Things to Do in Hermanus
The picturesque seaside town of Hermanus is located two hours drive from Cape Town. Home to the best land-based whale watching in the world, Hermanus is a popular addition to Cape Town and the Winelands.
When to go to Hermanus
Best Time to Go
Located on the Western Cape’s South Coast
Fabulous for whale watching
Easy to access from Cape Town
Gorgeous scenery and views
South Africa’s Whale Watching Capital
Hermanus extends along Walker Bay, which boasts some of the finest land-based whale watching on Earth! So a stay here holds huge appeal for travellers who are interested in marine life. Hermanus is very easy to access by road, as it is linked to Cape Town via the R43 highway and N2 motorway. Alternatively, travellers can take the R44 to enjoy some amazing ocean views! The town is approximately 115km from the Mother City and just 55km from the southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhas. And Gansbaai, the town famous for offering cage diving with great white sharks, is only 40km away.
Hermanus Trips
Activities
Easily accessed from Cape Town, the seaside town of Hermanus has some of the best land-based whale watching in the world, making it an excellent destination for nature activities.
Whale watching
Enjoy a Whale Festival
Visit the Old Harbour Museum
Enjoy the beach
Adventure activities
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View whales on their migration route from Antarctica. We recommend travelling here in the Southern Hemisphere winter and spring (June to October) for whale watching. It is during these months that the massive mammals – specifically, southern right whales – are particularly prevalent, with over 3,000 individuals migrating from Antarctica! The whales enter the warmer waters of Walker Bay to mate and calve. Often they are observed breaching near the shore, leaping out of the water! Onlookers may also spot them spyhopping, rising vertically from the water and holding the position for up to 10 minutes. Lobtailing is common too, when whales lift their tail and slap it back down.
Viewing these enormous animal antics really is thrilling and the people of Hermanus must agree, as every year the town hosts two whale festivals! In August, there is ‘Kalfiefees’, the Calf Festival, to welcome the first offspring into the world. Then, the end of September sees a general celebration of the whales’ return. At both events, there are stalls for foodstuffs and crafts, as well as environmental awareness programmes and even some drama productions! There is also the opportunity to take part in a 45-minute whale-watching flight, enabling you to check out these astonishing creatures from the sky.
At the Old Harbour Museum, you can embark on a journey back in time to 1855, when the town sprang up around this favourite haunt for fishermen. There is plenty to see, from the site of the Old Harbour, to an indoor museum revealing the history of fishing, to the Whale House, which features a hall housing a whale exhibition complete with a suspended skeleton! This really is a must-see for all whale enthusiasts.
If watching the whales frolicking in the water makes you keen for a swim in the sea yourself, we recommend you head to Hermanus’ largest beach, Grotto. This beach holds Blue Flag status, signifying excellent water quality, safety, and accessibility. The beach is also absolutely stunning, with its white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Ideal for swimming and walking alike, Grotto is the perfect place to relax – there is even a restaurant nearby, where you can pop in for a snack or take time for a delicious meal!
Besides whale watching, festivals, and quality dining, Hermanus offers a range of adventurous activities, including abseiling and quad biking, as well as some fantastic golf courses.
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