Hermanus is a coastal fishing village painted as the hub of whale watching in South Africa. The village is growing, but still manages to keep its quaint seaside charm. There really are a host of things to do in Hermanus. Bustling cafes, elegant hotels and seaside eateries lie sprawled across the rocky coastline of Walker Bay. Hermanus has been recognised as one of the 12 best places in the world to view whales, especially during the height of whale season which is from May – November. September is the time of year with high concentrations of southern right whales in the bay. Year round it’s quite possible to spot the Bryde’s whale that is more than just a seasonal visitor.
The old harbour area is the most popular pocket of Hermanus and it’s where most tourists position themselves to view whales. However, there is so much more to Hermanus than this vibrant central hub. We encourage you to explore the blue flag beaches, tidal pools and bio-diversity coastal walks lining the town.
Whale watching : From land, kayak, air or boat
There are plenty of outfitters offering a variety of whale watching tours, so you most certainly won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to selecting a boat cruise. The best time of year to view southern right whales is from May to November, with almost guaranteed sightings during September and October.
Visitors can also spot humpback whales, rare killer whales (orcas) and enjoy year round sightings of the Bryde’s whale. During whale season there is an appointed “whale crier” that strolls around the area in front of the village square and old harbour. He notifies the public of a whale sighting by blowing a traditional kelp horn, and encourages people to stroll down to the main viewpoints to observe this large marine mammal in its natural environment.
If you’re a die-hard ocean fanatic, sign up for a whale watching sea kayaking tour where you can enjoy a 2 hour round trip of the old harbour area. Don’t have sea-legs and prefer a bird’s-eye view? Then the 30 minute “flight of giants” comes highly recommended. Spend 30 minutes circling the air in a small Cessna plane, and enjoy idyllic aerial views of Walker Bay.
If you’re wanting to watch whales from land, then find a section along the meandering 12 km coastal path that snakes its way from one end of Hermanus to the other.
Swimming : Beach and tidal pools
Have ocean, will swim ! It goes without saying that there are ample rock pools, coves, bays and beaches punctuating the uneven coastline of Hermanus. For starters, there’s the main slipway and swimming area at the old harbour. There’s the tranquil tidal and rock pool of the Marine Hotel, which requires a bit of a stroll in order to access.
The golden beach of Grotto stretches on for miles and is home to a fun pop-up summer beach cocktail bar. Grotto is a Blue Flag beach ideal for families, and even during peak tourist season it never feels crowded.
There are plenty of other small little beaches waiting to be explored. Another favourite of ours is Voelklip beach, a cosy bay fringed by grassy embankments ideal for beach picnics. There’s even a nice little surfing wave on Voelklip that draws in passionate crowds of surfers.
Further down the coast, back towards the new harbour is the hidden Fick’s Pool. You can walk there easily from the old harbour area and it sits cocooned between two steep rocky outcrops.
Shopping : Craft markets and boutique stores
The arts and craft market dominates the village square area and offers a colourful array of curios. Surrounding the market is a plethora of elegant boutique stores offering unique threads that you won’t find in chain stores.
Is Hermanus ideal for shopping? Yes it is ! Handmade leather goods, international brands and locally made goods can all be purchased in the hustle of Hermanus.
Running/Walking : The 12 km coastal path
There is nothing more freeing than absorbing the crisp coastal air of the wild coast of Walkers Bay. The 12 km coastal path meanders its way from one end of Hermanus to the other, bypassing many bays, viewpoints, beaches and whitewashed villas. Fringed by fynbos and offering exquisite panoramas of the endless ocean, the coastal path certainly offers a unique running route. Do take a break to whale watch while you’re cantering along the well-defined pathway!
Eating and Drinking : Seafood restaurants and bistros
Unless you’re highly allergic or have a deep aversion to fish, you simply have to eat seafood while in Hermanus. Bietangs Cave Restaurant is probably the most famous seafood destination for tourists and sits at the bottom of a cliff path on the rocks. It’s an age-old favourite for returning visitors to Hermanus. There’s also the Harbour Rock restaurant and Quayside in the new harbour area on the other side of town that is also worth visiting.
If you’ve had your fair share of prawns and crayfish we suggest trying these well-known restaurants that come highly recommend :
- The intimate Pear Tree, a modern bistro with a fusion of flavours.
- Lizette’s Kitchen in farm house setting close to Voelklip.
- Belgian waffle house for craft beers and waffles. Order the fresh waffles.
- Italian restaurant, Fabio’s Ristorante Italiano is an authentic Italian eatery hidden down a side road. There’s also the modern bistro style Rossi’s Italian restaurant for sumptuous pizzas and pastas.
- A hidden gem is Dutchies, a Dutch restaurant located on Grotto beach. In summer there is a pop up restaurant on the sand.
- Paradiso is a vibrant place on the village square and offers a diverse menu. Head to Paradiso for a fun time!
Other things to do in Hermanus :
There are plenty of other things to do in Hermanus, which include visits to the restaurants and wineries along the Hemel en Aarde valley route, amd the Fernkloof Nature Reserve for hiking.
