Hermanus is a picturesque town and a coastal gem even whales love visiting. They also have vineyards, sea farms, and cliff paths that give you an equal adrenaline rush and soothing serenity.

Here are 17 must-try activities for an unforgettable experience in Hermanus. If you’re ready to unleash your inner explorer, scroll down and let the adventure begin!

1. Explore the Hermanus Cliff Path

Website: https://hermanuscliffpath.com/

Contact: 028 312 2629, [email protected]

The Hermanus Cliff Path is a 12-kilometre ocean-hugging route from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach. By walking along this trail, you’ll be able to soak up the beauty of Walker Bay. 

You also pass through the Old Harbour and get a glimpse of the town’s history dating back to the mid-19th century. There are prime spots for land-based whale-watching, outdoor artwork, and information about local flora and fauna. 

Pro tip: We recommend going to Gearing’s Point to get a wider ocean view. There are also benches and patches of grass to rest on while waiting for whales, and most sections are wheelchair-friendly.

2. Enjoy whale watching in Hermanus

Website: https://www.whalehermanus.com/

Address: The Whale Shack, New Harbour, Hermanus

Contact: +27 (0) 72-062-8500

Operating hours: Daily, 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm (in whale season)

Price: 

• R1 220 (adults)
• R1 120 (student or senior)
• R610 (children 3 – 11 years)

No visit to Hermanus would be complete without whale watching, and it’s best to do so between June and December. Hermanus is hailed as one of the World Wildlife Fund’s 12 Best Whale-Watching Destinations worldwide. 

Hermanus is a breeding ground for southern right whales, which you can see up close on a boat trip without disturbing these gentle giants. You’ll cruise alongside southern right whales, humpbacks, dolphins, penguins, and seals.

Pro tip: Bring your binoculars and plan your whale-watching around high tides when whales come closer to shore for feeding.

3. Go sea kayaking in Walker Bay

Website: www.hermanus.co.za

Address: Old Harbour, 26 Marine Drive, Hermanus 

Contact: 082 739 0159, [email protected]

Operating hours: Daily, 8:00am; 10.30 am; 1 pm (summer); Daily, 9 am; 11.30 am; 2 pm (winter)

Price: R500 per person

Sea kayaking is another way to enjoy the beautiful coastal views and to get up close and personal with Walker Bay’s marine creatures. It’s a two-hour guided tour suitable for newbies and experienced paddlers.

The tour starts with a safety briefing, and then you’ll kayak and explore the bay, with possible sightings of seals, penguins, dolphins, and more. Just know that kayaks may not go closer than 300 metres to the whales by law, so always keep a safe distance.

Pro tip: Wear layers, waterproof gear, and sunscreen since the ocean breeze can be chilly, and the sun can be strong. Always bring a camera to capture those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters!

4. Relax at Voelklip Beach

Website: hermanus.co.za

Address: 7th Avenue, Voëlklip, Hermanus

Contact: 028 312 2629, [email protected]

Voelklip Beach is one of the best beaches in the Western Cape because of its clear water, fine white sand, and secluded setting. This is a secret spot for those wanting to escape the crowds at the Onrus and Grotto Beach. 

This is also a favourite spot for surfers, while the sandy portion of the beach, enclosed by rocky outcrops, is excellent for sheltered swimming. You can stay after sunset and see it transform into a celestial canvas and end your day by stargazing. 

Pro tip: Voelklip Beach is a great picnic spot, so pack a waterproof picnic basket for a gourmet feast with a view – just make sure to clean as you go.

5. Go dune surfing with a fat bike at the Die Plaat Beach 

Address: The Roundhouse, 61 Ingang Street, De Kelders

Operating hours: 

• Daily, 9 am – 12 pm; 4 pm – 7 pm (summer)
• Daily, 10 am – 1 pm; 3 pm – 6 pm (winter)

Price: R900 (adult), R650 (child, 8 – 11 years)

Die Plaat Beach is a 17-kilometre stretch of white sand and dunes in a protected nature reserve. After getting a permit, you can discover its beauty on a fat bike, with oversized tires and wide handlebars to conquer the dunes. 

You’ll enjoy riding across the undulating dunes and slender trails that take you downhill and then up and down until you reach the magnificent beach. Complete your ride by biking along the water’s edge. 

Pro tip: Follow hidden trails that lead to secluded coves and remains of shipwrecks.

6. See the natural limestone formation at the Klipgat Cave

Address: Walker Bay Reserve gate, Normandie Street, off De Villiers Street, De Kelders

Contact: 087 087 3841 (CapeNature)

Operating hours: Daily, 7.30 am – 4 pm

Price: R60 (adults), R40 (children)

The Klipgat Cave is renowned for its natural limestone window, looking out to the ocean views and whales during peak season. It’s also a site of cultural significance since stone tools and human bones dating back around 70,000 years were discovered in this cave. 

Inside the cave, you’ll see towing stalactites and stalagmites that look like waterfalls and mythical creatures. Outside, you can have a picnic by the natural amphitheatre formed by the collapsed roof of the cave.

Pro tip: Wear hiking shoes with a good grip, as the cave can be uneven and slippery.

