Walking the Hermanus Whale Coast

Watch giants from the Hermanus Cliff Path

The Cliff Path follows the coastline for around 12 kilometres, linking a series of viewpoints between the New Harbour and Grotto Beach. You do not need to walk its full length. Some of the easiest places to stop and look for whales are around Gearings Point, the Old Harbour and Sievers Point.

From the clifftops, look for the spray from a blowhole or a dark shape moving beneath the surface. Southern right whales often enter the sheltered bays with their calves, while breaches and powerful tail slaps can sometimes be seen further offshore. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the elevated path gives you an excellent view across the water.

Hermanus is also known for its Whale Crier, who sounds a kelp horn when whales have been spotted close to town. The call alerts people to activity in the bay and remains one of the town’s most distinctive traditions.

For a different perspective, join a licensed boat trip from the New Harbour. These trips offer the chance to watch whales from the water, although departures depend on sea conditions. We recommend keeping some flexibility in your plans and taking seasickness medication if you are sensitive to movement.

There is more to Hermanus than whale watching. Walk through the fynbos of Fernkloof Nature Reserve, spend time on Grotto Beach or drive into the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley for wine tasting and lunch. Allowing two nights gives you time to enjoy the town and move activities around if the weather changes.

If you are driving from Cape Town, consider following the coastal road through Gordon’s Bay and Betty’s Bay. Stop at Stony Point to see its African penguin colony before continuing to Hermanus. You can then travel onwards through the Overberg towards the Garden Route as part of a longer South Africa self-drive holiday.