About Hermanus

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Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast

World renowned for the best land and sea based whale watching, Hermanus has become the premium destination for visitors to South Africa's shores. Situated on the southern coast of the Western Cape, Hermanus enjoys an exceptional spring and summer season offering visitors all of its many outdoor activities and attractions. Winters in Hermanus are for cosying up by a crackling fire at any of the award winning wine estates and restaurants to enjoy a sumptuous meal and wine.

Whale watching whether land or sea based is a must when visiting our pristine shoreline. Take a stroll along the more than 12 km long cliff paths of Hermanus during the whale season (between June to December) and you'll be in touch with these gentle giants that frequent our shores annually.

For the adventurous visitor there are adrenaline sports aplenty by way of paragliding, zip lining, quad biking, mountain bike trails and white shark cage diving or surface viewing.

Share in the fun by visiting one of the several markets held in Hermanus including the famous foody market held at Hermanuspietersfontein or the regular Saturday Country Market which brings visitors from far and wide.

If you're a food buff, you're in the right place to take advantage of the many talented chefs running some of the most sought-after eateries in the Overberg. Cuisine from simple country fare, euro-fusion to gastro pub & silver service is but a call away.

A variety of galleries, antique-, gift-, book shops and museums are dotted throughout Hermanus to make for an interesting day of browsing during inclement weather so there's always something to do.

  • Blue And Mako Shark Diving 640

    Blue and Mako Shark Diving Gansbaai

    If you're a qualified scuba diver wanting an unrivalled experience with one of the very best Shark Diving Company's on the Cape Whale Coast, look no further. Marine Dynamics have introduced a brand new pelagic dive. Experience Mako & Blue Shark off the coast of Gansbaai. 
    Tel: 0800 980 810

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  • Festivals In Hermanus 640

    Festivals In Hermanus

    Numerous festivals and events take place throughout the year attracting large numbers of visitors to Hermanus. Dates vary each year and it's a good thing to watch the relevant websites for their events dates and times for accuracy.

    - Sandbaai Kalfiefees (baby-whale festival)
    - Hermanus Whale Festival
    - Hermanus Wine and Food Festival
    - Mountain Run
    - The Wildflower Festival

  • Great White Shark Cage Diving

    Great White Shark Cage Diving

    Believed to have been around for 70 million years. Find out more and get the adrenaline flowing with a White Shark Cage Diving experience.
    Tel: 0800 980 810

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  • Ficks Pool 2 640

    Fick's Pool

    Ficks Pool is situated directly in front of 7 On Marine, one of the several marine tidal pools dotted along the Cliff Paths of Hermanus. Simply follow the steps from the Cliff Path down to the pool for a refreshing dip.

  • Grotto Beach 640

    Grotto Beach

    Hermanus is renowned for its magnificent beaches especially Grotto Beach which is consistently awarded Blue Flag status. Along the shorlines of the whale coast in Hermanus are secluded beaches some with beautiful rockpools, ideal for kids to explore and play in, stunning picnic areas for leisurely family picnics and some beaches offering great surf spots.

  • GOlf In Hermanus 640

    Golf in Hermanus

    Hermanus Golf Course offers a spectacular 27 hole course set against a magnificent mountain backdrop. Holiday visitors are welcome to book a round so don't forget your clubs.

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  • Hermanus Country Market 640

    Hermanus Country Market

    Affectionately known as the "small market with a lot of soul", the Hermanus Country Market operates every Saturday from 09H00 to 13H00. An array of delicious treats, fresh organic farm produce, arts and crafts, plants, wine & beers stalls will keep you well occupied.

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  • Hermanuspietersfontein Market 640

    Hermanuspietersfontein

    The Hermanuspietersfontein Food & Wine Market is the longest standing Overberg institution of its kind – hidden in the far corner of The Village on the corner of the R43 and R320. The Saturday morning place where local and international food and wine lovers meet.

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  • Hoys Koppie 640

    Hoys Koppie

    Take a walk up Hoy's Koppie for a 360 view of the whole of Hermanus and Walker Bay. This is the most incredible photo opportunity you could possibly have in Hermanus. Learn more about Sir William Hoy and his wife who lie buried at the top of Hoy's koppie.

  • Lembu Gallery 640

    Lembu Gallery

    Situated  on Harbour Road in a 100 year old fishermans cottage, Lemby procures and sells a wide range of South African and African art and fine craft including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, basketware, African artifacts and jewellery.

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  • Old Harbour Beer

    Old Harbour Beer

    Hermanus Brewing Company was founded in November of 2014 with the purpose of providing beer lovers with delicious, quality beer. Consistency and originality has been the cornerstone of our company’s philosophy since it was founded.

