Tours/Hermanus/Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer
Viator · Private tour

Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer

4.9(36)Hermanus1 hour
VIATOR5.0(4)TRIPADVISOR4.9(32)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Hermanus Land based Whale Tour with Dave de Beer

Itinerary

Admission included30 min

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.

Admission included120 min

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.

Highlights

Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle

What's included

Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle

Traveller Ratings

4.9
36 reviews
5
34
4
1
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(36)

G
griffithscarolina
February 1, 2026
Beyond amazing!

This is a long overdue review. Our tour with Dave was beyond amazing. It was the highlight of our trip to Hermanus. He is just so passionate and shares all his knowledge. He went above and beyond and drove for a long time to show us the whales. I could not recommend him more. My family and I were delighted to meet him, an absolute privilege.

J
jonathan w
October 25, 2025
Whale walking tour

Obviously 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.

C
Charlotte W
October 18, 2025
FANTASTIC!!

Absolutely 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!

P
Passport586680
October 16, 2025
A special treat

Absolutely 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.

V
Vacation54834577302
October 13, 2025
Great whale experience with a fantastic expert!

Great 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.

Operator response

Thank you so much for that fabulous review. Dave is exceedingly passionate about the Whales.

T
Trail311865
October 9, 2025
Un unforgettable experience with Dave

The 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!

Operator response

Wow! Dave's enthusiasm hasn't dimmed one bit over the last 20 years, and a review like this proves that. Than you!

J
Jddiet
October 5, 2025
Whales watching

A 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

Operator response

Much appreciated, and yes, Dave's enduring love for the Whales is infectious.

K
Kayleigh H
September 30, 2025
One of our highlights

One 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!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you! Being considered a highlight during a guest's holiday is a very special accolade.

C
Claudia_B
September 26, 2025
Great experience

Those 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.

Operator response

"Anyone who books this activity is making the right choice. Dave is a walking encyclopedia and explains with great passion everything you need to know about these amazing animals. Questions are welcome. It was a very lovely afternoon with fantastic sightings." Translated to English Thank you very much for that incredible review.

J
janethO3469AP
September 17, 2025
What a display!

Definitely 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!

Operator response

Thank you for that awesome review!

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