watching in Hermanus has been voted the best land based viewing in the world. All Gansbaai Hotels Gansbaai Hotel Deals Last Minute Hotels in Gansbaai By Hotel Type By Hotel Class Popular Gansbaai Categories Near Airports. Please ensure you are at the Gansbaai Harbor in Gansbaai 30 minutes prior to your Whale Watching Boat Departing. The house is ideal for 4 and can accommodate up to 6 people at a time. The whales are used to the boats and often follow them or play exuberantly around them; An estimated 2 200 of the world’s whale population of 5 000 annually visit the South African waters; Upon entering Gansbaai, follow the Main Road through the town. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? De Kelders is definitely the best place in the world for land based Whale watching with on any day 30+ Whales that lie close to the shoreline. Enter the natural habitat of the Marine Big 5 in South Africa, for the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, penguins, seals and great white sharks. Brydes Whales can be seen when whale watching in South Africa. We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. Once you reach Hermanus follow the signs towards Stanford. The seaside village of De Kelders is the scenic portal to Gansbaai and is considered by some to be one of the best whale-watching spots in the world. Private and Exclusive Whale Watching trips are available on request, please contact us +27(0)84 746 6814, Morning 10am Afternoon 1pm Sunset (Peak) 330pm, Other times may be added due to popularity and if weather conditions permit. Whale Watching for Southern Right Whales re-opens --- from June and to late November. Southern Right Whales are the stars of the show during the annual mating in calving season, which starts with the arrival of the bulls in June, closely followed by the females. They can be seen on Hermanus Boat Cruises, or from our trusty boat, Ivanhoe. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91691064', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hermanus. My teenage kids would like to do swimming with the sharks - any suggestions what is a good place to do that or if that is even worth it? Book your whale watching experience now. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Can I get a Shuttle Service to go Whale Watching in Gansbaai. Whale Watching season (June - Dec) Peak Season (September & October) How far in Advance should I book my Gansbaai Whale Watching Trip ? To see a bigger variety of marine animals going on a Marine Big 5 safari from Gansbaai is a better option. The Hermanus Whale Watching season follows the mating and birthing of these gentle giants and how the young navigate the first few months of life. There would be several of you in the cage. After you have booked your Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip, we will send a Booking Confirmation email of your booking and supply details of your booking including directions and times etc for your trip. Whale watching tours from Cape Town generally take place a few times a day, so you have the option of going early morning whale watching, an afternoon tour or an evening/sunset whale watching tour. I shot this video from the street at De Kelders in October 3 years ago: https://vimeopro.com/user6272381/cliff-st-and-whales-at-de-kelders, There are B&Bs there along that street, and others just a street or two off the shoreline. Still on a high, we begin our trip back, initially re-tracing our steps back as far as Hermanus. Hotels. 1 Night, 2 Trip Big 2 Combo is a package including 1 night’s stay at the Roundhouse, 1 Great White Shark dive and a Whale Watching trip. For whale watching, no need to drive to Gansbaai. Adults - R900 per adult and R450 per child under 14yrs and you go underwater. Re: Whale watching boat trip, Hermanus or Gansbaai? In Gansbaai, you’ll head out on a 2-hour whale-watching journey. I strongly suggest you stay in the Gansbaai area.. in the community of De Kelders. Only 120 km from Cape Town, the pretty little town of Hermanus is one of the world's 12 best whale viewing sites. The purpose-built boat and restrictions on the number of passengers make it possible to fully enjoy the experience of observing these creatures at play. Most of them go out of the new harbour. Situated on the other side of the bay, Gansbaai boasts the same whale watching with an opportunity to beat the crowds. Any … Gansbaai Hostels Gansbaai Campgrounds. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html. Hermanus Whale Watching Activities The amazing thing about visiting Hermanus is that you can literally watch the whales from the coast , from only 20-50 meters away. Please email us or fill in the contact form below and please send us the Dates and the preferred time you would like to Charter the Whale Watching Boat. All the of the Shark cage dives in that area take place from Gansbaai or the nearby Kleinbaai. A Southern Right Whale pops her head out the water in Gansbaai South Africa. Gansbaai is a 45 minute drive from Hermanus. – Whale watching tours from Hermanus harbor are excellent for seeing Southern Right whales. There are several operators working out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? On the other side of Walker Bay from Hermanus is Gansbaai and De Kelders. To feedback from the original posting, we can thoroughly recommend Southern Right Charters in Hermanus and we had an excellent trip with superb whale sightings and from our point of view it would not have been worth the lengthy drive to Gansbaai if you are staying in Hermanus (which was the point of the original question). