You’re going to welcome our list of places to stay on the Whale Route – The whales arrive in the bay during July/August every year, and remain until October/November with Hermanus’ Whale Festival an annual highlight during August.
And we don’t want to boast or anything but just about every place on our list of best places to stay on the Whale Route, South Africa, has a view of the ocean …
The Whale Route is one of the best places in the world to see the southern right whale.
Starting in Cape Town it follows the R44, also known as Clarence Drive, through the Kogelberg Biosphere and the villages of Rooiels, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay.
It reaches Kleinmond where it joins R43 to Hermanus whose clifftops provide some of the world’s best land-based whale watching…
The route doesn’t end there but presses on to De Kelders, Gansbaai and Witsand.
Best landbased whale watching: Hermanus
Best secret whale watching spots: De Kelders and Witsand
Here is our list of best places to stay on the Whale Route …
HERMANUS
Absolute Ocean Boutique Guest House
Situated as close as you can get to the ocean in one of the finest positions in Hermanus, this guesthouse is perched on the edge of the ocean, ensuring that every moment you spend here is accompanied by soothing sounds of waves and a gentle caress of the breeze.
Stamford On Sea in Onrus, Hermanus
Stamford on Sea is a luxurious, multi-level holiday home in Onrus, Hermanus.
The home is a stone’s throw away from Davies Pool, walking distance from Onrus Beach and commands spectacular views over Walker Bay.
Hermanus Beachfront Lodge
Hermanus Beachfront Lodge is one of only two lodges that are located on the very popular Voeklip Beach, which is much sought after by surfers, swimmers and sunbathers alike.
Enjoy Hermanus with the sound of the surf and the beautiful sunsets from one of the luxury suites.
One Marine Drive Boutique Guest House
You’ll love the delightful airy lightness of this guest house and its choice of sea view, garden or poolside en-suite rooms.
The views are pretty spectacular too.
Windsor Hotel in Hermanus
The Windsor Hotel offers comfortable en-suite bedrooms (most of which are sea facing), designed to ‘not break the budget’.
On the very edge of sparkling Walker Bay, the Windsor Hotel combines the best of traditional hospitality with all the comforts you expect of a 3 star hotel.
Onrus Mountain Escape
Onrus Mountain Escape is a charming and luxury self-catering holiday home located on the mountainside in Onrus River.
The home boasts picturesque town, mountain and sea views, and is situated 3km from Onrus Beach and 7km from central Hermanus.
Cliff Cottage B&B
It’s not difficult, when faced with yet another gorgeous Hermanus seaside option, to see why town is the fulcrum of the Whale Route.
Beautiful, reasonably priced en-suite bedrooms just across the road from the Hermanus cliff paths.
Ridge House Guest House
Ridge House Guesthouse offers spectacular views across Walker Bay, the Cape mountains and natural fynbos.
Conveniently located in Hermanus, but slightly away from the hustle and bustle, Ridge House is a peaceful, romantic hideaway.
GORDON’S BAY
185 On Beach Boutique Suites & Apartments
185 on Beach offers a luxurious seaside self catering guest house. Enjoy a magnificent ocean view and the refreshing fragrance of the sea from all boutique suites.
Admire the mountain views, the marina and spectacular sunsets or laze around the fresh sea-water rim-flow pool and watch yachts set out to sea!
The Blue Marine Self Catering
Perfect for two, this apartment is set at the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains with a great sea view balcony and built in jetmaster.
Perfect.
Bikini Views Apartment
This wonderful one-bedroom holiday apartment in Gordons Bay is located on the upper level of a beautiful multi-level Villa in the prestigious Suikerbossie Drive.
It nestles against the mountain slopes and overlooks the harbour Yacht club and Bikini Beach.
Krystal Beach Hotel
When staying at the Krystal Beach Hotel you can enjoy a tranquil seaside getaway excellent service and comfortable accommodation.
Rooms are offered on a bed only or bed & breakfast basis. Visit the Spa, make use of the gym facilities and the swimming pool.
BETTY’S BAY
Stay at Friends Guest House
You’re tucked in between mountains and sea, surrounded by fynbos (Betty’s Bay is a conservancy) with breathtaking views and Silver Sand beach moments away.
And the décor is perfect.
Villa Vista Betty’s Bay
Step into the sweet serenity of this classic two storey beach villa for an unforgettable beachside stay.
Villa Vista sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms – perfect for family or groups of friends! It has an open plan design and neutral tones throughout.
DE KELDERS
Whale Huys Luxury Oceanfront Eco Villa
Where two oceans meet and about as close to paradise as you can get. Perched on the oceans edge, Whale Huys has beautiful unobstructed sea views from all living areas, dining areas and bedrooms.
Fall asleep and wake to the sound of the waves gently lapping at the rocks below.
Whalesong Lodge
This intimate boutique hotel lies atop the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay offering five spacious open-plan en-suite rooms with private balconies.
La Petite Baleine Seaside Villa
One of our Favourite places to stay on the Whale Route, the infinity-edged swimming pool on the private patio alone is enough to send you into paroxysms of delight, so the views of the ocean are a mere bonus.
PRINGLE BAY
The Mermaid’s Tail
This self catering home is the epitome of family beach holiday not far from the beach, and the telescope helps for those whale moments.
Hangklip Villa
Hangklip Villa is a modern holiday home offering stunning views.
Situated at the foot of the majestic Hangklip mountains, the 4-bedroom villa sleeps eight guests. Perfection on the beach!
Restio River House
Wow. To call this self catering holiday home stunning is an understatement.
It’s a contemporary retreat with incredible mountain views, the Buffels River on your doorstep, and the ocean just there.
GANSBAAI
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
This private nature reserve includes miles of private beach and luxury en-suites with private balconies.
Take a closer look because its natural beauty is the perfect setting for whale watching.
Pure Sea Boutique Lodge
Tucked away in pristine fynbos at Romansbaai Beach and Fynbos Estate, Pure Sea Boutique Lodge is a beachfront boutique lodge.
The lodge embraces minimalist living and barefoot luxury with a design that is both inspired by, and showcases, nature.
EXPLORE MORE
Do you have a favourite amongst our list of the Best Places to Stay on the Whale Route?
