Hermanus Travel Guide: The Whale Watching Capital of South Africa

Hermanus is South Africa’s whale-watching capital and a charming coastal town on the Cape Whale Coast. From June to November, southern right whales migrate along the coastline, making this a prime destination for marine enthusiasts. With some luck, you might also see humpback whales and other species. Beyond whales, Hermanus offers dramatic cliff walks, fresh seafood, and access to nearby nature reserves, making it a perfect stop on your South Africa itinerary.

How to Get to Hermanus

✈️ By Plane: The nearest major airport is Cape Town International Airport, approximately 120 km away. From there you can take a rental car and drive the N2 highway for a scenic 1.5 hour to 2 hour journey, or book a private shuttle service directly to your accommodation in Hermanus.

🚗 By Car: Driving is the most flexible and scenic way to reach Hermanus. The drive from Cape Town takes about 1.5–2 hours via the N2 and R43 roads. For a more picturesque route, consider the R44 coastal road through Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. Rent a car through Sunny Cars for an all-inclusive rental service. From Hermanus, you can also easily continue on the famous Garden route, connecting Cape Town and Port Elizabeth via the south coast.

🚍 By Shuttle: While there are no direct public buses from Cape Town to Hermanus, several private shuttle services operate between the two. Alternatively, especially if you are travelling by yourself, Baz bus is a great option. It is a hop-on hop-off bus along the Garden route, with a stop in Hermanus as well.

Your Guide to Hermanus

Whale Watching

From June to November, southern right whales are the main attraction, often coming very close to shore. If you’re lucky, you may also spot humpback whales, Bryde’s whales, or other species. While whales can be seen from the land along the Cliff Path, the experience is even better on the ocean, where boat trips also often include sightings of sea lions and dolphins. Southern Right Charters is the go-to company, but you will have to make a reservation in advance. This family-owned company does relatively small group tours with respect to the ocean. Their guides will make this trip unforgettable with almost guaranteed sightings of whales!

Shark Cage Diving

Nearby Gansbaai is known for shark cage diving. However, there are fewer great white sharks in the area than in the past, largely due to orca predation. Cage dives are still possible, but great white sightings are less likely. Divers are more likely to see bronze whaler sharks. Because of this uncertainty, we do not necessarily recommend shark cage diving in Gansbaai anymore, though it remains an option for thrill-seekers. Shark cage diving with a return trip from Hermanus can be easily booked online.

Cliff Path Walk

The Hermanus Cliff Path stretches roughly 10 km along the coastline, offering stunning ocean views and seasonal whale sightings. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, or photography enthusiasts.

Along the path, you can stop at Fick’s Pool, a unique restaurant with direct access to the tidal pool. Here you can enjoy drinks or a light meal while taking in the sea views, a perfect break, especially during whale season.

Rotary Way Viewpoint

A quick drive will bring you to the Rotary Way Viewpoint, where you will have a view over Walker Bay and the town of Hermanus. There are also some walking trails in this area as well.

Visit the Penguins of the Stony Point Penguin Colony

If you didn’t have the chance to see African penguins up close at Boulder’s Beach on the Cape Peninsula, you will have another chance in Betty’s Bay. This charming town is home to the Stony Point Penguin Colony and you will have a quieter experience here. Even if you have seen the African penguins before, it is worth stopping. We can never get enough of these cute animals!

Diving Hermanus and Gordon’s Bay

Although we didn’t get the chance to dive in Gordon’s Bay ourselves, it’s a popular spot for those exploring the underwater world near Cape Town. The dive sites here include kelp forests, colorful reefs, nudibranchs, and the chance to spot smaller sharks. It’s a great area if you want something a little different from Cape Town’s more famous dives. Our South Africa dive guide will tell you more about all the diving possibilities!

If we had joined a dive, we would have chosen Indigo Scuba, a long-established, owner-run dive center in Gordon’s Bay. They’ve been exploring the reefs of False Bay for decades and know the area inside out.

👉 Choosing a dive operator can feel overwhelming, so if you’re planning to dive here, check out our guide on how to choose a dive center for tips on what to look for.

Where to Eat in Hermanus

Hermanus is a seafood lover’s paradise, thanks to its coastal location and abundance of fresh catches. Along the waterfront, you’ll find restaurants serving everything from linefish of the day and calamari to snoek, a South African favorite. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine from the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, known for its excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For a taste of traditional South African flavors beyond the sea, check out our Food Guide to South Africa. These restaurants really stood out:

Bientang’s Cave – A one-of-a-kind dining experience literally set inside a cave by the water’s edge. Known for fresh seafood and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Hussar Grill – A South African classic, known for perfectly cooked steaks and hearty sides. Ideal if you want something meaty after a day of ocean adventures.
Fick’s – Perched directly above the tidal pools along the Cliff Path, this open-air spot is perfect for sundowners with ocean views. Order tapas-style plates and enjoy the unique setting where waves sometimes splash into the rocks below.

Where to Stay in Hermanus

Luxury: Ocean-view lodges perched on the cliffs, offering panoramic sea views. You can choose accommodation like the Hermanus Beachfront Lodge and Hermanus Boutique Guesthouse. Sea view rooms typically start at €200 a night for a double room.
Mid-range: Charming guesthouses and boutique hotels in the town center are a lot more affordable and just in the center of all the action. Misty Waves Boutique Hotel is a great choice, double rooms start at €100 a night.
Budget: There are also quite some affordable B&B’s in or close to town. One of the most affordable options in town is Hermanus Backpackers, offering both dorms and private rooms starting at €30 a night.

If you plan to combine Hermanus with Cape Town or the Garden Route, our South Africa Itinerary offers route suggestions and travel tips.