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91680886', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hermanus and cannot be changed. The Southern Right Whales make their way to our waters to play and relax for months! The boat will not wait if you don’t arrive on time. ... Whale watching boat trips in Hermanus, South Africa. Plettenberg Bay Whale Watching is ideal if you are travelling up the Garden Route and you didnt have the opportunity to go Whale Watching in Hermanus or Gansbaai. On the Western Cape, Hermanus and Gansbaai are the main areas for whale watching, either boat-based or land-based, and the good selection of accommodation means a stay of 2 nights here is highly recommended during the whale season. Brydes Whales can be seen when whale watching in South Africa. For whale watching, no need to drive to Gansbaai. Adults - R900 per adult and R450 per child under 14yrs The size of the boat used by Southern Right Charters was about right - not too big or too small and it was easy to move around to get different views. The boat to use is based in Gansbaai - Ivanhoe. Adults - R900 per adult and R450 per child under 14yrs Sure enough, as we park just off the beach we see the now familiar water spouts that signify whale … Just outside Gansbaai, there’s a signpost to a whale watching beach so we turn off to see if you can see anything from here. What Can you expect on your Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip? All Gansbaai Hotels Gansbaai Hotel Deals Last Minute Hotels in Gansbaai By Hotel Type By Hotel Class Popular Gansbaai Categories Near Airports. A typical Whale Watching trip in season, we search for the Gentle Giants of the sea, the Southern Right Whales. Whale watching in Hermanus South Africa is something amazing! For whale watching, no need to drive to Gansbaai. The exact dates all depends when the Southern Right Whales arrive and depart. A soft drink or still water and packets of crisps will be provided on the boat. How do I know? All Gansbaai Hotels Gansbaai Hotel Deals Last Minute Hotels in Gansbaai By Hotel Type By Hotel Class Popular Gansbaai Categories Near Airports. I've been to Hermanus a couple of times to do whale watching The first time I went on a boat from the new harbour in Hermanus and saw whales from a distance which I thought was incredible. The Whale Watching Boat is a Catamaran that can accommodate 25 guests and is specially designed for Whale Watching. Hotels near (CPT) Cape Town Intl Airport. Common Dolphins are highly transient animals, travelling large distances. However, two years later I stayed in Hermanus and booked a whale watching trip which actually left from Gansbaai … The actual Whale Watching part of the tour normally lasts about 2 hours depending on whale sightings.. Whale Watching Tours tend to leave 3 times a day from Hermanus or Gansbaai South Africa. What we are keen to find out is whether there are any benefits of driving the extra distance to Gansbaai over taking a whale watching trip locally in Hermanus? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-97551685', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Hermanus and I could not disagree.. Have a Whale of a Day. You don’t want Sea Sickness to spoil your Whale Watching Experience. To see a bigger variety of marine animals going on a Marine Big 5 safari from Gansbaai is a better option. To my knowledge, Gansbaai is better known for shark cage diving. Gansbaai. Time. Sea Star Cliff overlooks Walker Bay, world famous for whale watching. We are in the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Walker Bay is situated between Hermanus and Gansbaai, and while most people are familiar with the whale festival in Hermanus, less people know Gansbaai equally shares this natural spectacle. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. To do whale watching, should we drive to Hermanus - is it worth the trip? Most of them go out of the new harbour. Season June - December. – Whale watching tours from Hermanus harbor are excellent for seeing Southern Right whales. Season June - December. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-95984700', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cape Town Area from June 25 - 29. 3 Walvis Street, Suite 2, Sandbaai, Hermanus, 7200. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-97550542', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Southern Right Charters in Hermanus and we had an excellent trip with superb whale sightings and from our point of view it would not have been worth the lengthy drive to Gansbaai if you are staying in Hermanus (which was the point of the original question). Gansbaai Hostels Gansbaai Campgrounds. Departure times for the Gansbaai Whale Watching Trip? That's a strong recommendation for the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The seashore is deep enough to enable very close encounters. We have never been whale watching before so are keen for the best experience possible. The whale season runs from June (winter) to mid – December (summer), annually. All trips are Weather Dependent and can be cancelled at a moments Notice. ... We saw Great White Sharks in Gansbaai and many Whales at Hermanus. Gansbaai has the most Whale Activity in the overberg area. Our trip was postponed on the first day due to bad weather but they were very good at getting us re-booked the next day. Southern Right Charters' whale watcing Hermanus prices are both affordable and competitive. Good restaurant in Gansbaai would be the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? My camera was a small one.. and was in a waterproof case that could be attached to a long metal pole. How much is a Whale Watching trip in Gansbaai? 1 or 2 People - R3000 3 or 4 People - R3200 5 or 6 People - R3400. 5-stars Hotels in Gansbaai 4-stars Hotels in Gansbaai 3-stars Hotels in Gansbaai. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I just turned on the camera - stuck the pole down in the water when a shark was there - and got some pretty cool closeups of the great white shark. A Southern Right Whale pops her head out the water in Gansbaai South Africa. Book Now It's common to be very close to the shark while you are underwater. You can follow Whale Watching Hermanus on all major social platforms. When is the best time to go Whale Watching in Gansbaai? Do not pitch up at the offices and expect to get a booking on the Boat to go Whale Watching. Thank you for this information, but our accommodation is already booked in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What Time should I arrive for my Whale Watching Gansbaai Trip? Other than whales you can also see dolphins, seals, penguins, and marine birds on these trips. Whale Watching near Cape Town, South Africa. Please give yourself at least 3 hours traveling time from Cape Town City Center to get to Gansbaai Harbour in time. On the Western Cape, Hermanus and Gansbaai are the 2 main areas for whale watching, either boat-based or land-based. Our tour operator has recommended we drive to Gansbaai and book with Dyer Island Cruises, but is it worth the early start and 40 minute drive to get there, when Southern Right Charters go direct from Hermanus? Whale Watching Gansbaai - Book a Gansbaai Whale Watching Trip for R1200pp. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-94486812', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Southern Right Charters, operating from Hermanus harbour are excellent.