Formerly known as a tiny fishing village, Hermanus, which is just a little over a 90-minute drive southeast of Cape Town, is now a bustling seaside town with plenty of attractions to catch up with and exciting activities to get engaged with as well.
Starting off with its memorable wine-tasting experience, down to dining at any of its top-notch restaurants, not forgetting stopping by to visit any one of its art galleries, hiking deep into the forests, and enjoying whale-watching in due season, there is quite a range of tons of things to do in Hermanus.
Below has been highlighted our pick of 20 things to do in Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast, South Africa.
Fun Things To Do In Hermanus, Western Cape
1. Take part in the Whale-watching tours of MV Mirissa
With plenty of water bodies present in Hermanus, your stay in the city wouldn’t be considered to be more fulfilling if you don’t stop by to enjoy sightseeing of the gentle giants whales, most especially should you happen to find yourself in its area between the months of June and December.
Famous for being a major breeding ground for southern right whales, showing up here is to come be part of its guided tours experience of awesome whale-watching on a boat trip.
What should I expect?
Tourists showing up here gets to journey on the The MV Miroschca which is a vessel purpose-built for minimalnenvironmental disturbance and maximum comfort for passengers, so as to get closer to these creatures and be part of such a magical experience.
2. Enjoy kayaking in Walker Bay
Finding your way to the walker bay in hermanus comes through next on our list of fun things to do in the area, one which aside from being blessed with beautiful coastal views for you to come behold, also offers the opportunity of coming in close contact with WalkerBay’s marine creatures on a sea-kayaking trip.
Accommodative to both newbies and experienced paddlers alike, showing up here is to come to be part of the guided tours of a super-safe kayak, alongside every other related adventure that accompanies it.
Why should I visit?
Open all days of the week be it during summer or winter, visitors gets to enjoy sightings of seals, penguins, dolphins and more; a magical experience indeed to be part of.
Address: Old Harbour, 26 Marine Drive, Hermanus, South Africa.
3. Hangout at the Voelklip Beach
Undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches in the Western Cape, which is evident in its clean, clear water, fine white sand, and dreamy setting, there is actually nothing to dislike about this tourist attraction. A secluded spot to enjoy the cool and calm breeze of nature, which you would never get to find crowded.
So should you bear a desire of hanging out somewhere calm with some sort of respite from the crowds that tends to flock around its vicinity just as you might have seen and witness in most of the tourist attraction you might have paid a visit to.
What should I expect?
Since Voelklip Beach is a popular spot for surfers, guests do show up here primarily to come to enjoy surfing, though some others do stick with enjoying picnics on its surrounding lawns, which are sand-covered and enclosed by rocky outcrops.
Address:7th Avenue, Voëlklip, Hermanus, South Africa.
4. Go shopping at the country market
The country market of Hermanus is one which is only functional and operational every Saturday, meaning there no hiding behind the excuse of a busy schedule being the reason you can’t be able to visit. Open between the hours of 9am to 1pm, this marketplace is an ideal location to come shop for your daily needs and wants in terms of consumables.
Talking of shopping for consumable items, its local residents and visitors generally are ushered into its premises to come shop for the very best of farm fresh veggies and artisan bread, though there is also the option of enjoying coffee and breakfast as well.
What other things happen here?
This country market has also gotten a hangout spot nearby to come to meet up with friends and share a bottle of wine in an atmosphere of live music.
Address: Fairways Ave &, Jose Burman Dr, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
5. Take a stroll along the Cliff Path
Taking a stroll along the cliff path comes in next on our list of no particular order of fun things to do in Hermanus, one which measures a staggering length of over 12km from the New Harbour until Grotto
Famous for its shorelines offering stunning views, this is an ideal location to come visiting during the whale watching season between the months of July and November, as you get to enjoy an even clearer and spectacular whale spotting view just by merely standing there.
What should I expect?
Taking a walk across its vicinities aside, visitors are also at liberty to choose to be part of its guided tours, learning a whole lot more about the Southern Right whales as well as the culture and history of Hermanus at large.
Address: Westcliff Rd, 7200 Hermanus, South Africa.
6. Enjoy the wine-tasting experience at Hermanus Pietersfontein Wines
In the midst of plenty of top notch tourist attraction and destination for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurists alike; the experience of Hermanuspietersfontein Wines is definitely one to catch your attention, a winery popular for their perfection in wine production in Hermanus.
Situated in the most southerly wine growing regions in South Africa blessed with a Mediterranean climate, there is no other preferred destination to come have a feel of the taste of fresh and well- balanced wines of high quality and finesse than the Hermanus Wine farm.
What should I expect?
Visitors showing up here gets to be part of its sociable and educational wine tour experience that revolves around world class wines, warm and knowledgeable hospitality and culinary excellence.
Address: Hemel en Aarde Rd, Onrus River, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
7. Go hiking in Hermanus
Being a region spacious enough in terms of its landscape, it shouldn’t be surprising that you can also get to enjoy the very best of hiking experiences upon visiting, one which is going to see you journey across some other tourist attractions in the area such as The Fernkloof Nature Reserve, the Kleinrivier Mountains, Walker Bay lagoon and the beach from DeKelders to Grotto.
