Hermanus is much, much more than whales...
Vineyards, beaches, nature reserves, hiking, angling, surfing, kite surfing, nightlife,
penguins, shark cage diving, cycling, diving, quad bikes, birding, 4x4 routes, kayaking,
golf, paragliding...
Hermanus was originally a fishing village .
It is situated on the coast and is sandwiched between the ocean (Walker bay) and the mountains. Consequently it has had to spread along the coast but this was stopped in the East by a lagoon which is protected and is now spreading West. Eventually this will also be stopped by another huge lagoon which is also protected.
Hermanus has over 50 restaurants offering a range of foods incl. fine dining, sea foods, steak house and franchises. Some are on the seafront and some hidden away so ask for directions. Most are good, but ask your host for recommendations. Line fish is like catch of the day and is fresh. If the weather is bad for several days there will be none as the boats can't go out. It is well advisable to prebook in season unless you intend eating at one of the franchises (also good food) where you often cannot book. Most restaurants allow you to take your own wine and pay corkage, to our knowledge all sell liquor so you don't have to take.
There is enough to satisfy everyone from extreme to just lazing in the sun. We have whales in the bay from July to November and usually they are around before and after but in smaller numbers. They can laze about 5 m off the cliffs and are often missed by people looking out to sea. Whales can be spotted from the cliff paths, in town by the waterfront, your room or patio at On the Cliff guest house, whale watching boats which leave from the new harbor about 3 times a day. Cost of boat trips is about R400 per person. Book in season, ask your host to do this.
Golf is extremely popular and there are 4 nearby golf courses offering totally different experiences.
Please refer our golf page for information on the Hermanus golf course and Arabella golf course.
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Shark cage diving is done from nearby Kleinbaai and this will get the blood pumping. This will
normally cost in the region of about R1000 per day per person and normally lasts 4-6 hours.
They will take you again on
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Kayaking is possible on the sea or lagoons and if you are lucky the dolphins will swim with you.
In season you will almost definitely spot whales.
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Wine estates surround Hermanus and produce very good wine. We only stock local wine and the
standard is very high. Most of the estates have tasting rooms and some have restaurants as
well. The wine estates are
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Hikes can be undertaken in the mountains bordering Hermanus in the Fernkloof Nature reserve,
along the beach or on the about 10 km's of cliff paths. A guide is available but must be prearranged.
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Paragliding is done from the hills on the outskirts of Hermanus but should ideally be prearranged.
No experience is necessary for tandem paragliding.
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Horse rides can be done at several venues the most popular is on the beach where you can spot
whales jumping whilst riding on the dunes.
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A craft market is usually open on the week ends in the village center offering crafts from
the locals and is very interesting.
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Diving is popular and there are several scuba dive clubs that will take you out and cater
from the beginner to the seasoned. Training is also possible with highly experienced scuba
dive instructors.
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4X4 there are several opportunities to exercise your vehicle. There is an opportunity from
the other side of Franskraal to Pearly Beach going along the dunes next to the beach. This
is in a conservation area and is
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Fishing is popular from Hermanus to Die Mond with long stretches of unspoilt and empty
beaches. Numerous spots are easily accessible but others require a 4x4. Extremely popular
fishing area with sizeable catches.
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Birding is very popular around the area. The blue crane is found in numbers on farms
close to Hermanus, Stanford and Caledon. The 2 lagoons support a huge number with my
favorites i.e. flamingo's , pelican
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Transport is available from Cape Town or the airport to and from Hermanus and taxi's can be organized for transport around Hermanus by your host. Tours of Cape Agulhas, local wine estates etc are also possible. A car is available for hire from Avis about a km from the guest house which eliminates the hassle factor of picking up and dropping off a car at the airport. The shuttle will transport you from door to door i.e. pick you up at the airport and deliver you to our door etc.
The airport is about 1 hours drive and Cape Town center or Waterfront about 1,5 hours.
Quad bike trips are offered on several farms around Hermanus and range from 1,5 hrs etc.