Top things to see and do in Hermanus
Hermanus is brimming with natural drama, a prolific art scene and the Hermel en Aarde wine valley. It is also famously known as the best place on the globe for shore-based whale watching. In fact, Walker Bay is a favourite breeding ground of the Southern Right Whale.In addition, we are one of the few small country towns in South Africa with a city-type infrastructure. This means that in addition to providing a great deal for you to see and experience Hermanus can fulfil all your practical holiday requirements.
- Walk the famous Hermanus cliff path (11 kilometres or so), which winds along the coast for the entire length of the town
- Various cliff path viewpoints provide for spectacular whale watching (particularly July to November) – dolphins and seals too - or book a whale watching boat trip
- Walk, hike or mountain bike in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which includes various walkways such as Hoy’s Koppie, dams, waterfalls and some remarkable indigenous flora and fauna
- Follow the Hermanus wine route through mountains and fynbos covered hills in the Hemel-en-Aarde area
- Visit several beaches, coves and sheltered bays along the Hermanus coastline to sunbathe, swim and explore rock pools
- Outdoor adventure activities include surfing, canoeing, kayaking, kite flying, scuba diving, sandboarding and paragliding
- Try a treetop ziplining canopy tour for some adrenaline adventure and incredible forest views
- Go fishing (rock and surf angling)
- Twitchers can enjoy spectacular bird diversity - more than 100 indigenous species in the Fernkloof Reserve alone
- Book a shark cage diving experience and come face to face with some magnificent sea predators
- Browse our art galleries, boutiques, speciality stores and weekend markets
- Take a walking tour or a working abalone farm and find out more about these incredible mother of pearl enrobed edible sea snails
- See the historic Old Harbour which remains the focal point of village life
- Pamper yourself at a wellness salon
- Pop in to a street café, coffee shop, bistro or restaurant for a light refreshment or tasty meal
- Set out on a scenic drive up Rotary Way to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of Walker Bay
- Take a refreshing dip in the Pat’s Place seasonal pool, lounge on a deckchair with a sundowner, or sit peacefully in the garden with a good holiday read