Angling

There are many fishing spots in and around Hermanus and they accommodate all kinds of fishing; from river fishing in the lagoon, to fly fishing in the numerous stocked dams in the area. You can also go salt water fishing on a hired boat, or off the pier in the New Harbour or straight off the rocks. There are people who will organise day trips for keen anglers. Permits can be obtained from the post office at R55. Please make sure you have a copy of the regulations before you begin!

Birding

Hermanus and the surrounding Overberg towns and villages are a birders paradise. Don't forget to bring along your binoculars.

Boats

Boats and kayaks can be hired on the lagoon or the sea from Lagoon Charter Cruises.
Tel: 028 314 0925
There are also yachts based at the New Harbour for day hire
Lagoon Charter Cruises
Tel: 072 545 7798
Walker Bay Adventures
Tel: 082 739 0159

Cheese Farm

At Kleinrivier, a little way up the R326 which starts at Stanford, you will see the
cheese farm. The shop stocks their award winning cheeses and they make great picnics.

Cycling

There is a mountain bike trail starting at Grotto Beach along 11th Street. No bicycles are allowed on the cliff path. Bicycles can be hired.
Phone Hermanus Cycles 028 3132052

Day trips to neighbouring Overberg towns

Diving

A permit, and a copy of the regulations, is needed if you plan to collect marine
delicacies. This is available from the local Post Office. The price is R75.

Diving (Scuba)

Call Scuba Africa on 083 731 8235 or 028 316 2362.

Dyer Island

Dyer Island is a 20ha Nature Reserve, situated 12 km from Kleinbaai harbour. This is one of the seabird islands. Some of the birds breeding on the island include the vulnerable African Penguins and endangered Bank Cormorant and Roseate Tern. Other breeding species include the Cape Whitebreasted and Crowned Cormorants; Leach’s Storm Petrel; African Black Oystercatchers; Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gulls. It is also the home to a colony of the Cape Fur Seal.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve

Fernkloof Nature Reserve was established in 1957 and forms the splendid mountain backdrop to Hermanus. Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the reserve which is only 15 square kilometres. This compares well with the UK’s 1500 species! At the traffic circle in Voëlklip, turn up the road towards the mountain.

Festivals

There are numerous festivals happening throughout the year, and these events always attract hordes of people. So if you don’t like crowds, stay away but if you enjoy a bit of festivity take note of the events listed below. The dates vary from year to year and can be obtained from the Tourism Bureau on 028 312 2629

• Sandbaai Kalfiefees (baby whale festival)
• Hermanus Whale Festival
• Hemel-en-Aarde
• Mountain Run
• Sandbaai Fish Bash
• Hermanus Mountain Bike race
• The Wildflower Festival (Our favourite!)

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular. The contact for flyfishing is
Contact: Louis Day on
Tel: 082 555 8317.

Hiking and Walking Trails

Hermanus has some of the nicest walks ever, but remember always be sure to take water, sun block and a warm jacket. Even if the weather seems warm it can change at any time. It is always advisable to walk with a friend rather than walking alone, and leave your valuables at home.

We have 15 kms of spectacular cliff paths with wonderful viewing benches for the 'not-so-energetic' and over 50KM of mountain trails for the more energetic amongst you. The cliff path begins just above the Grotto Beach parking area and goes all the way to the New Harbour with a small break between Mollergren Park and Protea Road, where you will have to walk along the road for 800 meters. The paths are well surfaced and parts of it are wheelchair and pram friendly.

No bicycles are allowed on the cliff path.

The mountain trails are best accessed from the info kiosk at the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, turn at the traffic circle at Voëlklip (turn left if you are coming from Hermanus town side; right if you are coming from the direction of Stanford).

Personalised tours can be arranged.
Contact: Percy Tours
Tel: 072 062 8500.

Hiking and Walking Trails

• De Uijlenes
  Tel: 028 - 388 0551
• Farm 215 Fynbos Reserve
  Tel: 028 - 388 0920
• Flower Valley
  Tel: 028 388 0713
• Grootbos Nature Reserve
  Tel: 028 384 0381
• Heidehof Medicinal Walks
  Tel: 028 388 0073
• Klipgat Trail
  Tel: 028 3841439
• Milkwood Hiking Trail
  Tel: 028 388 0099
• Platbos Hiking Trail
  Tel: 082 411 0448
• Sandberg Fynbos Reserve
  Tel: 028 482 1616
• Strandveld Hiking Club
  Tel: 028 384 2848

Golf

• Arabella Golfing Estate
  Golf Club (Bookings are to be made in advance)
  028 284 9383
  Restaurants and Spa
  028 284 0000
• Hermanus Golf Course
  The Hermanus Golf Course is located on Main Road. Travel through the towncentre and you will find the entrance to the Hermanus Golf Course on the left hand side.
  Type: Parkland
  Holes: 27
  Par: 72
  Hire Facilities: Clubs, trolleys, drive carts, caddies
  Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting and chipping greens
  The Club has a shop, a bar and restaurant/halfwaystop.
  For bookings please call the Hermanus Golf Club on
  Tel: 028 312 1954
• Kleinbaai Golf Course (Gansbaai)
  Tel: 028 384 1551

