Local Experiences
Hermanus and neighbouring Onrus are a playground of ocean encounters, nature walks through fynbos-rich reserves, blue-flag beaches, award-winning wineries, and bird-watching estuaries—all within a 15-minute drive.
Ocean & Marine Wildlife
Experience world-class marine encounters in the pristine waters of Walker Bay
Land-based Whale Watching
Stroll 12 km of sea-hugging boardwalk and spot southern-right whales breaching metres from shore—Hermanus is dubbed the world's whale-watching capital.
Boat Whale-Watching Cruises
Join Southern Right Charters for an eco-friendly catamaran trip into Walker Bay to meet giants eye-to-eye.
Sea-Kayaking in the Whale Sanctuary
Paddle stable double kayaks from Old Harbour; expect seals, penguins and—if you're lucky—whales alongside.
Shark-Cage Diving (Gansbaai)
A 45-min shuttle brings you face-to-face with bronze whalers and the occasional great white. 97% sighting rate.
Onrus Beach
Surf gentle beach-breaks, hire a bodyboard or simply sun-soak on one of SA's cleanest sands.
Davies' Tidal Pool
Family-friendly salt-water pool carved into the rocks—safe, scenic and Instagram-ready at sunset.
Nature & Hiking Trails
Explore pristine fynbos reserves, coastal paths, and bird-watching estuaries
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
60 km of way-marked trails through record-breaking fynbos biodiversity; picnic sites and bird hides.
Hermanus Cliff Path
Easy, stroller-friendly path linking New Harbour and Grotto Beach with ocean lookouts every few metres.
Vermont Coastal Path
An 8 km coast-hugging walkway through milkwood groves, tide-pools and pocket beaches—dog-friendly.
Vermont Salt Pan
Flat boardwalks for flamingo & sunbird spotting; perfect sunset strolls five minutes from the beach.
Wine, Food & Markets
Savor award-winning wines and fresh local produce
Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Route
Sample cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at award-winning cellars tucked between mountains and sea.
Wine route map
Hermanus Country Market
Saturdays (08:00–12:00) & summer Wednesday evenings: farm-fresh produce, craft gin, live music and lawn games under giant pines.
Adventure & Sport
Get your adrenaline pumping with these thrilling activities
Paragliding Tandem Flights
Soar from seaside slopes for aerial whale views; tandem options for first-timers.
Book flight
Hemel-en-Aarde MTB Trails
Four graded single-track loops (7 km green to 65 km black) weaving between vineyards and riverbanks. Day-permits available.
Trail maps
Hermanus Golf Club (27 holes)
Top-40 SA course blending coastal scenery with parkland fairways; visitors welcome.
Book tee timeArts, Culture & Signature Events
Immerse yourself in Hermanus' vibrant cultural scene
Art Galleries & First Friday Art Walk
More than 18 contemporary galleries line the Old Harbour precinct; join the monthly evening art crawl with free wine tastings.
Hermanus Whale Festival (Eco-Art Festival)
South Africa's only eco-art festival turns the town into a carnival of music, food and marine conservation.