About Hermanus and the surrounding area
The town overlooks Walker Bay, where southern right whales congregate from July to November to calve and mate. During this time, Hermanus' very own whale crier watches the bay and informs people where the whales are by blowing on his kelp horn. The whales can be spotted from the cliffs as they frolic in the water. A few operators based in the new harbour are permitted to take visitors on whale watching trips in the bay, which promises to be an unforgettable experience. Let us make your booking for you!
When it comes to shopping, Hermanus offers tourists a wide range of stores. From a brand new shopping mall, art galleries, clothing boutiques and home décor stores, to stores packed with the necessary amenities, Hermanus has it all. A variety of markets are held every Saturday.
Visitors to Hermanus soon discover the range of restaurants and cafés in town. Whether you prefer simple but delicious dishes, or five-star cuisine, Hermanus caters for your every taste and pocket size. Hermanus was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy recently. Down the road from us, you'll be able to take all the Instagram pics your heart desire at the newly established Fix's Pool Pincos and Wine - an iconic setting indeed.
There is an abundance of activities to do in Hermanus - playing golf at the 27-hole Hermanus Golf Club, hiking and picnicking in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, fishing, kayaking in Walker Bay, whale watching from a boat or an airplane, relaxing on one of many beaches, kite surfing and much more.
Whale Watching
Hermanus offers the best whale viewing from land in the world. A cliff path on the edge of the rocks stretches across the town’s entire coastline allowing whale watchers the opportunity to view these majestic creatures up close. Every year from June through to December the Southern Right whale visits the relative shallow waters of Walker Bay to breed, calve and nurse their young before making their arduous journey to the feeding grounds in the Antarctic.
The best way to enjoy whale watching is to go on a whale-watching boat trip with one of the charter companies based in the new harbour. The boats are large and comfortable and able to get within metres of the whales, making this an unforgettable experience.
Beaches
Grotto Beach, Hermanus’ famous Blue Flag beach, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa, offering rolling waves, mountain views and kilometres of unspoilt white sand. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, long beach walks, surfing, kiteboarding and whale watching during season, the beach also offers excellent facilities including parking, showers and public braai areas. Nearby attractions include the Klein River Lagoon, ancient Milkwood forests, horse riding at Die Plaat and the scenic Cliff Path leading towards the indigenous fynbos landscapes of Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Wine Farms
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, just outside Hermanus, is one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its cool maritime climate and clay-rich soil that create ideal conditions for premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines. Home to some of the country’s finest boutique wine estates — including Creation, Newton Johnson, Bouchard Finlayson, Spookfontein, Bosman and Hermanuspietersfontein — the valley offers visitors scenic wine tasting experiences among the southernmost vineyards in Africa.
Outdoor activities
Cliff Path walks
Whale watching (seasonal)
Swimming and beach days
Wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Mountain biking and cycling
Surfing, kiteboarding and kayaking
Fernkloof Nature Reserve hiking trails
Bird watching and lagoon walks
Horse riding on nearby beaches
Shark cage diving and ocean adventures
Golf courses nearby
Art galleries, markets and coastal cafés
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