Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Whales, wine and wonder
The Cape Whale Route, Western Cape
A whale breaching on the Hermanus coast.
© David Salvatori
Did you know?
Humpback whales, which are regularly spotted from the shores along the Cape Whale Coast, can weigh up to 30 tons.
The Cape Whale Route gives travellers a massive amount of options when it comes to exploring the Western Cape beyond Cape Town. There is far more to this route than just whales, with enough variety to keep families occupied for a week or two at least.
The road trip from Betty’s Bay along the coast toward the other towns on the Cape Whale Route is a peaceful experience, with the Atlantic Ocean on the one side and mountainous, fynbos terrain on the other. Travellers will pass through several quaint villages in between the more established towns.
Hermanus is the largest town along the Cape Whale Route, boasting excellent accommodation, restaurant and adventure activities. This town has become particularly famous for it’s whale-watching and the annual Hermanus Whale Festival. There are a number of tour operators here specialising in whale-watching boat tours for those who want to get a little closer to the world’s largest living creatures.
Adventure activity options along the route include hiking, shark cage-diving, sea kayaking, quad biking, parasailing, horse riding and, of course, whale-watching boat tours.
There are several golf courses along the Cape Whale Route. Arabella Country Club is famed for it’s pristine fairways and luxury infrastructure, while the Hermanus Golf Course has become one of the most popular courses in Africa, because it offers 27 holes and a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
The Cape Whale Route
Email: info@whaleroute.com
How to get here
The Cape Whale Route starts in Betty’s Bay, a 15 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. Follow signs from the R44.
Tours to do
Take a whale-watching boat tour with Southern Right Charters, a sea kayaking journey with Walker Bay Adventures or a zip-sliding tour with Hermanus Forest Adventures.
Get around
Public transport along the Cape Whale Route is very limited, so if you aren’t employing a tour operator, you will need to hire a vehicle. You can do this from Cape Town International Airport or from the Cape Town city centre.
Where to stay
Hermanus is the largest town on the Cape Whale Route, offering the most accommodation options. Hermanus Backpackers is a great option for travellers on a budget, while Misty Waves offers 34 luxury rooms and some excellent ocean views.