    11 Mimosa St, Hermanus
    T: 028 312 1788

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  • Old Harbour Museum 640

    Old Harbour Museum

    The Old Harbour Museum is a South African museum situated on the coast, in the heart of Hermanus. The town originally developed around this harbour from around the middle of the nineteenth century when plentiful fish and fresh water was found in the area. The Fishermen's Village section of the museum is situated above the old harbour across from Market Square.

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  • Paragliding In Hermanus 640

    Paragliding In Hermanus

    Book a paragliding flight with Walker Bay Adventures and take in an eagle eye tour over Hermanus for the most breath taking views of our beautiful coastal town. Tandem paragliding tours are undertaken by Parapax who have been operational since 1999.

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  • Logo Sansa Footer

    SANSA

    The South African National Space Agency (SANSA)

    SANSA was created to promote the use of space and strengthen cooperation in space-related activities while fostering research in space science, advancing scientific engineering through developing human capital, and supporting industrial development in space technologies.

    T: 028 312-1196

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  • The Brewery

    The Brewery

    THE BREWERY @ Hemel-en-Aarde offers local and international visitors to Hermanus a brand new brewery, beer garden, taproom, MCC Oyster bar & wood fired grill restaurant.

    Hemel-en-Aarde Brewery, is a privately owned company, with its vision to create a energetic space to create an experience for all who visit.

    T: 079 887 2943

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  • Whalewatching 640

    Whale Watching

    Boat based whale watching is a must when visiting Hermanus during the months from June to December. Experience this close up encounter with these gentle giants of the deep with the professionals at Southern Right Charters.

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  • Bientangs Cave

    Style: Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly
    Tel: 028 312 3454

  • Burgundy Restaurant

    Style: Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 312 2800

  • Caffe Blu

    Style: Breakfast, lunch & great coffee
    Tel: 028 312 4096

  • Dutchies

    Style: Bar, Seafood, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 314 1392

  • Fishermans Cottage

    Style: Seafood, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 312 3642

  • Harbour Rock

    Style: Seafood, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 312 2920

  • Just Pure Bistro

    Style: Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
    Tel: 028 313 0060

  • La Pentola

    Style: International, Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 313 1685

  • Pear Tree

    Style: Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Grill, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 313 1224

  • Source Restaurant

    Style: International, Delicatessen, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
    Tel: 028 125 0025

  • Ashbourne 640

    Ashbourne

    T: +27 28 312 3595
    Email: hrv@hermanus.co.za
    Tasting by appointment only

  • Ataraxia 640

    Ataraxia

    T: +27 28 212 2007
    Email: info@ataraxiawines.co.za
    Tasting by appointment only

  • Bouchard Finlayson 640

    Bouchard Finlayson

    T: +27 28 312 3515
    Email: info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za
    Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00
    Saturdays 10:00 to 13:00
    Closed Sundays & Public Holidays
    Bookings essential for groups of 6 or more

  • Creation Wine 640

    Creation Wine

    T: +27 28 212 1107
    Email: info@creationwines.com
    Daily between 10h00 and 17h00.
    Sunday until 16h00
    Any other time by appointment

  • Domaine Des Dieux 640

    Domaine Des Dieux

    T: +27 28 3132126
    Email: info@domainedesdieux.co.za
    At the vineyards Nov – Feb, Mon-Sun, 11:00 – 16:30.
    open by appointment during off-peak season

  • Hamilton Russel 640

    Hamilton Russel

    T: +27 28 312 3595
    Email: hrv@hermanus.co.za
    Hamilton Russell Vineyards is open during the week for tastings from 9am to 5pm and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays

  • HermanusPietersfontein 640

    HermanusPietersfontein

    T: +27 028 316 1875
    Email: kelder@hpf1855.co.za
    Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
    Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00
    High Season (15 Dec – 15 Jan)
    Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00 Sunday: 10:30 – 15:00

  • Jacobs Vineyards 640

    Jacobs Vineyards

    M: +27 (0)82 371 5686
    Email: wine@jakobsvineyards.co.za
    Open by appointment only

  • La Vierge 640

    La Vierge

    Cellar T: +27 28 313 0130
    Restaurant T: +27 28 313 2007
    Email: info@lavierge.co.za
    Open Daily 9am – 5pm

  • Mount Babylon 640

    Mount Babylon

    T: +27 21 855 2768
    Email: info@mountbabylon.co.za
    By Appointment Only

  • Newton Johnson 640

    Newton Johnson

    T: +27 28 3123862
    Email: wine@newtonjohnson.com
    Mon – Friday 09:00 to 17:00
    Saturdays 10:00 to 14:00
    Closed Sundays & Public Holidays
    Bookings essential for groups of 6 or more

