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South Africa · Western Cape

Hermanus travel guide

Some of the best land-based whale watching in the world

A whale in Walker Bay, Hermanus. Photo: Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 30mflight from London
CPTnearest main airport
21° in Febwarmest month
13° in Julcoolest month

Hermanus is a seaside town on Walker Bay, about 90 minutes from Cape Town, where southern right whales come close to the cliffs from about June to November.

There are boat trips, cliff paths and shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai, plus wineries in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.

Good forWildlifeWhale watchingWalkingWine

What Hermanus is known for

  • Southern right whales

    From the cliffs.

  • Cliff path

    A 12km walk.

  • Shark diving

    At Gansbaai.

  • Hemel-en-Aarde

    Cool-climate wines.

Top things to do in Hermanus

  1. 1

    Whale watching from the cliffs

    Free, from town.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A whale-watching boat

    Get closer.

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  3. 3

    Cage diving at Gansbaai

    Sharks up close.

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  4. 4

    Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley

    Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

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See all tours and tickets in Hermanus

Where to stay in Hermanus

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Best time to visit Hermanus

Best value: Apr–Oct. June to November for whales, peaking in September and October.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
20.8 C21°J21 C21°F19.6 C20°M17.5 C18°A15.6 C16°M13.6 C14°J13 C13°J13 C13°A14.3 C14°S16.2 C16°O17.6 C18°N19.6 C20°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Hermanus, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 30m from London to CPT, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Drive from Cape Town in about 1.5 hours.

Car hire in Hermanus Airport transfer to Hermanus

Find flights to Hermanus (CPT)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Look for the whale crier in season.
  • Combine with the Cape Agulhas southern tip.
  • Bring binoculars.
South Africa guidesTravel safetyPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Hermanus FAQ

When are whales in Hermanus?

June to November.

Is Hermanus a day trip from Cape Town?

Yes, but staying is better.

More places in South Africa

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