Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours in Western Cape

Visit both the Stony Point Nature Reserve - home to a large colony of African penguins - and the Waaygat Whaling Station on this tour from Cape Town. See the black and white birds up close from a boardwalk through the colony, learning about their biology and behavior through a guide's commentary. Tour the remnants of the Waaygat Whaling Station, the former site of whale meat harvesting and processing from the early 20th century, to imagine what whaling life was like on the cape during that time. Light lunch included.

Enjoy a 2-hour boat trip from Gansbaai to see great white sharks, whales, Cape fur seals, penguins and more. Visit the ominously-named Shark Alley to see if there are any great whites feeding on seals. Head to other parts of the ocean to look for whales and African penguins, as well as seabirds on Geyser Rock and Dyer Island. With experts on hand, you won't miss any of the majestic marine wildlife on display.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Cape Town for a peaceful day of scenic views and a whale watching boat trip. No need to worry about booking your own transport as hotel pickup and drop-off is included. You won't waste a moment, as your guide will point out attractions en route such as Pringle Bay and Fernkloof Nature Reserve. After a delicious lunch, you'll go on a whale watching boat trip to spot these magnificent creatures in the wild.

Marvel at the magic of Mother Nature with a whale watching tour to Hermanus from Cape Town. Enjoy the majestic scenery in this part of South Africa, where land-based whale watching is easy. Watch for Southern Right Whales, which come here annually to breed and calve. Stop for photo opportunities at scenic points, and get a chance to upgrade to a boat-based whale-watching tour while in Hermanus (own expense).

The coastal waters off Hermanus are home to a spectacular range of marine wildlife, but the only way to enjoy truly up-close views is by boat. On this private wildlife cruise, spot humpback whales, dolphins, and more in their natural habitat with your guide. Spin through the seaside villages of Betty's Bay and Kleinmond - with round-trip travel from your Cape Town hotel included - and experience the best of the South African coast.

Enjoy the best of stunning Cape Town on this private tour that includes whale watching, penguins viewing and wine tasting. You'll journey to the rugged cliffside town of Hermanus, known as the whale capital of South Africa. You will cross Sir Lowry's Pass where you may spot the national bird: the Blue Crane. After spending some time at Walker Bay, stop to see Cape Penguins in their natural habitat on the way back. Finally, enjoy a light lunch and wine tasting before returning to Cape Town.

Perfect for those short on time, this 30-minute sightseeing cruise focuses on Cape Town's highlights. See resident seals and visiting ships in the Alfred and Victoria basins, accompanied by informative commentary from an onboard guide.

Visit pretty Hermanus for a rare chance to go whale-watching from the shore. Southern Right Whales breed in the waters off Hermanus, not far from Cape Town, every year from July through November. The town is uniquely positioned to offer some of the best land-based whale-watching viewing locations in the world, and you can also choose to go out on a boat for more adventure (own expense).