Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, Overberg
Gearing's Point provides a spectacular (unmatched) whale watching view point. © Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, Overberg
Gearing’s Point is one of the most celebrated whale-watching viewpoints in Hermanus, perched above the historic Old Harbour with sweeping views across Walker Bay. For visitors arriving in town during whale season, it is almost obligatory to pause here, scan the water and discover for themselves why Hermanus is so widely regarded as the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. The extraordinary attraction is that no boat is required: southern right whales regularly come close enough to shore to be watched from the rocks and cliffs, sometimes only a short distance offshore.
The secret to Hermanus’s reputation lies partly in the shape and character of Walker Bay. The sheltered waters provide an ideal seasonal nursery for southern right whales, which migrate from Antarctic waters to the South African coast to mate, calve and raise their young. The main season generally runs from around June into November, with August and September particularly associated with calving, while October can bring large numbers of whales. From Gearing’s Point, patient observers may see whales surfacing, blowing, breaching, lobtailing or simply resting close to the coastline.
The elevated position of Gearing’s Point gives it an excellent advantage. From the rocky outcrop, visitors have an unobstructed sweep across the bay and can often spot the tell-tale plume of a whale’s blow before seeing the animal itself. Benches and grassy areas provide places to settle down, while the surrounding Cliff Path allows visitors to continue their whale-watching expedition along the coastline. The famous 12-kilometre cliff path offers numerous viewpoints, making it possible to combine a leisurely coastal walk with one of nature’s greatest spectacles.
There is also an interesting piece of local history behind the viewpoint. Before Hermanus became internationally famous for whales, Gearing’s Point was used as a lookout for fishing boats returning to the Old Harbour. Residents could watch the boats approaching and see the day’s catch being brought ashore. After fishing activities moved to the New Harbour, a telescope was installed and attention increasingly turned towards the whales appearing in Walker Bay.
Today, Gearing’s Point is firmly at the centre of Hermanus’s whale-watching culture. During peak season, the town’s famous whale crier may be seen along the waterfront, using a traditional kelp horn to alert visitors when whales have been spotted. It is a wonderfully old-fashioned way of sharing a wildlife sighting and adds to the sense that the entire town is watching the ocean together.
The experience at Gearing’s Point is wonderfully uncomplicated. Bring binoculars if you have them, dress for the often brisk coastal wind and, most importantly, be patient. A whale may appear moments after you arrive - or you may have to wait quietly for half an hour before a huge dark back suddenly breaks the surface.
That anticipation is part of the magic. Few places allow travellers to sit above the ocean, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a coastal town, and watch whales in their natural environment without paying for a boat trip. At Gearing’s Point, Hermanus’s claim to being the world’s finest land-based whale-watching destination feels less like a boast and more like an experience you can see for yourself.
(In season - get there early).
Accommodation Near Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, Overberg
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
0.8 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergBrown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergThe Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.2 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergBayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.2 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergBayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.3 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergOn The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
2 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergAnchor's Rest offers the option of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, 120Km from Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
2 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergHouse on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandbaai Country House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai
4.6 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergSandbaai Country House offers quality accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Sandbaai, in the Hermanus area in the Overberg / Whale Coast region. Expect the very best at this residence, from luxury bedrooms to quality service and fine cuisine. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pacem
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
4.9 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, OverbergPacem offers visitors self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Located in the Hermanus suburb of Voelklip it has a magnificent view on the mountain as well as sea views. Pacem is situated in a quiet area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
138 Marine Beachfront Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai
5.3 km from Gearing's Point, Whale Watching - Hermanus, Overberg138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse provides front-row bed and breakfast accommodation with uninterupted panoramic seaviews in Sandbaai in the Hermanus area. It is a luxurious, upmarket guesthouse with spectacular sea front views. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Hermanus (0.40km)
- Hermanus Area (0.40km)
- Eastcliff, Hermanus (0.82km)
- Northcliff, Hermanus (1.11km)
- Westcliff, Hermanus (1.55km)
- Hermanus Heights (2.10km)
- Fernkloof Estate (2.37km)
- Hemel en Aarde Valley (2.47km)
- Kwaaiwater (2.72km)
- Fernkloof (2.99km)
- Zwelihle (3.19km)
- Voelklip (3.93km)
- Sandbaai (4.92km)
- Maanskyn Baai (5.65km)
- Hermanus Lagoon (6.79km)
- Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.08km)
- Old Harbour Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.12km)
- Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western Cape (0.14km)
- Whale House Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.19km)
- Hermanus Tidal Pool - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.45km)
- Fick's Pool - Hermanus, Western Cape (0.80km)
- Dreunkrans - Cliff Jumping in Hermanus (0.88km)
- Hermanus Country Market - Hermanus, Whale Coast (1.36km)
- Hermanus Golf Club - Hermanus, Whale Coast (1.59km)
- Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus (2.09km)
- Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape (2.15km)
- Langbaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.41km)
- Kammabaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.69km)
- Voelklip Beach - Hermanus, Overberg, Whale Coast (3.88km)
- Cliff Path - Milkwood Forest, Hermanus (4.25km)
- Grotto Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.46km)
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.62km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.75km)
- Sandbaai Beach & Coastal Path - Sandbaai, Hermanus (5.47km)
- Onrus Beach - Onrus, Overberg, Whale Coast (6.43km)
- Kalfiefees Hermanus Arts Festival - Hermanus (7.08km)
- Davies' Tidal Pool - Onrus (7.63km)
- Jan Rabie Tidal Pool - Onrus, Western Cape (8.07km)
- Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.89km)
- Walker Bay - Whale Coast, Western Cape (9.91km)
- Hoek-van-die-berg Private Nature Reserve - Vermont, Whale Coast (10.99km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve - Whale Coast, Western Cape (13.83km)
- Arabella Golf Course - Kleinmond, Western Cape (15.14km)
- Botrivier Lagoon - nr Fisherhaven, Overberg (15.34km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (15.94km)
