Private Tour
Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
After 20 years of photographing and observing the behavioural patterns of the Southern Right Whales that visit Walker Bay annually, I consider myself a Whale behavioural specialist and
I offer a unique and interactive land based whale watching experience, that includes sharing knowledge and personal stories spanning over two decades.
During my time photographing these spectacular mammals, it became a dream of mine to publish a photographic coffee table book. I'm pleased to say the 2nd edition, Hermanus Whales, the Journey Continues, is available directly from me and selected outlets in Hermanus.
I look forward to meeting you & sharing my knowledge & passion about the SRW's & the town I live in.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
What To Expect
The Whale House Museum
Introduction to Southern Right Whales and Hermanus The visit to the museum is to familiarise clients with the Southern Right whale, info on their size, length and weight. I tell them the connection/ synergy there is between whales and Hermanus. I speak about the whaling days and what impact it had on them and how it almost led to their demise. The tour then follows the beautiful cliff path in front of town at an elevation of about 15 metres above the ocean. This elevation lends itself to having a great vantage looking out over the bay. What people don’t realise is the depth of the ocean immediately down from the cliffs is about 10 metres. This allows the whales to approach the rocks of the cliffs to pretty much touching distance. Whales are often seen between 50 and 300 metres from the shore line.
Hermanus Cliff Path
Enjoy a 2 hour walk along the cliff path with myself. I know all the secret whale sighting locations. I know each whale intimately. I will explain all the relevant information from the whales age, behaviors and best possible timing of a breach for the best photo oppertunity.
Options
Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer
Reviews
35 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whale walking tour
jonathan w,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Obviously knowledgeable and enthusiastic about whales. Unfortunately did not see a single whale on this afternoon trip though had seen a mother and calf in the same area in the morning. That’s nature.
FANTASTIC!!
Charlotte W,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely amazing experience! Dave is so passionate, knowledgable and friendly, and having a private tour like this makes all the difference. He took us to multiple locations and shared intimate knowledge of the whales and local area. We highly highly recommend!
A special treat
Passport586680,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic! Couldn’t be more pleased. David was engaging, very knowledgeable , and informative. We had a great show of Southern Rights , with some persistence needed, but lots by the end.
Great whale experience with a fantastic expert!
Vacation54834577302,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Dave who knows all the spots and knows so much about these gentle giants. I highly recommend this tour before going on a boat. So you are well prepared.
Un unforgettable experience with Dave
Trail311865,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Dave is definitely a highlight of our tour. Dave has decades of experience and deep knowledge of whales. He was patient and enthusiastic with all of the questions we had. We had a boat-based whale watching tour the next day, and still find the tour with Dave very helpful and necessary. His tour helped us build a strong foundation and understanding of these magnificent animals. Dave tried his best to ensure that we could see the whales in the best location. He drove us to the nearby towns to look for great locations, and we were able to watch several whales. Through Dave, we also learned a lot about the history and culture of Hermanus and the towns around. We cannot recommend Dave’s tour enough! Whether you have a boat tour planned or not, this trip is a must-do. Thank you, Dave, for such a memorable and insightful adventure!
Whales watching
Jddiet,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience from a wildlife and human perspective. We can only recommend David’s way of whale watching and whales’ life discovery. Nath and JD from Belgium
One of our highlights
Kayleigh H,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the highlights of our entire trip! Dave was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate. The tour itself was amazing, and we also came away with great tips for spotting whales during the rest of our stay. We’d highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting—it’s an absolute must!
Great experience
Claudia B,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Those who book this activity do everything right. Dave is a walking lexicon and explains with great love everything you need to know about these great animals. Questions are welcome. It was a very nice afternoon with great sightings.
What a display!
janethO3469AP,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely one of the highlights of our trip to South Africa. Dave was knowledgable and enthusiastic. He found several whales for us including a mother and baby so close to the shore - mum put on a great display! A fantastic experience!
Great afternoon!
Katie H,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our trip whale watching with Dave. We saw many mother and calf whales on our drive around the bays but Dave was determined to find us one putting on a show, and that he did! His eye for spotting whales is incredible, and his knowledge and passion for whales is great! And thanks also to Nikki for sorting us last minute transport from Cape Town 😊
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