  • Southern Right 640

    Southern Right

    T: +27 28 312 1318
    Email: hrv@hermanus.co.za
    Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
    Saturday 9am – 1pm

  • Spookfontein 640

    Spookfontein

    T: +27 (0) 72 199 8774
    E-mail: ivy-lizette@spookfontein.co.za
    Tue-Sat 10:00-16:30
    Sun 10:00-16:00
    Closed on Mondays, Christmas day & New Year’s day

  • Sumaridge 2 640

    Sumaridge

    T: +27 028 312 1097
    Email: info@sumaridge.co.za
    Monday-Sunday 10:00-15:00
    Tasting Room Tasting Platters
    Tuesday-Sunday: 12:00-15:00
    Closed on Religious public holidays and 1st January.

  • Whalehaven 640

    Whalehaven

    T: +27 (0) 316 1633
    Email: experience@whalehaven.co.za
    Monday to Friday 10h00 – 17h00
    Saturdays (summer) 10h00 –17h00
    Saturdays (winter) 10h00 –16h30
    Sundays (summer) 10h00 –16h00
    Sundays (winter) CLOSED
    Select Public Holidays 10h00 –16h00

Hermanus is home to some of the best beaches on the South African coastline of which Grotto Beach stands out amongst them all. With Blue Flag status, Grotto is a firm favourite with visitors and locals.

  • Breakfast Bay

    Situated between Onrus River and Fisherhaven Breakfast Bay is ideal for a relaxed picnic or snorkeling adventures. Thanks to its location between magnificent sand dunes the wind is usually not an issue, even on the windiest of days, offering visitors a protected cove with plenty of space to play, relax and explore.

  • Grotto Beach

    The largest beach in the area stretches along the coast for over 18km (around 11 miles), bordered by mountains and indigenous plant life on one side and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on the other. The Blue Flag Beach at Grotto only makes up a small expanse of this but is still the most popular location for beach-goers. There’s plenty of space for any sized crowd and the parking winds along the road for easy access along several designated pathways. Due to its status the beach has always got a lifeguard on duty at both the Grotto Beach and Kleinrivier Lagoon Mouth. At the lagoon families can enjoy a braai whilst overlooking the strand, or swim in the calmer lagoon waters and explore its shores.

  • Kammabaai

    Located next to Langbaai, Kammabaai beach is larger and easily accessible; a popular location for families and surfers alike. During low tide the beach offers plenty of places to picnic upon, with rocky outcrops teeming with sea creatures whilst high tide brings stronger currents and good waves for surfing. It’s suggested that children not swim during high tide due to the currents. The beach is also linked to the larger Voelklip and Grotto beaches via the Cliff Path and also offers ideal braai (barbecue) locations under shady Milkwood trees and plenty of rocks to climb.

  • Langbaai Beach

    This isolated beach is favoured by locals for its good surfing and body boarding waves. As its name suggests, this long beach is narrow and there are quite a few steps to traverse to get to the sandy shore, making it a difficult trip for the elderly or small children. However, for those willing to make the trip, the secluded experience is one of relaxation and quiet – perfect for a quick rejuvenation.

  • Onrus Beach

    Situated at the edge of Onrus River, the Onrus Beach offers everyone a beautiful location to swim and enjoy the sunshine. The Onrus River Lagoon mouth also gives children the perfect location for a safer swimming experience whilst the expanse of sandy beach means that there is plenty of space for everyone and their sandcastle creations. In-season the beach becomes the go-to spot for surfing, especially during the annual Onrus Classic Surfing and Body Boarding Competition in December.

  • Sandbaai Main Beach

    The Sandbaai Beach offers plenty of space for beach lovers, surrounded by rocky outcrops and countless tidal pools to explore. The shallower pools are perfect for a quick cool down, with perfect snorkel-friendly pools during high tide. In season there are life guards located along the beach, who are more than happy to guide visitors to the best spots along the beach.

  • Voelklip Beach

    Another surfer favourite – this beach is also ideal for non-sand lovers as it offers leveled grassy lawns to picnic along, as well as a small sandy shore. The beach itself is quite small but offers enough space for enjoyable swimming and sunbathing. Due to its popularity there is usually a lifeguard on duty and plenty of parking close by.

For an unforgettable holiday where memories are made, 7 On Marine is your obvious choice.

7 On Marine

What You Will Find ...

  • Bespoke design
  • 10 Luxury suites
  • Sea & mountain facing
  • Jacuzzi & Sauna
  • Concierge service
  • FREE WiFi
  • Wheelchair accessability
  • Honesty bar
  • Walking distance to town centre
  • Secure off road parking
  • Fully secure
  • A stroll to the tidal pool
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