ZA · Western Cape · 34.42°S 19.25°E

hermanus

Whales below the cliff path, fynbos walks and long beaches on Walker Bay.

Best time
Southern right whales come into the bay from about June to November, and August–October is the best time to see them. Winter is wet and windy; December–March is beach weather, but outside whale season.
How long
2 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop to Cape Town, usually via Singapore, Dubai or Doha, about 17–22 hours all in. Hermanus is about 1.5 hours' drive from the airport.
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ZA · Western Capehermanus34.42°S 19.25°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Whales below the cliff path, fynbos walks and long beaches on Walker Bay.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingHermanusZA, Western Cape
KLhermanus
≈ 9,514 km from KL, as the crow flies
Hermanus Old Harbour

Photo: Olga Ernst · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Hermanus is a seaside town on Walker Bay where whale watching can mean simply walking along the cliffs. Outside the season, the fynbos reserve and long beaches still make it a good short stay.

Makan

  1. Line fishThe day's catch, grilled, with vegetables or chips.Map ↗
  2. CalamariFried or grilled squid, an easy lunch by the water.Map ↗
  3. Milk tartCustard tart and coffee after the cliff walk.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Cliff PathA coastal footpath of viewpoints over the bay, where whales come close to the rocks.Map ↗
  2. Walker Bay boat tripLicensed boats take visitors out to the whales in season.Map ↗
  3. FernkloofA nature reserve of fynbos trails with views over the town and coast.Map ↗
  4. Grotto BeachA long sandy beach running east towards the lagoon.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Walk the cliff path before booking a boat; in season the whales are often just offshore.
  • Book boat trips early in your stay, so a wind cancellation leaves another chance.
  • Halal meat is hard to find here, so seafood is the easy option; ask about wine in the sauces.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.