Hermanus has become world renowned as a premier destination for land and sea based whale watching. Add to this the myriad restaurants, coffee shops, antique shops, markets, art galleries and endless outdoor activities and you have the very best base from which to explore the magnificent whale coast of South Africa.
The beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route takes you on an exploratory journey of one of the finest wine routes the Cape has to offer. Many estates offering fine eateries where you can enjoy not only interesting cuisine but can sample their estate wines.
Annual festivals are many and well attended from far and wide. One of the most prolific being the annual Hermanus Whale Festival held historically at the end of September each year.
Pristine white beaches, some with Blue Flag status, offer endless walks, family picnics and water sports. The famous Cliff Paths of Hermanus make for one of the best whale watching viewing points. The paths stretch some 12 kms along the coast of Hermanus with benches dotting the walkway.
Hermanus offers unbeatable action for outdoor enthusiasts. From white shark cage diving to paragliding, ziplining and quadbiking. Pick your poison, there's always something to do and somewhere to be on the Cape Whale Coast.
Distance Hermanus To
- Baarskeerdersbos - 59.5 km (53 min)
- Betty's Bay - 47.6 km (43 min)
- Caledon - 40.6 km (38 min)
- Gansbaai - 42.5 km (32 mins)
- Kleinmond - 37.2 km (35 min)
- L'Agulhas - 109.4 km (1h39min)
- Napier - 73.8 km (53 min)
- Pearly Beach - 66.5 km (55 mins)
- Stanford - 24 km (20 min)
Eating Out
Fun, family restaurants, silver service, steak houses, bistros, seafood, sushi ... whatever you fancy. Hermanus is the place to be for new and innovative cuisine to suit each and every palate. Take a look at some of the top suggestions.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve which covers 18 square kilometers in the Kleinrivier Mountains in Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842 m. A network of 60 km of hiking trails for all levels of fitness and a prolific display of Fynbos throughout.
Festivals And Events
Numerous festivals and events take place throughout the year attracting large numbers of visitors to Hermanus. Dates vary each year and it's a good thing to watch the relevant websites for their events dates and times for accuracy.
- Sandbaai Kalfiefees (baby-whale festival)
- Hermanus Whale Festival
- Hermanus Wine and Food Festival
- Mountain Run
- The Wildflower Festival
Golf In Hermanus
Hermanus offers some of the very finest golfing opportunities. The Hermanus Golf Course is a golfers dream come true offering a 27 hole opportunity with a stunning mountain backdrop. Golf at Arabella, Kleinmond and Kleinbaai are all within driving distance providing a fun day out with golfing buddies.
Hermanus Country Market
Popularly known as "THE SMALL MARKET WITH A LOT OF SOUL". Held each Saturday from 09H00 to 13H00 at the Hermanus Cricket Club.
Hermanuspietersfontein Food Market
The Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market is the longest standing Overberg institution of its kind – hidden in the far corner of The Village on the corner of the R43 and R320. The Saturday morning place where local and international food and wine lovers meet.
Hoy's Koppie
Take a walk up Hoy's Koppie for an incredible panoramic view of the whole of Hermanus and Walker Bay. This is the most incredible photo opportunity you could possibly have in Hermanus. Learn more about Sir William Hoy and his wife who lie buried at the top of Hoy's koppie.
Lembu Art & Craft
Lembu Fine Art & Craft Gallery situated on Harbour Road exhibits a wide range of fine South African and African art and fine craft including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, basketware, African artifacts and jewellery.
Lemms Corner
The Lemms’ Corner Market is open on a Sunday Market for the entire family to join. Arts, Crafts, Slow Food and a Band to enjoy and relax.
One Love Fashion Shack
One Love Fashion Shack. This is an eclectic collection of cool and unique fashion street wear you'll find nowhere else. Seeing is believing and you're guaranteed to leave with something special.
Southern Right Charters
Boat based whale watching
From June to December - Experience an up close and personal encounter with the 'gentle giants' of the ocean that promises to be an experience to be treasured.
The Book Collector
If you are searching for the perfect gift, then visit The Book Collector or browse through some of their selection of rare, collectable, Antiquarian, Africana or Military History books online. The Book Collector may have gems & treasures that you need for your own private book collections, in stock!
Afrikaans: The Book Collector stocks a large number of collectable and highly sought-after Afrikaans Fiction & Non-Fiction.
Walkerbay Adventures
Look, book & make memories with Walker Bay Adventures!
- Bay cruises
- Sea kayaking
- Paddle boarding
- Shark cage diving
- Whale watching
- Whale walk tours
- Paragliding
- Quad biking
- Wine tours
Wine Farms & Eateries
Hermanus rocks some of the finest wine farms in the country. Follow the R320 wine route in the Hemel-en-aarde valley to discover not only the best wines but cuisine to match the fruit of the vine. Many of the wine estates boast pairing menus to match their outstanding vintages.