Horse Riding

• African Horse Co
  From 1 hour rides to 8 day horse trails traversing the beautiful reserves within the Cape Floral Kingdom of the Overberg.
  Tel: 028 - 341 0393
• Cape Nature Conservation
  off 7th Street (the main road through Voëlklip) up 17th Avenue
  Tel: 082 729 7776
• Arabella Equestrian Horse Centre
  Kleinmond, Ysterklip Farm
  Contact Matt or Sarah
  Tel: 083 362 1046
• Horse Trail Safaries
  Tel: 082 729 7776

Kayaking and Canoeing

• The Beach to Cave Nature Trail begins from Stanford's Cove. The trail is very easy and passes along the coastline of De Kelders. You are likely to spot seals. In season you will see Southern Right and Humpback Whales which come close inshore to calve.
  Tel 028 384 3846

Markets

• Fernkloof Farmer’s Market – Fernkloof Nature Reserve (07h00 – 11h30)
  Famous market for veggies, cheeses, breads, jams, etc. Great fun to have breakfast there, and if you are in luck, a Marimba band will be playing.
• Market Square – Central Hermanus (09h00 – 14h00)
  Crafts, gemstones, clothing, African art. Some stalls remain open all week. Hermanuspietersfontein Boeremark (farmer’s market)
• Hemel-en-Aarde Village (08h00 – 14h00)
  Cheeses, olives, wine, oils, organic vegetables and more.

Museums

• De Wet’s House Photo Museum.
  Once the School House, situated near the Dutch Reformed Church, it was dismantled and moved, brick by brick to Lemm’ Corner (the Market Place) in 1986. 028 313 0418
• The Whale Museum
  is situated behind the Market Place. This museum displays a skeleton of a Southern Right whale. Lots of whale information, touch screens and other artefacts.
• The Whale Show.
  This unique audiovisual presentation is shown daily at the museum which will make this experience even more memorable. Nigel Ashton, using his paintings and scientific illustrations, will take you below the surface and bring you face to face with these magnificent ocean travellers, telling the story of their fascinating underwater lives, with a special focus on the visiting Southern Right whales and whale identification. Shows are at 10h00, 12h00 and 15h00.
• At the old harbour:
  Old Harbour Museum. Efforts are being made to restore the remnants of the original old fishing boats which were used by local fishermen between 1955 and 1961.
  
  The museum contains several exhibits depicting the history of the fishing and whaling industry in the area.
• Strandveld Museum situated in Franskraal

Paintball

• Nam Paintball VIET EXPERIENCE
  Gansbaai
  Tel: 072 552 4847

Quad Biking

• Quad Adventures (guided nature trails)
  Guided quad bike tours for young and old.
  Tel: 082 597 4720

Sea Cruises

Southern Right Charters offers sea cruises and is based in the Hermanus New Harbour at the infamous Whale Shack. They offer a 10h00 Bay Cruise where they usually encounter seals, penguins, marine birds and often the beautiful dolphins and Brydes whales.
For bookings and enquiries:
Southern Right Charters
Tel: 082 353 0550

Shark Diving

• Shark Lady Adventures – Gansbaai
  Experience this magnificent predator in its natural environment with the SHARK LADY, the only commercial hands on woman in the industry.
  Shark Lady Adventures is led by Kim Maclean. Kim holds all the relevant qualifications and is well trained in working with Great White sharks.
  Bookings are essential. They take only exclusive groups for your comfort and more cage diving.
  Visit them at 61 Marine Drive, Hermanus or call
  Tel: 028 312 3287 or 083 746 8985or 083 725 3186
• Great White Shark Tours – Gansbaai
  Join Brian McFarlane's team for a trip!! Very educational, and LOTS of fun! Contact Brian McFarlane (Bookings are essential)
  Tel: 083 300 2138
  Our day normally starts off with a light continental breakfast, after which we take payment, do a short briefing, and then head out to sea! Lunch, drinks and snacks are served on the boat, and after everyone has had a chance to get into the cage, we return back to land for some coffee, tea, hot chocolate and biscuits.
  
  We provide all the necessary gear, wetsuits, towels, etc.
  
  You do not need any diving experience or qualifications.

