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

Abalone - the mollusk we will soon only see on a postcard

Abalone is shellfish of the univalve family, meaning they have only one shell, unlike bivalves such as clams that consists of 2 shells. Most abalone lives in shallow waters and grows very slowly.

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Scientists Finally Understand Shark Skin, Thanks to 3D Printers

If you described a shark as a toothy torpedo covered in sandpaper, you wouldn't be too far off the mark. It's that rough sandpapery skin that gives sharks their highly efficient swimming abilities, and scientists finally understand why.

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22 Epic Photos - Above & below on the border of two worlds.

Above and Below… you’ll never know what you might encounter just below the surface.

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Fryer’s Cove wines… sipping the sea on the West Coast.

On the waterfront in a derelict old crayfish factory right at the seaside in the bay you will find a tiny winery, tasting room and alfresco jetty restaurant This is the address of Fryer’s Cove wines, forged of the earth and tempered by the sea.

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70 Supercars worth over R300-million will be heading for Hermanus on the 27the of December 2015

from Cape Town Stadium (10:45) and travel via the scenic route from Gordonsbay - Kleinmond and arrive around 1pm for a parade in Hermanus

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Mariana's Cookbook is Cooking-hot

No-one was surprised when Mariana Esterhuizen, owner and chef of Mariana's Country Kitchen in Stanford, romped home with the Best newcomer Award at the recent Sunday Times Cookbook Awards.

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The world's last remaining wooden whaling ship (172 years old) has sailed again to save the whales

After more than five years of restoration, the majestic sailing ship is now used as a tool at Mystic Seaport to educate the public about preserving and protecting whales

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