Beaches
1. Grotto Beach
The main beach of Hermanus is Grotto, which stretches for kilometres and is ideal for walks. It is a pristine Blue Flag beach with all the amenities and barbecue facilities. Although there is ample parking, it can get a bit hectic during the prime summer season (Mid-December till mid-January).
2. Voëlklip
Right next door to Grotto is Voëlklip Beach (meaning “rock of birds” in Afrikaans). It’s a small beach with some lawn above it, and is more sheltered against the wind than Grotto. More popular with sunbathers than with swimmers.
3. Langbaai
Means “Long bay” in Afrikaans. It’s little more than a secluded cove which one reaches via fairly steep steps. Too small to be crowded, so it serves its purpose.
4. Kammabaai 
Known by most locals and regular visitors as Nanny’s Beach, this is a very popular beach – especially towards the end of summer season. Great for surfing, and there are picnic and braai facilities under gorgeous old MiIkwood trees. Kammabaai is a family favourite and locals like to enjoy sundowners there. Roughly translated, Kammabaai means “not really a bay”.
5. Sandbaai
Means “sandy bay” in Afrikaans. Sandbaai is a residential area situated just as one leaves Hermanus “proper”. The beach has lots of interesting tidal pools which keeps younger folk occupied.
6. Onrus BeachA little further on is the hamlet of Onrus River. The beach is popular with surfers and body boarders. There is a lagoon which is very safe for children.
7. Breakfast BayThe next stop out of town is Vermont, and this tiny cove is very sheltered. Not all that easy to find or to get to. The surrounding dunes make it popular with sandboarders.
8. Hawston Beach
Another long stretch of Blue Flag beach, though not great for swimming. You can walk from Hawston to the nearby coastal town of Kleinmond.
Tidal Pools
The best known and most popular is the Marine Pool (I “learnt” to swim there when my brother repeatedly dunked me under the water). This lies below the imposing Marine Hotel and is reached by a long flight of steps. It’s quite safe and is an interesting snorkelling spot.
Travelling westwards towards the New Harbour one comes across Fick’s Pool. It’s pretty sheltered and popular with local kids.
Davies Pool is in Onrus River. It’s part of the campsite but is open to the public.
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