explore
Activities & Attractions In Hermanus
Activities and attractions are abundant in and around Hermanus. With so many options our guests are guaranteed to find the perfect day trip. Let us help you book your activity by reaching out to our front desk.Â
Don’t forget to book our complimentary shuttle to and from your experience
Fresh air
Hermanus Walks & Paths
Schulphoek Seafront Walk: Kus Pad
2 km to Sandbaai beach and a further 1 km to Onrus beach.
Exit through the side gate (open from 07h00 to 19h00), and pick up the coastal path (Kus pad) in front of the house. Keep right. Take in the wonderful sea air. Enjoy the coastal features and abundance of marine life. Be prepared to see rare and fantastic fynbos species along the way. Spot the abundant bird life and small animals; the tortoise, Cape Brown Mongoose, Cape Grys Bok and for the very lucky the Cape Clawless otter.
From July to November the majestic Southern Right Whales visit the bay and schools of dolphins, Brydes and Humpback whales can be spotted.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Fernkloof Nature Reserve lies in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus with some pretty choice views over the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Walker Bay. The close on 2 000 hectare reserve protects the priceless and unique coastal fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest
Time: 1 hr to 6 hours.
Cliff Path
Certain parts of the Hermanus Cliff Path are wheelchair-friendly, including the stretch in front of the Village Square Shopping Centre that stretches from the Marine Hotel to the Village Square. It offers scenic views over Walker Bay and superb whale watching in season.
Action packedÂ
Shark And Marine Life Tours
Shark Tours & Shark Cage Diving
Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of sharks through our exhilarating shark tours and shark cage diving experiences based in Gansbaai which is a 40minute drive from the hotel . Prepare to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, up close and personal, as you embark on an unforgettable adventure
Booking your shark tour or shark cage diving experience has never been easier. Simply click the Book Now button and navigate to the bookings section, where you’ll find a user-friendly interface designed to streamline the process.
Marine Big 5 Tour
Set sail on our specially designed vessels, guided by knowledgeable marine experts who will unveil the wonders of the ocean before your eyes.
As you navigate the pristine waters, be prepared to encounter the five iconic species that define the Marine Big 5: the majestic Southern Right Whale, the playful Cape Fur Seal, the powerful Great White Shark, the agile Common Dolphin, and the elusive African Penguin, the experience is based in Gansbaai a 40 minute drive from the hotel
Whale Watching
Gansbaai, known as the “Whale Watching Capital” of South Africa, offers a remarkable setting for this unforgettable adventure. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, you’ll have the opportunity to witness not only the awe-inspiring Southern Right Whales but also other marine life that thrives in these pristine waters.
​Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to observe the beauty and grace of these magnificent creatures. Book your whale watching tour in Gansbaai online today and encounter the magnificent wonders of the world
Southern Right Charters Hermanus Whale Tour
In season, Southern Right Charters departs daily from Hermanus, the Capital of the Whale Coast. Our permit enables us to approach the whales to up to 50 metres, and being curious creatures by nature they usually come right up to the vessel. It is definitely ‘a magical experience to be treasured.
Capture the awe-inspiring beauty of majestic whales up close! Book your unforgettable whale watching experience now! Use the button below to secure your spot and embark on a thrilling adventure with these gentle giants.
getting physical
Water & Land Activities Hermanus
We are happy to make booking arrangements for:
Sea kayaking
On the sea and in the lagoon
Fishing Charters
Deep sea, reef fishing and cray fish
Sunset Cruise
Operating from the New Harbour, 36 ft catamaran.
Bicycling
Tours and bike hire. Explore Hermanus and its surroundings
Horse Riding
Outsides for the novice with experienced instructors
Treetop slides
On The Water
On Land
The Best
Beaches In Hermanus
Grotto Beach (15 min drive)
A Blue Flag Beach in 2013, Grotto beach is a local beach in Hermanus that offers excellent facilities in the form of a restaurant play park and well maintained ablution facilities. The beach is excellent for swimming and well suited to kids
Onrus Beach (10 min drive)
Onrus Beach, which is adjacent to a warm, calm lagoon, is ideally suited to family outings, where small children can play in the calmer waters of the lagoon, and older children and adults can brave the waves.
Voelklip Beach (15 min drive)
The beach at Voelklip, flanked by green lawns, and with good facilities, is especially popular with younger adults, particularly during the peak tourist season. With refreshments on hand, and being another prime surfing spot
The Best
Golf Courses In Hermanus
Hermanus Golf Club
3 golf courses, 27-hole.
Distance 4 km
Arabella Golf Club
1 golf course, 18-hole, Par 72 Championship course (ranked in the top 10 in South Africa)
Distance 22 km
Kleinmond Gold Club
Eco-friendly, part of the Kogelberg Biosphere.
1 golf course, 9-hole
Distance 30 km
Gansbaai Golf Club
1 golf course, 9-hole.
Distance 60 km
fun things
To Do Hermanus
Bettys Bay Hermanus
Bettys Bay lies within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve; the first UNESCO declared Biosphere in South Africa and is fiercely protected by the town’s occupants. Although the Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest of the world’s six plant kingdoms, it nevertheless has the 2nd largest diversity. The reserve stretches along the coast from Gordon’s Bay through to the town of Kleinmond and inland from the farms of the Elgin Basin through to Grabouw – a total of some 100,000 ha.
