Kelp Horn

Never miss the whales. Your phone tells you the moment they're spotted around Hermanus, while they're still there.

The moment they're spotted

Someone on the cliff path sees a southern right breaching off Gearing's Point. Seconds later your phone says so: which whales, where, and when. Pick the areas you care about, and that's it. No account, no group chat to keep up with.

Worth the drive, or not

The map shows where whales are right now. A pin stays bright while people keep seeing them, goes grey once they've moved on, and the map starts fresh at midnight. An empty map means nothing's about, so you don't drive the coast hoping.

Spotted by locals

New sightings come from a small group of regulars who know the coast, so an alert means whales. Seen them too? Tap "Yes I saw" and the sighting stays bright for the next person.

Tell the family

One tap sends a sighting to WhatsApp, with the spot, the time and a link to the map.

Where to watch from

Hermanus has 20 shore spots on the map, most along the cliff path. See whale watching in Hermanus from land for the spots, the season and tips.

Questions

How do I know if there are whales in Hermanus today?

Open Kelp Horn. The map shows where whales have been seen today around Hermanus, posted by locals who watch the bay. A bright pin means whales were seen in the last 90 minutes. Turn on alerts to hear the moment new whales are spotted.

Is Kelp Horn free?

Yes. Kelp Horn is free, with no ads. You don't need an account to see the map or get alerts.

When is whale season in Hermanus?

Southern right whales are usually in Walker Bay from about June to December, and most are around from about August to October.

Where does Kelp Horn work?

Around Hermanus and the wider Overberg, starting with 20 viewing spots along the Hermanus coast from Onrus Beach to Grotto.

Who posts the sightings?

A small group of approved locals who know the coast, so an alert means whales. Anyone who signs in can confirm a sighting with "Yes I saw", which keeps it bright for the next person.

Is Kelp Horn run by Hermanus Tourism or a tour company?

No. Kelp Horn is an independent project made in Hermanus. It isn't connected to Hermanus Tourism or any tour operator.