Hermanus has been recognized by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. The best time to enjoy whale watching in Hermanus is between July and November either from land, by boat or from the air via a scenic flight. The whale viewing during the months of July and August vary from year to year with regards to how many whales are present in Walker Bay and along the coast; however you are almost guaranteed of seeing whales in September, October and November. For those with a more adventurous spirit, a guided sea kayaking trip promises to get the adrenaline going and offers a unique opportunity to watch whales and explore the magnificent coastline. For whale-watching tours, please follow this link.

Hermanus, particularly Walker Bay, is the mating and breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale during the winter and spring months (from June to November). Southern Right Whales migrate from the Antarctic around June to calve and mate. Calving takes place in August and September and the males arrive for mating in October when the whale population peaks.

• The Cliff Path offers 12km of the best whale watching view points in the world, stretching from one end of Hermanus to the other. At certain points whales can be seen playing as close as five meters from shore.
• Drive south on Westcliff Road and park at Fick’s Pool. Take the cliff path towards the New Harbour for about 100 metres and arrive at Dreunkrans – a popular whale watching site
• Park at Fick’s Pool or in Marine Drive and make your way to Windsor Bay
• Gearing’s Point overlooking the Old Harbour, gives an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
• At the Old Harbour,viewing terraces are available with spectacular views over Walker Bay. Information boards provide basic information about the whales.
• Drive down Main Road towards the beaches (north-east) and take the turn-off to Die Gang at Berg-en-See to arrive at De Gang.
• One of the most popular locations in Hermanus for whale watching is Siever's Point, which is closest to where the whales frolic.
• The Kwaaiwater lookout point is accessible by vehicle.
• The Voëlklip and Grotto beaches are perfect for whale spotting and watching, especially on the rocks above the sea.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE WHALE WATCHING GUIDE

Shark Cage Diving has grown exponentially in popularity over the last few year and is undeniably one of the most thrilling experiences on the planet and not for the faint of heart. In the Overberg region, Shark Cage Dives are conducted from Gansbaai, situated approximately 40 minutes outside Hermanus. A number of tour operators offer shark cage diving trips and pre-booking is essential.

Although an adrenaline pumping experience, the activity is extremely safe and if all the safety precautions are taken and followed it will become one of your best memories. These dives take place in the picturesque Kleinbaai Harbour with full wetsuits and caging supplied. Diving equipment is also supplied, along with an optional DVD of your experience. All trips are weather and tide permitting and divers and non-divers can enjoy this fascinating excursion. No prior diving experience is required.

This is an experience worth having, if only to get up close and personal with the sea's most terrifying and magnificent predators.

For more information, please visit our Activities & Operators page.

Thanks to Hermanus’ coastal location you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. There are several smaller beaches that can be found along our coast, from Fick’s Pool all the way into Voelklip, or you can visit Grotto Beach in Voelklip, which has Blue Flag status as well as a vast stretch sandy beaches to relax along.

Hermanus is also packed with many idyllic picnic spots to rest up and refuel at. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve Gardens have beautiful shady lawns and a playground, whilst the Old Harbour ampitheatre offers plenty of grassy seating options near the play area and Marimba Band that performs in season.

If you’d like a pre-packed picnic basket with some freshly made goodies then feel free to get in contact with the Eatery in Hermanus.

Hermanus.co.za has always aimed to insure that its clients are given comprehensive and affordable advertising choices that will best suit their business needs. We’ve therefore come up with a variety of unique options that are upgradeable, changeable from month-to-month and offers clients prime exposure within our site, helping to grow their potential client base.

Whether you're a serious art collector or just have a passion for beautiful art pieces, we'd love to share our wide selection of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and prints with you.

The gallery has dealt only with works of great significance in terms of execution, condition, aesthetics and value. In addition, Walker Bay Modern Art offers contemporary art that appeals to collectors worldwide.

Serious art collectors and newcomers are invited to visit the gallery and view the wide selection of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and glassworks by both the most well established and the “up and coming” South African artists.

Walker Bay Modern Gallery is located in the Main road in a beautifully historic, traditional Overberg-style building at number 167 Main Road.

The Walker Bay Modern Art Gallery team greatly looks forward to hosting you soon!

Join SOUTHERN RIGHT CHARTERS for close encounters with the ‘gentle giants’ of the ocean and other marine life. They are licenced operators so you are sure to get up, close and personal with these majestic creatures. Join one of the daily tours, aboard their stylish custom-built catamaran.