Broadwith Road, Betty’s Bay, Cape Overberg
Open Weekdays from 08h00 to 16h30
Weekends and public holidays from 08h00 to 17h00
Watch Penguins Play!
Roughly 3 600 penguins now live at Stony Point’s old whaling station, increasing from the two who originally ventured here in 1985. Quieter and less of a tourist mecca, Stony Point is just over an hour’s drive to reach the town of Betty’s Bay – if you take the R44 the scenery and the views are well worth the trip.
Betty’s Bay, Cape Overberg Region, Western Cape
Open daily from 09h00 to 17h00
Wine Tour
Hermanus Wine Estate
Hermanus Wine Tour
Start at Schulphoek, travel directly to the start of the wine route at the intersection of the R43 and Main rd. The route is approx 17 km and includes 15 excellent wine estates. The following estates offer lunch; La Vierge, Newton Johnson & Creation. It is advisable to book. The drive is extremely picturesque.
Grapes grown in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley are influenced by the cold Atlantic Ocean and the temperate conditions and clayey soil produce wines similar to those of Northern France. The Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley is one of the most productive regions in terms of the production of wines. It has the ideal climate, as the icy wind from the Atlantic Ocean cools it down. In addition, the mountains, which surround the valley, lock in clouds and the resultant moisture, so that the vines get plenty of water.
Time: 1 day to cover the entire valley or an afternoon/morning to complete 3 estates plus lunch.
Exploring
Hermanus Markets
The Hermanus Country Market
A small market with a lot of soul. Where good friends meet, eat, and buy beautiful things…every Saturday between 08:00 and 12:00 and Wednesday from 16:00 till 20:00 in the evening at the Hermanus Cricket Club for some feel-good fun.
Lemm’s Corner Market
Lemm’s Corner Market in the CBD of Hermanus is a highlight for locals and visitors alike when, on Sundays, the historic Lemm’s corner comes alive with craft and product stalls, live music and relaxed eatery venues. The market will be held every Sunday from 10am – 4pm (weather permitting) and every first Friday of the month from 5 – 8.30 pm.
Fisherman’s Village Craft Market
The Fisherman’s Village Craft Market offers you a fantastic experience whilst nestled in the center of our lovely town. The stalls that open up to the public every day from 08h00 until 16h30
Food & Wine Market
Also on Saturdays, come rain or shine, the Food and Wine Market at the state-of-the-art Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar, which can be found in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village, offers free wine tasting and unique gourmet-style food stalls in a lively, elegant atmosphere. Visit their market courtyard from 09:00 to 13:00.
Day Trip
Visit Stanford & De Kelders
The unique little village of Stanford
Overlooked by the moody slopes of the Klein River Mountains, lies just inland of False Bay, forming the tip of a triangle with the coastal towns of Hermanus and De Kelders.
Stanford is an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and coffee shops, and the list of activities for a largely rural village exceeds one’s expectations. Like many of the Overberg towns, Stanford originated as a farm, de Kleine Riviers Valey (the original spelling), and the tree-lined streets today, filled with historical buildings, are testimony to the largely English influence that makes Stanford the third most historically important village in the Western Cape.
Eat, drink and be merry:
– Klein River Cheese
Just on the outskirts of town, you can either visit to sample cheese, or you can buy a picnic and sit on the banks of the Klein River
WHERE? Klein River Farm, Stanford, Cape Overberg.
WHEN? Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00. Saturdays from 09h00 to 13h00, Public Holidays from 09h00 to 14h00.
– Birkenhead Micro Brewery
Set in the Walker Bay Vineyards just outside of town, sample the independent brew and tour learn all about fermentation, malting, mashing and cellaring.
WHERE? R326 Main Road, Stanford, Cape Overberg.
WHEN? Brewery Tours from Wednesday to Friday at 11h00 and 15h00.
– Springfontein Wine Estate and Restaurant
Vineyards Springfontein Wine Estate is breathtakingly beautiful, the people are warm, and the ocean, with its icy wind that blows across the vineyards, is close by.
WHERE? Turn right into Stanford. Drive along the main road (Queen Victoria Street). Turn left into Moore Road (becomes a gravel road) Travel about 5km until Springfontein entrance on left.
WHEN? Lunch Thursday – Sunday. Dinner Wednesday – Saturday
– Madré’s Kitchen
Set on the Sir Robert Stanford Wine Estate, this little restaurant is extremely popular and well worth a visit. It is also family-friendly
– Marianas
One of those gems, set in a little house known as Owls’ Barn – a throwback to when it was a popular holiday cottage – you’ll need to book to experience the country lunches made with ingredients from Mariana’s garden.
WHERE? 12 Du Toit Street, Stanford
WHEN? Thursday to Sunday, arrive from 12h00. Bookings essential. (Closed for winter break from July until September).
– SJ’s Bookshop
Part of Sir Robert Stanford’s Home of Crafts and Antiques, which is also worth a visit, this bookshop is full of really excellent books