Shopping

• The Village Square
  The Village Square is across the road from the Craft Market and has a wide selection of shops. You will find quite a number of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops around here.
• The Craft Market
  The Craft Market offers more curiotype shopping but does have local artists and other interesting stores trading over the weekend. Main Road has various clothing and shoe shops.
• Harbour Road
  In Harbour Road you will find bookshops, galleries, and The Factory Shop. Take a walk through Warrington Place.
• The Courtyard
  Wander through the The Courtyard which hosts many speciality shops:
  • UNCOVERED
    Beautiful ladies bodywear at Uncovered Underwear, sleepwear and swimwear.
    Sizes from 28AA to 48E
    Local and imported stock
    Bra fitting service
  • PAUL'S SPORTS & COBBERTIQUE
    Sports Clothing
  • TRADEWINDS
    Shell shop
  • DAYSON DESIGN
    Jewellers
• Hubbard's Cupboard
  In Aberdeen Street, art and artefacts, wonderful clothes,
  (including a sofa for tired husbands), a nursery and a fabulous gourmet ‘plate by weight’ dining experinece.
• Pure South
  On Main Road stocks exclusively South African goods.
  Pure South is passionate about South African ceramic artists, potters and fine
  craft. It carries a range of Musterseed and Moonshine, Diana Carmichael,
  Mielie, Monkey Biz with design pieces by Hennie Meyer, Tania Babb, Andile
  Dyalvane, Light from Africa and many more.

Sports Facilities

• Hermanus Health & Fitness
  1st Floor, Eastcliff Village Center
  Main Road, Hermanus
  Tel: 028 312 1246
• Bowls
  There is a well maintained bowling green in the centre of town.
  Tel: 028 312 4073
• Golf
  • Arabella Golfing Estate
    Golf Club (Bookings are to be made in advance)
    028 284 9383
    Restaurants and Spa
    028 284 0000
  • Hermanus Golf Course
    The Hermanus Golf Course is located on Main Road. Travel through the towncentre and you will find the entrance to the Hermanus Golf Course on the left hand side.
    Type: Parkland
    Holes: 27
    Par: 72
    Hire Facilities: Clubs, trolleys, drive carts, caddies
    Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting and chipping greens
    The Club has a shop, a bar and restaurant/halfwaystop.
    For bookings please call the Hermanus Golf Club on
    Tel: 028 312 1954

Tours and Transfers

• Percy’s Transfer Service to:
  1. Cape Town 072 062 8500
  2. Arabella Golf Club
  3. Gansbaai / Kleinbaai
  4. Botrivier or Stanford Horse Riding / Micro lighting
  5. Restaurant transfers to:
  • TheRock,
  • La Vierge
  • B’s Steakhouse and more
  6. Hermanus Golf Club
  
  Tel: 028 316 4871

Township Tours

Take a township tour with an accredited tour guide. Wander with Mpofu through a local rural township Masakhane on the outskirts of Gansbaai. Experience township life and take home some authentic tribal memories from the Overberg.
Tel: 073 218 0742

Whale Watching

Boat based whale watching to take you right into the midst of the ocean where these magnificent mammals entertain us for hours on end. Pearly Beach is renowned as one of the best whale watching spots in South Africa.

• Dyer Island Cruises
  Tel: 028 384 0406 or 082 801 8014
• Hermanus Whale Cruises
  Tel: 028 313 2722 or 082 369 8931
• Ivanhoe Sea Safaris
  Tel: 082 926 7977 or 028 384 0556
• Southern Right Charters
  • Sea Cruises
    They offer sea cruises and are based at the Hermanus New Harbour at the infamous Whale Shack. They offer a Bay Cruise where they usually encounter seals, penguins, marine birds and often the beautiful dolphins and Brydes whales.
  • Sunset Cruises
    The 18h00 sunset cruise is the perfect way in which to unwind after a stressful day or you can set the mood for your evening out.
    For bookings and enquiries
    Tel: 082 353 0550

Wine

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Tucked into the folds of the Glen Vauloch Mountains on the outskirts of Hermanus, lies the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It is here that wine lovers can treat themselves to a unique wine tour among some of the southernmost vineyards in Africa, with only the Cape Agulhas vineyards being further south.

• Bouchard Finlayson estate is situated in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 6km from the Sandbaai intersection of the R43 and R320 roads.
  Other wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley:
• Hamilton Russell
• La Vierge
• Newton Johnson / Cape Bay (incorporates Heaven Restaurant)
• Sumaridge (Lunch available Rhotalia Restaurant)
• Babylon Wines (Lunch available)
• Hemelzicht
• Beaumont Bot Rivier
• Wildekrans Bot Rivier
• Erica Farm (Raka) Near Stanford on the R326

Hemel-en-Aarde Village (At intersection of the R43 and the R320)

The Hemel-en-Aarde Village is situated at the Main Road and Sandbaai intersection. Restaurants in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village complex, our very own Village Restaurant, B's Steakhouse and Incredible Fish, will supply sumptuous meals.

You can also explore the myriad of shops in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village. Hornbill House, Southern Art Ceramics, The Village Farm Stall, Ralph Walton Jewellery Design, Walker Bay Nursery and Sylvia Smith's Gallery.

Whalehaven is situated only 150 metres from the intersection on the Caledon road.

Hermanuspietersfontein Cellars are located very close to Whalehaven. Do pop in to their tasteroom. Experience 16 of the best of South Africa’s Sauvignon Blancs. Avail yourself of the opportunity to taste and compare the differences between regions and wine making styles. They are open to cellar tours.