7. Drink wine at the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Address: Hemel-en-Aarde Road, Hermanus, Western Cape 7200, South Africa

Contact: 

• Hamilton Russell Vineyards: 028 312 3595, [email protected]
• Bouchard Finlayson: 028 312 3515, [email protected]
• Creation Wines: 028 212 1107, [email protected]
• Newton Johnson: 028 312 3862, [email protected]
• Spookfontein: 028 125 0128, [email protected] (tastings), 073 067 7936 (restaurant)
• Domaine Des Dieux: 028 313 2126, [email protected]
• Ataraxia: 028 212 2007, [email protected]
• La Vierge: 028 313 0130, [email protected]
• Bosman: 076 300 0819, [email protected]
• Bartho Eksteen: 082 920 7108, [email protected]

Operating hours: From 9 am daily, with most closing by 5 pm, with reduced weekend hours.

Price: Tasting fees vary but may be waived upon purchase of wine

Hemel-en-Aarde, meaning “Heaven and Earth,” is an agricultural region in Hermanus where farmers have opted for minimal interference and a non-commercial approach to wine cultivation. 

Its wine farms benefit from the cool Atlantic breezes and excellent grape-growing conditions for creating award-winning wines. The valley is also famous for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Pro tip: Visit during summer, from December to February, where you can enjoy outdoor picnics in the vineyards and participate in vibrant harvest festivals.

8. Discover new animals and plants at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve

Website: https://www.fernkloof.org.za/

Address: Fir Avenue, Hermanus

Contact: 

• 028 313 0819 (Hermanus Botanical Society)
• 028 313 8111 (emergency number)

Operating hours: Daily, 6 am – 7 pm (summer); 7 am – 6 pm (winter)

Price: Free entry, but donations are welcome

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers about 1,800 hectares in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus. Fernkloof is filled with 1,300 fynbos species of the 9,000 in the Cape Floral Kingdom. 

It’s easy to explore because a network of colour-coded hiking trails runs through the reserve. Each offers spectacular views of the town, the bay, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and tranquil gardens where you can enjoy a picnic. 

Pro tip: The blue hiking trail is dog-friendly, as long as they’re on a lease, while the yellow trail is suitable for cycling. Pack a picnic basket as there’s no restaurant or café in the reserve.

9. Learn how beer is made at the Hermanus Brewing Company

Website: http://www.oldharbourbeer.com/

Address: 11 Mimosa Street, Hermanus 

Contact: 073 184 6076, [email protected]

Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 3.30 pm

The Hermanus Brewing Company offers a guided tour of the brewing process, ingredients, and history of the brewing company. Since 2014, they’ve served the famous Old Harbour Beer by James Rattle.

You’ll enjoy its well-rounded, crisp, and refreshing lagers as you sit back and soak up the bar’s rustic, industrial, bustling vibe. Although they don’t serve food, you can buy t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and a nifty soap-on-a-rope made with Old Harbour Beer).

Pro tip: Bring a reusable growler since you can refill them with any beers on tap.

10. Try the abalone dish at Perlemoen Restaurant

Website: https://www.perlemoenrestaurant.com/

Address: Old Harbour, 64 Marine Drive, Hermanus

Contact: 082 841 3547 (WhatsApp for bookings), [email protected]

Operating hours: Tuesday, 12 pm – 3.30 pm, Wednesday – Saturday, 12 pm – 3 pm; 6 pm – 8.30 pm, Sunday, 10 am – 3.30 pm

The Perlemoen is a 45-seater restaurant where you can drink its famous “champagne air” while enjoying the spectacular views of Walker Bay beach. It specialises in the local delicacy, abalone, best paired with wines from the Hemel En Aarde Valley. 

They also have a changing menu that features tasting plates of abalone used in ceviches, carpaccios, risottos, and fishcakes, among others. You shouldn’t miss seeing Hermanus’s original Perlemoen hatchery or the old stone fisherman’s shack. 

Pro tip: Try their signature dishes such as the grilled whole perlemoen and perlemoen pie.

11. Learn about the weather in outer space at the South Africa National Space Agency

Website: https://www.sansa.org.za/

Address: SANSA, Hospital Street, Hermanus

Contact: 028 312 1196, [email protected]

Operating hours: Wednesday, 11 am – 12 pm

Price: Free

The South Africa National Space Agency in Hermanus is one of the 17 centres in the world that conducts geomagnetic research. They study sun and space activities and observe which could significantly impact Earth.

For one hour a week, lovers of science and curious tourists can get the inside scoop from the Hermanus team working on forecasting space weather.

Pro tip: Ask your guide what it means to be “magnetically clean” and why Hermanus is considered a magnetically clean place on Earth.

12. Shop at the Hermanus Country Market

Website: https://hermanuscountrymarket.co.za/

Address: Corner of Fairways Avenue and José Burman Drive, Hermanus

Contact: 

• 083 657 0191, [email protected]
• 079 779 0810, [email protected]
• 071 180 8160, [email protected]

Operating hours: Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm

The Hermanus Country Market is the best way to live like a local in this town. It’s a laid-back, pet-friendly market open every Saturday, where you can buy local sausages, pies, handmade cheese, artisanal bread pastries, and fresh juices. 