Interesting enough is the fact that you are not to be left alone to yourself, as you get to hike alongside your fellow hikers on its pathways that cuts across mountains, beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves.
Why should you try it out?
Should you be a novice or experienced hiker, you should rest assured of the fact that the tour agency in charge of this adventure has got you covered, with their specialty in providing you with a pack-free walking experience.
Address: Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
8. Try out the 4×4 Nature Drive in Walker Bay and DeKelders
Should it be that you have not been impressed by the smelly, undernourished, and physically broken conditions of individuals who chose to stick with hiking or that you don’t want to force yourself to abide by its tough and cold surfing conditions, then it is high time you try something entirely different.
Talking about trying out something different, how about you choose to be part of its 4×4 Walker Bay and DeKelders tour, starting off at the old-school Landcover Defender and journeying through some of the remote areas of its nature reserve?
What other thing should you expect?
There also exists a nice picnic spot nearby on the beach where you can come enjoy wine and cheese, though you can also choose to still stick with hiking should you be energetic enough for such.
Address: 16 17th Ave, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
9. Enjoy the Kogelberg Overnight Hike
Holding the bragging rights of being one of the most scenic areas in the Overberg, this experience of kogelberg overnight hike is one which should top the priority lists pf those looking forward to enjoying hiking upon visiting Hermanus.
Happening on the outskirts of Kleinmond, and close tonBetty’s Bay, visitors showing up here to come enjoy hiking gets to journey through its scenic environment of beautiful flowers, indigenous forests, high mountain peaks, steep kloofs, valleys and several tributaries of the pristine Palmiet River.
Why should you try it out?
Aside from being blessed an ideal route to come enjoy the very best of hiking experience, both visitors and tourists turning up at this location also gets to see their logistics sorted out as it concerns luggage transfers, meals, guiding and bookings.
Address: Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Magaliesburg, South Africa
10. Book a session of Surfing lessons in Hermanus
Booking for a surfing lesson during your leisure hours is undoubtedly another fun thing to do in the area, an experience that comes with getting knowledgeable on one of life’s most satisfying skills out on the water, which can be fun and thrilling at the same time.
Mostly suitable for novices and beginners, this fun and active activity is one to usher you into the feeling of flying along the waters, with tutorials on learning how to stand and how to read the waves.
What should I expect?
Nothing much actually aside from the fact that you get to learn the very basics of surfing, polishing your skills as well as becoming an adept wave-getter.
Address: Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
11. Enjoy Fatbiking at Die Plaat beach
The shorelines of Die Plaat Beach measure a staggering length of over 17km of sparkling white sand and dunes in a protected nature reserve. Though it might not actually be a popular spot to visit in the area since it does require a permit before being granted access to its premises, it is an adventure worth trying out as well.
Showing up here is to come tour and explore the beauty of Die Plaat Beach on a fat bike, journeying through the fynbos on a slender trail that takes you downhill and then up till you get exhausted and lose interest.
Why should I visit?
Just as it has already being highlighted, showing up here is to come enjoy a beautiful ride along the water’s edge of the Die paat beach.
Address: Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
12. Check out the Klipgat Cave
The Klipgat Cave at De Kelders is a highly regarded tourist attraction in the area, owing to its natural limestone “window” looking out onto stunning ocean views. A destination you can also come stand over at to enjoy whale watching as well during its season.
Primarily, it is a site of cultural, historical and world heritage significance; as it is one out of few locations in the whole of South Africa at large to come explore the recent discovery of stone tools and human bones dating back around 70 000 years ago.
What should I expect?
Visitors here gets to enjoy an interesting hiking experience that would see them journey from the Walker Bay Nature Reserve’s gate at De Kelders down to the cave itself proper, of an awesome view and atmosphere.
Address: Normandie Street, off De Villiers Street, De Kelders-Hermanus, South Africa.
13. Hangout at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Occupying the landscape of over 1800 hectares in the Kleinrivier Mountains that spreads across Hermanus, Fernkloof nature reserve is one blessed and naturally endowed with flourishing and diverse plant and bird life, which is evident with the presence of over 1300 fynbos species of the 9 000 found in the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Considering the fact that there only exist s few of such places in South Africa to be precise and the world where you get to see so many different species in such close proximity, that alone should be more than enough reason for you to come hangout here.
What should I expect?
Visitors showing up here get to enjoy hiking on its network of color-coded trails that run through the reserve, offering spectacular views of the town, the bay, and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, though there is also the opportunity to take a stroll and enjoy a picnic as well.
Address: Fir Avenue, off the R43 (Main Road), Hermanus, South Africa.
14. Dine over at the Milk on the Beach
There is actually nothing to write wrong about this eatery on the Onrus estuary, one which aside from being complemented by the beautiful views of the ocean which is just a few steps away, is a designated location to come hangout as well in the company of family and friends, with provisions already being made for wifi and charging stations.