The friendly, knowledgeable crew add that personal touch to ensure an all-round great experience.

Daily departures from the New Harbour in Hermanus. All trips are weather permitting and bookings are advisable.

For updates on sighting and trip information including rates visit our website:

www.southernrightcharters.co.za or contact us on 082 353 0550 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There are various places around Hermanus that can be explored, as well as further afield.

The Penguins at Stony Point can be found in Betty’s Bay, which is a short 45 minute drive away. Known as the home of the African (Jackass) penguins, Betty’s Bay is one of only two breeding grounds for these cute, flightless birds in South Africa. The area is open from 08h00 until 17h00 everyday but the best times to go are early morning and late afternoon. There are also plenty of other activities within the area to enjoy during your visit.
Hangklip Tourism  |  028 271 5657

Kleinriver Cheese Factory is situated near Stanford, a short 20 minute drive away. The Factory and farm is a small family run cheesery that offers a range of exceptional and award winning South African cheeses. The area also has a lovely little shop filled with all things cheesy as well as a play area, which includes a petting farm, jungle gym and open lawns.
Klein River Cheese Farm  |  028 341 0693

Birkenhead Brewery is also situated near Stanford and offers some delicious and recognized brews, including lagers, ales and ciders. Not only is there exceptional beers to try but you can also enjoy the country estate, brewery tours, restaurant and pub. Enjoy some delicious food and freshly brewed beer, visit the surrounding vineyards or take in the views of the mountains from the garden.
Walkerbay Estate  |  028 341 0013

The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town (around a 90 minute drive from Hermanus) and houses many different types of marine life; from starfish to ragged tooth sharks. It’s the perfect location for a beautiful day trip as it’s close to other restaurants, play areas and the Waterfront itself.
Two Oceans Aquarium  |  021 418 3823

HERMANUS WHALE CRUISES offer you a "tail" you can tell others ...

The experience of boat-based whale watching in Hermanus, Heart of the South African Whale Coast.

We also offer Eco-Tours, a sight-seeing experience where you can interact with dolphins, seals, clawless otters and a variety of sea bird life, as well as Cultural Tours where you meet the local people and learn more of their history, culture and environment.

Fishing villages like Hawston, Kleinmond, Gansbaai, Arniston and Struisbaai are visited, as well as the Moravian Mission Stations of Elim, Genadendal and Zuurbraak. Township tours to Mount Pleasant, Zwelihle and Stanford can be arranged.

Ivanhoe Boat Based Whale Watching

Ivanhoe Sea Safaris is regarded as one of the leading boat-based whale watching companies in South Africa. We also boast one of the limited whale watching permits allocated country wide. We specialise in Boat Based Whale Watching and we pride ourselves in offering a uniquely personalised service to all our clients.

We operate in Area 6 of Walker Bay which is celebrated as the best location from which to view the magnificent Southern Right Whales. Our guests are looked after in lavish style by our fully qualified, proficient and registered whale guides whose only duty is to make your trip as memorable as possible. The safety of our guests is paramount and we have all-encompassing public liability insurance. Area 6 of Walker Bay has the town of Hermanus on its Northern shore and the town of Gansbaai on its Southern shore. The Ivanhoe launches from the quaint fishing harbour of Gansbaai, from there we travel along the Cliffs of De Kelders and on towards Plaat beach. Gansbaai is a beautiful, scenic 35-minute drive from Hermanus and a two-hour drive from Cape Town.

A small market with a lot of soul. Where good friends meet, eat, and buy beautiful things...

An amazing array of fresh organic produce, homemade delicacies, artisan breads, probiotic yoghurts, handmade cheeses, home smoked fish, happy hen eggs, wheat-free bakes, a whole variety of arts & crafts, as well as live music, plants and all things that are good for your health and happiness!

The market has been going strong since 2006, and has now moved to the wonderful setting of the Hermanus Cricket Club. The traders all come from the greater Overstrand area, giving the market a truly local feel. The market organisers and the traders try as best we can to run the market according to eco-friendly principles, and we are committed to creating a wholesome experience with a minimal impact on the environment.

Come and join us every Saturday between 08:00 and 12:00 and Wednesday from 16:00 till 20:00 in the evening at the Hermanus Cricket Club for some feel-good fun.

For more information contact the Hermanus Country Market or visit their site.

PLEASE NOTE: The Evening Market will only be open from the 10th December 2014 until the 14th January 2015 - excluding the 24th December 2014