Hermanus itself is a town of unequalled charm and a treasure-trove of surprises waiting to be discovered. It has grown from a rustic fisherman's village to being acknowledged by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as one of the twelve best whale-viewing sites in the world. From its rocky cliffs, whales can be seen from as close as five meters. The wonder and majesty of the whales frolicking in the bay, breaching, sailing, spyhopping and lobtailing and engaging in amorous behaviour, has to be seen to be believed. Mating and calving takes place in August and September and their numbers peak in October.

The Southern Right can be distinguished by its recognisable V-shape spout of water vapour and frequents the shores of Hermanus from June until the end of November.
The whales can be spotted from several viewing points along the cliff paths or from boats such as Southern Right Charters, licensed to take visitors out to sea. Best view points include Gearings Point, Sieverspunt, Roman Rock, the Old Harbour and Kwaaiwater. The world's only whale crier, Wilson Salukazana, patrols the streets blowing his kelp horn to alert visitors to the whereabouts of the whales. For up to date sightings, phone Wilson on 073 2146949.

Fernkloof Nature Reserve forms a splendid backdrop to Hermanus, from Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in the East, to Maanskynbaai in the West. The reserve has some 1100 species of coastal mountain fynbos and is home to many rare and unusual plants in an area of approximately 15 square kilometres. It also has an internationally recognised herbarium where specimens of these plants are stored.

The nature reserve has over 40km of breathtaking hiking and mountain bike trails ranging from moderate to strenuous and 14km of unique cliff-top walks - a section of which is accessible to wheelchairs. Be on the lookout for baboons, Klipspringers (small antelope) Grysbok and Steenbok. There are snakes in the reserve so it is advisable to wear thick socks and sturdy hiking boots and remember tortoises have right of way.

A wild flower festival showcases the bounty of spring and is held each year during the last week of September. For more information call the Flower Hotline at 028 312 4148.
Hermanus caters for all sports enthusiasts tennis, bowls, squash, paragliding, horseriding, fresh-water and salt-water fly-fishing and golf. Adrenaline junkies can go sea kayaking and diving amongst the Great White Sharks or enjoy some of the wonderful coral and kelp dives. Hermanus also offers lagoon cruises, boat hire, boat-based whale watching, scenic cruises, fishing, sundowners and crayfishing.

For the more laid back a visit to the nearby seal and penguin colonies or just walk along the cliff paths and pristine beaches is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. In addition to being a famous whale watching and golfing destination, and offering nature at its most sublime, Hermanus is also known for its gourmet cuisine, sophisticated accommodation and host of wine producers.
The establishment of many wineries in and around Hermanus has added to the town's appeal. The area boasts a reputation as one of South Africa's southernmost and coolest wine growing region where the temperate conditions are ideal for producing wellbalanced, cool climate grapes.

The region's wines are elegant with a charming combination of rich fruit and finesse. Africa's southernmost wineries offer excellent chardonnays and pinot noirs. Visitors are welcome to taste and buy wines directly from the farms along the Hermanus Wine Wonder. Bouchard Finlayson is a specialist cellar best known for its award-winning Pinot Noir. Other wineries along the route well worth a visit are Newton Johnson, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Sumaridge Wines and Whalehaven Wines.Two festivals are staged in Hermanus each year - the Kalfiefees early August. and the Whale Festival late September. Visitors and locals can enjoy the arts, culture, crafts, food and wine fair, and festivities.

Walker Bay (Between Gansbaai and Hermanus) offers a great experience for the adventurous where paddlers and walkers can enjoy the long beaches, rocky cliffs and beautiful nature reserves.