You can also find DJs spinning vinyl, and arts and crafts contribute to the vibrant Hermanus culture. Don’t leave the market without trying a mini melktert – a creamy milky tart – and cap it off with a good cup of coffee.

Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and get first dibs on the shops’ fresh produce and vintage items.

13. Marvel at the sea while dining at The Rock, The Gecko, and The Breakfast Room

Websites: 

• Therockhermanus.co.za
• Geckohermanus.co.za
• thebreakfastroom.co.za

Addresses: 24A Still Street, New Harbour, Hermanus

Contact: 

• 028 312 2920, [email protected]
• 028 312 4665, [email protected]
• 028 312 2920, [email protected]

Operating Hours: 

• The Rock: Daily, 8.30 am – 9 pm
• The Gecko: Daily, 11am – 2am
• The Breakfast Room: Daily, 8.30 am – 4 pm

The Rock is one of the oldest restaurants in Hermanus and is famous for its seafood dishes and clifftop location, perfect for whale-spotting over lunch in season. Meanwhile, the Gecko is a pub with an outdoor deck serving pizzas and draught beer. 

Finally, the Breakfast Room is open for brunch, lunch, and afternoon tea. It’s the perfect place to enjoy baked goods while sitting on cushioned cane chairs, an Instagrammable shelf with homeware, crafts and gifts, and lovely sea views. 

Pro tip: The Rock is child-friendly and wheelchair accessible, while the Gecko is child and dog-friendly.

14. Join the First Fridays Artwalk

Website: https://www.facebook.com/hermanusfirstfridaysartwalk/

Contact: 

• 083 259 8869, [email protected]
• Art in the Park: 082 878 9558, [email protected]

Operating hours: First Friday evening of each month, until 8 pm

Price: Free 

The First Fridays Artwalk is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts, where you can explore more than 25 galleries in the town. You can do a walking tour during the first Friday of the month and enjoy the outdoor public artworks and creative displays. 

There are maps available at any of the galleries and even glasses of wine to enjoy while chatting with the painters, sculptors, and other artists in the area. Galleries in this event include SPACE Modern and SPACE Curated, The stART, Intethe Gallery, and Art Thirst. 

Pro tip: If you can’t get enough of the First Fridays Artwalk, there’s also Art in the Park on the first Sunday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm at the Hermanus Country Market.

15. Collect vintage books from the Hemingways Bookshop

Website: https://hemingwaysbooks.co.za/

Address: 5 Victoria Square, 20 Long Street, Hermanus

Contact: 072 933 7140, [email protected]

Operating hours: 

• Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4.30 pm
• Saturday, 9 am – 3 pm; Sunday, 9 am – 1 pm

The Hemingways Bookshop was established in 1995 and is one of the quirkiest bookshops in South Africa. It houses rare, collectible, and out-of-print, especially about the Anglo-Boer War, Africana, Rhodesiana, early travel, and South African art.

You can pick up a few classics or vintage comics or buy a quirky decor, bric-a-brac, or souvenir from your Hermanus trip. In 2013, Louis Vuitton of Paris featured the bookshop in their Cape Town City Guide as a destination that shouldn’t be missed.  

Pro tip: Ask the staff members of the specific genre you have in mind so they can guide you to the hidden gems on the shelves.

16. Visit an abalone sea farm

Website: https://www.heartofabalone.co.za/

Address: New Harbour, Westcliff Road, Hermanus

Contact: 064 940 9255, [email protected]

Operating hours: Monday – Friday, 11 am

Price: 

• R200 (tour only); 
• R400 (tour and tasting)
• R100 (child under 16 years)

Perlemoen is a Hermanus delicacy, so your visit won’t be complete without going to the sea farm and seeing where it comes from. 

The Heart of Abalone is a tourism company that offers a tour of the story of South African abalone and its farming operations. 

The guide will explain the biology, lifecycle, conservation issues, and intricate processes involved in rearing 14 million abalone and homed in 44,000 individual baskets. You can also purchase canned abalone or a cookbook at the end of the tour. 

Pro tip: Opt for the tour and tasting package, which only takes about 75 minutes.

17. Know the history of Hermanus at The Old Harbor Museum

Website: https://www.hermanus.co.za/popular-places/old-harbour-museum

Address: 67 Marine Drive, Hermanus

Contact: 028 312 1475

Operating hours: 

• Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 4.30 pm
• Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm

Price: 

• R30 (adults)
• R10 (children)

The Old Harbour Museum was built in 1972 and now showcases two sections – the Historical Old Fishing Harbour and Fisherman’s Village. The small cove occupied by the museum is where the village of Hermanus began.

You’ll see antique fishing gear, boats, the old sea wall, brine tanks, and “bokkom” stands. There’s also the Whale House exhibit about marine mammals and cetaceans, an audiovisual show, and a massive whale skeleton. 

Pro tip: Your ticket also includes entrance to the De Wet’s Huis Photographic Museum, so make sure to drop by next door and see the exhibit of historic glass negatives.