Whale Watching in Hermanus

Hermanus is regarded as the whale watching capital of South Africa. By Land - By Boat - By Air

Old Harbour in Hermanus

The Old Harbour Open-Air Museum is a provincial heritage site. It is unique in that apparently it is one of only two fishing harbours in the world that has been conserved in tact.

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Hermanus Cliff Path

meanders for almost 11 kilometres along the coast from the New Harbour in the west to the estuary at the mouth of the Klein River in the east.

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Hermanus in the heart of the Cape Whale Coast of South AfricaContact Us

WHAT TO DO

Top Activities and Adventures

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Hermanus, a village by the sea in South Africa

Nestled between lush mountains and the turquoise waters of Walker Bay, near the southern tip of Africa, Hermanus is one of the Cape’s most beautiful coastal destinations. Known as the heart of the Cape Whale Coast, it’s world-famous for its land-based whale watching and exceptional wines.

From June to November, Southern Right Whales return to these shores, offering unforgettable close-up encounters along the scenic cliff paths — one of the best whale watching experiences in the world.

Beyond the ocean, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley boasts award-winning vineyards, while the nearby Stanford Wine Route offers a charming countryside escape.

Hermanus also hosts the vibrant Hermanus Whale Festival, held annually in September. This popular eco-marine event features live music, local food, marine exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment celebrating the arrival of the whales.

Hermanus Online Travel Magazine is your go-to guide for where to stay, what to do, and what to see — from accommodation bookings and top activities to local history and marine life.

Start planning your Hermanus escape today — where mountains meet the ocean

Annual aerial survey of southern right whales

The 38th consecutive annual survey of southern right whales and the resulting dataset is one of the longest such datasets available worldwide. This year the survey is being run in conjunction with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, which has always provided a supportive logistical role in the past.

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Five applications where plastic is not fantastic

According to a recent survey South Africa is the world’s 11th worst offender when it comes to releasing plastic wastes into the sea. Even ahead of heavyweight polluter India! Among the top offenders are: ear buds, bottle lids, plastic straws, individual sweet wrappers and expanded polystyrene food packaging.

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Enjoy a Fun Family Trip on the African Penguin Route

There are two kinds of family activities I absolutely love; the free ones (Don’t we all?) and the activities where we teach our kids to have fun while we invest in their future by investing in the environment- taking care of each other and nature through responsible tourism.

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Go Rally Cape Town to Hermanus breakfast run during the Whale Festival

Ready, Set, Go - Rally!!! - Starting in Cape Town (location to be announced) and finishing in the picturesque South-Coast town of Hermanus, in the Western Cape, Go Rally brings together some of the finest cars for a memorable journey through winding roads, mountain passes and some of SA’s best driving routes

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Genadendal - A small village with a mission in South Africa

Genadendal translated to English and known as Valley of Grace and was established in 1738 by George Schmidt, a German Missionary, sent by the United Brethren (Moravian Church) to preach the gospel to the Khoi.

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Hermanus, a popular a seaside village in South Africa

Nestled between lush green mountains and the turquoise ocean close to the southern tip of Africa lies the magnificent village of Hermanus.

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Minister’s quick action on shark-cage diving, whale watching

The extension of current permits will ensure that boat-based whale watching and White shark cage-diving activities continue as usual.

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Whale Fall- the strange ecosystem in the ocean

Whale Fall: A gift from above

A single dead whale can nourish a specialized ecosystem that lasts for decades. Species similar to those at whale falls may have depended on dead marine reptiles for millions of years

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