Hermanus (originally called Hermanuspietersfontein and sometimes referred to as the Riviera of the South) is a thriving holiday town and fishing port which offers something for everyone - including the best land-based whale watching in the world.

A 12 km cliff path stretching from the one side of the town to the other, hugs the coastline giving whale watchers unlimited opportunities to view and get within 20m of the gentle giants in the coves below or lolling just beyond the breakers. Telescopes positioned alongside the Old Harbour Museum makes it possible to survey the entire sweep of Walker Bay and view whales and dolphins at close range.

The species of whale seen most frequently seen is the Southern Right, which has enjoyed international protection since 1935, but other species – including Bryde’s and Humpback whales- sometimes make an appearance. The Southern Rights begin arriving in May to calf in the shallow water, raise their young or mate. However, peak times for seeing whales on a daily basis is from August to November and into early December.

Hermanus boasts the only ‘Whale Crier’ in the world. He keeps visitors informed as to the whereabouts of the whales as he makes his rounds through town every day and the sound of his kelp horn adds to Hermanus’s character and charm.

But there’s more to Hermanus than whales. The town has more than 50 restaurants catering for very taste and budget, excellent nature walks in the Fernkloof Reserve, miles of pristine beaches, superb fishing and perlemoen diving, a brewery, wine tasting, a wide variety of arts and crafts – and cage diving with the sharks!

The Hemel-and-Aarde valley near Hermanus offers an unforgettable wine experience in the Overberg. The wines produced in this region are unique to South Africa and similar to ones from Northern France, due to a cool sea breeze and clay soil. Two of the most popular wines are a chardonnay and an exceptional pinot noir.

Golfers will relish the opportunity to play at the magnificent Arabella Golf Estate and at picturesque Hermanus Golf Club.

Close to other Cape attractions, Hermanus is just 30 minutes from the new Caledon Casino and Spa and 70 minutes from the Cape Town Waterfront, Stellenbosch the winelands.