Apart from watching whales in season, Hermanus has a great deal to offer visitors. While its nightlife will probably disappoint dedicated clubbers, there is a wide range of activities which should appeal to virtually every kind of visitor – especially those who enjoy nature. And, the nice thing is … much of it is free!

For those who just want to relax, what better way than to indulge yourself in the serenity of a beauty salon or wellness spa? Hermanus has plenty to choose from. Or, stroll around and spend your lovely lolly in one of the many art & craft shops. Lie on the beach if you must.

Hermanus has become known for its many artists and art galleries – it’s often referred to as the Art Mecca of the Western Cape. There are special exhibitions throughout the year, and art is shipped world wide.

Let’s take a look at just some of the things Hermanus offers:

• Sea Kayaking
  This a wonderful and increasingly popular means of exploring the Hermanus coastline & kayaks enter from the Old Harbour which is in the Walker Bay whale sanctuary. The 2-hour trips are suitable for most age groups and no kayaking experience is necessary.
• The Lagoon: boating, kayaking, sailing
  Strictly speaking it’s a river estuary which gets silted up and closed to the ocean for a large part of the year, but everyone refers to it as “the lagoon”. The Klein River passes through the charming village of Stanford, a half hour drive from Hermanus. It provides a magnificent birdwatching opportunity, with over 130 different bird species, including the African Fish eagle and some of the rarest coastal breeding birds in Southern Africa. As the river broadens to form the lagoon there is yachting and power boating. A 5 hour guided canoe trip offers a fabulous adventure, bringing you into contact with the true beauty of the lagoon. Depending on wind conditions you start in either the Stanford or Hermanus side of the lagoon.
  There are also riverboat cruises from the Stanford side of the lagoon. This is really worth doing, as it grants you the opportunity of seeing the birdlife and the riverside homes as you meander along. The charming village of Stanford, with its view of the Klein River mountains, is worth the visit by itself. The river cruises usually depart at noon and again late the afternoon and barbecues can be arranged aboard.Also on the lagoon is where you’ll find the Hermanus Yacht Club. It is, very active, holding regular regattas which are often attended by teams from across the globe. It’s a private club, but day visitors are welcome.
• The Beaches & Tidal Pools
  Hermanus is blessed to have a number of beaches, the main one being Grotto Beach which boasts Blue Flag status. It’s a lengthy stretch of white, powdery sand which curves halfway around the bay – ideal for energetic walks with hooligan hounds or to just enjoy at a leisurely pace. The water here is on the cold side …
  There are other coves and beaches which each have their own attractions, and there are tidal pools for truly safe swimming. (more…)
• Golf
  The Hermanus Golf Club just has to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in South Africa. In the area there is also the 5-star Arabella-Sheraton on the Bot River lagoon, as well as a course at Kleinbaai, near Gansbaai. Neighbouring Kleinmond offers a 9 hole course in a delightful mountain setting.

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• Wine Wandering
  Ah, wine …a day without it is like a day without sunshine! The Hermanus Wine Wander leads you into the picturesque Hemel en Aarde Valley (meaning Heaven and Earth). Here you’ll find not just fabulous wines to taste, but also a number of restaurants tucked away in mountain nooks and crannies. Most of the vineyards have specific visiting hours, so it’s best to get the information prior to departure. On the way back you can stop off at The Wine Village, one of South Africa’s largest wine stores. They stock a huge range and ship world wide.
• Walking & Hiking
  The Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers spectacular walking trails, and in nearby Vermont the Frans Senekal Nature Reserve has a 2 hour walk to the picturesque Hawston harbour. And don’t forget the cliff paths of Hermanus …
• Surfing
  Favourite spots for surfing or body-boarding are Onrus Beach and Kammabaai. It’s best to check with locals as to sea conditions, as things can get a bit wild some times!
• Cycling and Mountain Biking
  Being relatively flat, Hermanus is great for cycling. Along sections of the main road there are cycle tracks, and Fernkloof Nature Reserve has a mountain bike trail. Cycling is not permitted on the cliff paths, for obvious reasons.
• Paragliding
  This has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Our weather and the mountains make Hermanus a paraglider’s paradise. It’s fantastic to see the sky dotted with colourful parachutes as they soar overhead. Book a tandem paragliding experience here.
• Shark Cage Diving
  Just as popular as whale watching is cage diving with Great White Sharks (or watching them from a boat). This doesn’t take place in Hermanus itself (our whales wouldn’t stand for it!) but in nearby Gansbaai (Bay of Geese). This fishing village is situated across the bay and is regarded as one of the top Great White Shark spots in the world which attracts some pretty famous names for an adrenaline rush. Shuttles leave Hermanus and Cape Town daily.
• Scuba Diving
  While shore entries are possible at certain points, most of the reefs and wrecks can only be reached by boat. Depths range from 9m to 40m and no creatures or plants may be disturbed. Table Top is considered among the top 15 diving sites in Southern Africa.A popular entry point is the Old Harbour, in the centre of town.
• Fishing
  Hermanus offers keen fishermen quite a choice. There’s rock angling, for which one gets a permit at the local Post Office or Magistrate’s Office. You can charter a fishing trip, fish in the lagoons, try your luck from more isolated parts of the beaches, or go fresh water fishing in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley behind Hermanus.
• Bird Watching
  The entire area around Hermanus is a birder’s paradise, drawing visitors from all over the world. We have mountain fynbos, coastal, river and estuarine habitats which produce a vast array of bird life.
• What else?
  • Sailing
  • Whale watching flights
  • Hang gliding
  • Cruises
  • Microlighting
  • Tennis
  • Fishing charters
  • Bowls
  • Adventure trips
  • 4×4 trails
  • Soccer
  • Squash
  • Fly fishing
  • Horse riding
  • Cricket
  • Swimming
  • Scenic Drives
  • Windsurfing
  • Paddle-skiing
  • Power boating
  • Cliff Path Walks
  • Jogging
  • Tours and museum visits

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