Ivanhoe Boat Based Whale Watching
Ivanhoe Safaris has earned a reputation as one of the top whale watching operators in the Overberg, offering exceptional tours that are known for their comfort and family-friendly atmosphere. Their tours provide a unique perspective on the marine life of Walker Bay, with a team dedicated to providing a safe and unforgettable experience.
About the Tour
Ivanhoe Safaris’ boat is designed to provide excellent viewing opportunities from every angle. The tour focuses on a respectful and close-up encounter with the whales. The tour is known for its experienced crew, who are passionate about the marine environment and provide insightful commentary about the whales and other sea life you encounter.
The Ivanhoe is a 42 ft. catamaran, which was specifically designed and custom-built for whale watching. Our extensive experience gained from over 8000 close encounters with our majestic southern right whales was our inspiration for the design of the Ivanhoe. The most experienced whale skipper in South Africa specifically designed the “Ivanhoe” to provide an exceptionally safe and stable vessel from which to view hermanus whales.
From the Ivanhoe our guests have an unobstructed view of the Hermanus whales and our guests will never get wet – even in inclement weather conditions. While the Ivanhoe is capable of carrying 40 passengers comfortably, for the indulgence of our guests, we limit passengers to 25 for every trip. This means that all our passengers can be seated at all times making the trip far more pleasurable.
The Ivanhoe is extremely comfortable, dry and most importantly stable. Our guests have the advantage of looking down at the Hermanus whales from the upper viewing bridge, giving them a great perspective. Other amenities specifically designed with the guest’s pleasure in mind are large, dry cabins on the lower deck as well as toilet facilities. The Ivanhoe is equipped with two 4-stroke 250hp petrol engines that make the trip exceptionally quiet and pollution free.
We conform and use the highest safety standard life jackets as issued by SAMSA and The South African Maritime Safety Authority surveys the Ivanhoe annually.
Tour Logistics
- Operating Period: Whale watching season runs daily from June to December (weather permitting).
- Launch Site: Ivanhoe Sea Safaris Office in Gansbaai Harbour.
- Departure Times: 7:30 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:30 pm. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.
- Duration: Standard tours are 2 hours long. Full-day tours are also available.
What’s Included
- The “Ivanhoe” is a 42 ft. custom-built catamaran with an elevated upper viewing bridge, designed for an exceptionally safe and stable voyage.
- Guests remain dry even in inclement weather, with large, dry cabins and onboard toilet facilities.
- The crew is happy to assist guests with non-automated wheelchairs, and the tour is child-friendly.
- Tours are conducted with quiet, pollution-free engines.
- Complimentary bottled water, packets of chips, and a warm cup of coffee are provided upon arrival.
Booking Details
- Pricing:
- Adults: R1,950.00 per person
- Students/Seniors: R1,700.00 per person
- Children u/12 yrs: R975.00 per person
- Children u/5 yrs: Free
- Private Tours on request
- Payment Terms: A 50% deposit is required on booking confirmation, with the balance due on the day of the trip (cash or credit card).
- Cancellation Policy:
- Full Refund: If the company cancels due to weather. An alternative trip date will be offered first.
- 50% Refund: For cancellations made within 3 days of departure.
- No Refund: For cancellations within 24 hours of the trip or for late arrivals.
- Re-Trip Voucher: Offered if no whales are spotted during whale season or if fewer than three of the “BIG 5” are spotted out of whale season.
Please Note:
All details and pricing is a guide and is subject to change. Your booking enquiry will be confirmed with the latest rates and availability.