Hermanus is built along the shores of Walker Bay near the Southern most tip of Africa. Hermanus was originally a fishing village and still retains vestiges of its heritage, including a small museum at the old harbour. It’s best known now as a place to view whales. Famous for long stretches of beach, mild climate, rich floral kingdom and friendly environment, Hermanus, also described as the Riviera of the South, offers the best shore-based whale watching in the world. Nature lovers from all over the world visit Hermanus to view these magnificent creatures from the the cliffs.

During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea. Every year around July, the Southern Right Whales visit Hermanus. These visitors are an endless source of delight as they gambol in Walker Bay, in easy view of the cliff paths. They favour the relatively shallow waters of the bay for breeding and mating.

Between the fynbos-covered mountains and the waves of the Atlantic Hermanus is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. There is canoeing, shark cage diving with the Great White Shark, rock lobster fishing tours during season, boat-based whale watching and many more activities such as golf, yachting, diving, surfing,tennis, squash and bowls .

Hermanus is regarded as the main centre of the perlemoen industry. The perlemoen derives its South African name from a corruption of the Dutch perlemoer, meaning mother-of-pearl, from the beautiful pearl-lined interior of its shell. It is known internationally as abalone or Venus ear.

The Old Harbour remains unchanged from early days when it was the centre of activity in the fishing village and contains a small museum with interesting information and artifacts.

Hermanus is a excellent fishing destination as the sea and lagoons are abound with an assortment of fish such as steenbras, kob, red roman, silver fish, red stumpnose and galjoen

A magnetic observatory is located in Hermanus. The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory functions as an active participant in the worldwide network of magnetic observatories, which monitor and model variations of the earth’s magnetic field. Visitors are allowed by appointment.

There are numerous art and craft studios and galleries -mostly managed by the artists themselves.

Several wine estates will please the wine connoisseur. Various acclaimed wines are being produced in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley, and wine lovers can sample some of them by following the Hermanus Wine Route.


Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom "The Fernkloof Nature Reserve" is the smallest but richest in the world, in the fynbos-covered mountains that form the backdrop to the town, offers walks and hikes with splendid views of mountain and sea.

Back to Cape Coastal Route Main Page