Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique stop along the Cape Whale Coast, the South African Whale Centre (SAWC) promises an immersive and inspiring visitor experience. The proposed  Centre  will offer a front-row seat to South Africa’s extraordinary marine heritage when it opens its doors to visitors in 2028.

A Landmark Destination

Set within the heritage precinct of Hermanus, the SAWC is more than a museum—it’s a living space where architecture, storytelling, and the natural environment converge. 

What you’ll Discover

Inside, visitors will embark on a multi-sensory journey through a world-class exhibition curated to inform, inspire, and delight. The experience is designed to appeal to all ages and backgrounds, whether you are exploring marine science for the first time or deepening an existing passion.

Highlights will include:

The Sky-Skan Dome Theatre
A custom-designed immersive dome offering breathtaking digital journeys through the ocean’s depths and along the migratory paths of Southern Right Whales.

Life-Sized Encounters
Awe-inspiring full-scale representations and skeletal reconstructions of whales and other marine giants.

Interactive Storytelling
Engaging, tactile, and digital exhibits will explore the biology, behaviour, and threats facing whales and marine life in the Southern Hemisphere.

Whale Soundscapes
Surround-sound installations will allow visitors to experience the haunting beauty of whale songs and underwater communication.

Seasonal Programmes
Special exhibitions, lectures, art installations, and public events will ensure every visit offers something new.

A Gateway to the Whale Coast

The SAWC is uniquely positioned as both a cultural destination and a natural launchpad into Hermanus and the broader Cape Whale Coast. Visitors can continue their journey along cliff paths, to art galleries, restaurants, and the historic Old Harbour—all within walking distance of the Centre.

Family-Friendly and Accessible

The Centre is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all. Families, school groups, tourists, and researchers alike will find facilities that are educational, inclusive, and engaging. On-site amenities will include a marine-themed gift shop, café, and guided tours.

The South African Whale Centre is set to open in 2028, marking a major milestone in Hermanus’s evolution as a global whale-watching and marine conservation destination. We can’t wait to welcome you.