Originally and formerly known as The Milkwood, this is an eatery with an epitome of the perfect seaside spot to come dine over at with refreshing dishes on its meal menu, mostly for breakfast and early suppers.
What to they offer?
The milk on the beach eatery does offer dishes on its meal menu that revolves around loaded waffles, hotdogs, fries and milkshakes.
Address: 1 Atlantic Dr, Onrus River, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
15. Enjoy the cocktails of the SkyBar
Famous and made popular for its fascinating views of its glass-fronted edifice and sea-facing spot, its main attraction still remains it is an ideal location to come enjoy cocktails of pure delight, imaginative and innovative, and served in eclectic vessels.
Its cuisine menu is made up of local wines accompanied and served alongside delectable sushi, jazzed-up oysters dressed in tequila, and other surprise ingredients, as you enjoy a boozy afternoon with its cannabis-infused energy drink stocked up for guest consumption as well.
What should I expect?
Visiting on a Saturday, guests get to witness a live musical performance between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Bingo Night on the last Tuesday of every month.
Address: 104 Main Rd, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
16. Take part in the First Fridays ArtWalk in Hermanus
There is no denying the fact that Hermanus is a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike, which is evident in the fact that guests showing up here mostly do come to check out its various items of artwork and creative display.
Blessed with the presence of over 25 galleries in the town, there is no better region to come relieve this experience than one with plenty of venues of outdoor public artworks and creative displays.
Embarking on this very tour, visitors gets to drop by at anyone of its art galleries of SPACE Modern and SPACE Curated, The stART, Intethe Gallery, Art Thirst, Rossouw Modern, Originals Art Gallery, FynArts Gallery, Pure South, Walker Bay Modern Art; all with the assistance of a map in hand to aid their directions.
What should I expect?
This experience is one to bring you in close contact painter, sculptor, ceramicist, photographer or jewellers, as you get to ask questions and deliberate more on issues that concerns artworks and creative display.
Address: Hermanus, 7200, South Africa.
17. Visit the Hemingways bookshop
The Hemingways bookshop is a tourist attraction in Hermanus with less fun and thrills but worth visiting as well. It is one of the quirkiest bookshops in South Africa, and book readers delight since they get to choose from its vast selections of books arranged on its shelves.
Taking a walk past its entrance door, get ready to be wowed and lost in its pages of rare, collectible, and out-of-print books, meaning there is no running out of options of books to choose from, specifically as it mostly relates to vintage comics.
What should I expect?
Aside from leaving with a tome tucked under your arm.it has also gotten a beautiful setting of which you could choose to check out and soak up the charm of its quirky decor, bric-a-brac and collectables.
Address: 5 Victoria Square, 20 Long Street, Hermanus, South Africa.
18. Go see for yourself The Book Cottage
The tourist attraction of The Book Cottage is one that holds the bragging rights of being the center of Hermanus’s literary universe, a favorite spot visited mostly by book readers and enthusiasts since it is an independent store carrying a vast array and incredible selection of books.
Taking a walk within its premises, both local residents and visitors are at liberty to browse through its shelves until they come across a book that best matches their taste, mood and of best interest to them.
What do they offer?
The Book Cottage of Hermanus does offer for sale popular paperbacks, rarer editions, diaries, books, and maps, all targeted at allowing you to get to know Hermanus a bit better. There is also the option to shop for gifts and souvenir items.
Address: 8 High Street, Hermanus, South Africa
19. Enjoy watching Movies at Romantiques
The tourist attraction of Romantiques is one that is ancient-styled, a wonderfully curated shop made up of clothing, toys, jewels, silverware, china, and much more, but is primarily designated to be a cinema house, ushering both its local residents and visitors alike to come to be part of its amazing movie experience.
As regards its amazing movie experience, it is one spiced up during the weekdays of Wednesday and Saturday, with the former themed for classics with a nostalgic twist with a bit of a sing- along, and the latter being for cult favorites movies.
What should I expect?
Here, you get to partake in anyone of its themed night movie experience, dressing in your favorite custumes to go see a movie.
Address: 14 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus, South Africa.
20. Take a tour of the Heart of Abalone
The tourist attraction and destination of the Heart of Abalone is one popular spot in Hermanus known for its seafood delicacy of perlemoen in South Africa at large. A sea farm is different from the rest, offering an immersive guided tour experience.
Talking of its immersive guided tour experience, it sees guests being taken through the biology, lifecycle, conservation issues, and intricate processes involved in rearing 14 million abalone; it sounds weird but is worth trying out and being part of.
What do they offer?
The tourist destination of Heart of Abalone does offer for sale legitimately cultivated quotas of seafood, alongside some other items such as a cookbook, mother- of-pearl shells and jewelleries.
Address: Westcliff Road, Hermanus, South Africa.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Hermanus is blessed and naturally endowed with a magnificent natural setting between mountains and ocean at Walker Bay, with the Bot River Lagoon to the west and the Klein River Lagoon to the east that should get you wowed and stunned should you choose to visit. So you just shouldn’t hesitate in coming to visit.
