Boat-based Whale Watching
New Harbour 3 hrs
Get up close with magnificent whales on a boat tour.
Where to stay
Hotels in Hermanus
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At a glance
Climate
Mediterranean
Languages
English and Afrikaans and Xhosa
Local currency
ZAR
(ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–5 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Town Centre
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% expected
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Fresh Seafood
Biltong
Braai
Malva Pudding
When to visit Hermanus
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: September
Busiest: Jul-Nov
-
Jan70
Warm, dry, busy
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Feb70
Warm, dry, pleasant
-
Mar65
Mild, pleasant
-
Apr60
Cooler, less crowded
-
May55
Mild, start of rains
-
Jun60
Cool, start of whales
-
Jul80
Cold, prime whale season
-
Aug90
Cold, peak whale season
-
Sept95
Cool, excellent whales
-
Oct90
Mild, great whales
-
Nov80
Warmer, end of whales
-
Dec75
Warm, festive, busy
Things to do in Hermanus
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
4 places
Explore Fernkloof Nature Reserve
North of Town 3 hrs
Hike through diverse fynbos and enjoy panoramic views.
Shark Cage Diving (Gansbaai)
Gansbaai (nearby) 5 hrs
Experience an adrenaline rush with great white sharks.
Kayaking in the Bay
New Harbour 2 hrs
Paddle along the coast and spot marine life.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Relax at Grotto Beach
Grotto Beach 4 hrs
Enjoy a Blue Flag beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Wine Tasting in Hemel-en-Aarde
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 4 hrs
Sample world-class wines in a picturesque valley.
Any time of day
2 places
Cliff Path Whale Watching
Cliff Path 2 hrs
Observe Southern Right Whales from the famous cliff path.
Visit Old Harbour Museum
Town Centre 1.5 hrs
Discover Hermanus's fishing heritage and maritime history.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Hermanus
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
Shark Cage Diving and Viewing from Hermanus
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Marine Big 5 Safari with transport from Hermanus
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Boat Based Whale Watching from Hermanus
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Hermanus Land based Whale Walking Tour with Dave de Beer
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Private Family Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Vineyard Safari and Wine Tasting in Hermanus with Guide
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Airport to Hermanus (Groups)
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Hermanus
Straight-line distance from the centre of Hermanus.
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