Hermanus delivered everything we needed for a weekend escape with ocean views, whales, sushi, laughs, and just the right dose of chaos (thanks to our little explorer, my son Yaqeen). Only 1.5 hours from Cape Town, this coastal gem is known for being one of the best whale-watching spots in the world and we got front-row seats to the action. Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or just need a break from the city, Hermanus offers the perfect balance of fun, family, and fresh sea air.
Location
Hermanus is a coastal town tucked along the southern coast of South Africa in the Western Cape, about 1.5 to 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town. It’s an easy and scenic road trip, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination for locals and visitors. Known for its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking ocean views, and of course, its famous whale-watching season, Hermanus blends small-town charm with natural beauty. The best part? It’s close enough to escape the city, but far enough to feel like a proper holiday.
Where to Stay
Hermanus offers a wide range of accommodation, from cosy guesthouses and lodges to modern hotels, all across various price points. Since it’s a small, laid-back town, I recommend staying somewhere close to the beachfront area, especially during whale season, when you’ll want to be within walking distance of the buzz ,cafés, markets, and those unforgettable ocean views.
We stayed at the Whale Coast Hotel, which is actually a set of modern self-catering apartments and honestly, we were blown away. Our unit was a spacious three-bedroom, double-storey apartment that felt more like a full-on holiday house than a hotel. It had huge bedrooms, stylish bathrooms with heated towel rails (my favourite bougie touch), and a massive kitchen built for entertaining. Think: a big lounge, dining area, and a wide balcony with outdoor seating and a built-in braai, perfect for chilling in the evenings.
This place truly felt like a home away from home, which is a win when you’re travelling with family and friends.
💸 Price: ZAR 7,783.20 for 2 nights in September (peak whale season) and honestly, so worth it for the space, location, and comfort.
The kitchen was spotless and fully equipped, including complimentary teas, coffee, and even a dishwasher (mom win!). While the hotel isn’t directly on the beachfront, it’s just a short walk to the sea, restaurants, and all the main local spots.
Places to Eat
Hermanus is packed with beautiful places to eat, from laid-back beachfront cafés to fine dining with a view. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, specialty dishes, or just a good old coffee and cake break, this little coastal town has something for everyone.
As a Muslim family, fully halaal options can be a bit limited beyond the usual fast food chains, but if you’re comfortable with seafood at non-halaal restaurants, you’ll still find some incredible spots to enjoy a great meal.
Since we stayed at a self-catering apartment, we mostly braaied and made our own snacks (big win for convenience and budget). But we did treat ourselves to two amazing meals in town, Dutchies and Bientang’s Cave Restaurant and both are must-visits if you’re heading to Hermanus.
Dutchies (at Grotto Beach)
A vibey beachfront spot with ocean and mountain views, Dutchies serves up fresh seafood and sushi with chilled summer energy. We had sushi, snails (my first time trying them!), and summer mocktails while soaking up the sea breeze. Loved the relaxed, sunny vibes.
Bientang’s Cave Restaurant
Built into a real cave and perched right on the rocks, this place is something special. We had the Vegetarian Mezze Platter for Two and a perfectly crispy Hake fillet, fried golden and served with chips and tartar sauce.
Both restaurants offered delicious meals and beautiful settings, making them well worth the visit, even if you’re just there for the view and a mocktail.
During whale season, restaurants in Hermanus get booked out fast, especially those with ocean views. Make a reservation ahead of time to avoid missing out on the best spots!
Activities
Hermanus may be small, but it’s packed with things to do, whether you’re an outdoor explorer, a laid-back stroller, or a market-lover like me. The town offers a wide range of activities that suit all types of travellers.
From whale watching (of course!) to hiking along scenic cliff paths, shopping for local treasures, and even nature conservation experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary.
Some of the top activities in Hermanus include:
Strolling the Cliff Path – a beautiful, well-maintained coastal walkway offering ocean views and prime whale-spotting points.
Exploring the local beaches – Grotto Beach and Voëlklip Beach are great for a relaxed beach day.
Shopping in town – the main village area has boutique stores, galleries, and quirky gift shops worth browsing.
The Hermanus Country Market (Saturday mornings) – fresh produce, baked treats, crafts, and live music make this a great local experience.
Visiting the Old Harbour Museum – learn about the town’s fishing heritage and its connection to the sea.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve – a stunning hiking and nature walk destination, with fynbos-rich trails and great views over Hermanus.
Art galleries and studios – Hermanus is home to many local artists and creatives. You’ll find beautiful pieces in the town’s independent galleries.
One of my personal highlights was the Hermanus Arts & Craft Market, tucked near the beachfront. It’s filled with handcrafted jewellery, quirky souvenirs (yes, I bought donut earrings!), magnets, textiles, and vibrant local art. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, chat with the vendors, and soak up the coastal energy.
Of course, the ultimate Hermanus activity, especially in whale season, is getting out on the ocean. Next up, I’ll share our unforgettable experience with a whale watching tour that brought us this close to these gentle giants of the sea.
Planning your own trip? Check out my full guide: Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hermanus for more ideas on what to see, eat, and explore with the fam!
Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hermanus
Whale Watching Tour
Of all the things we did in Hermanus, this was hands down one of the most unforgettable. We booked a whale watching tour with Southern Right Charters, and it truly lived up to the hype.
Their headquarters are located right at the New Harbour, making it super easy to find. Before setting off, the team gave us a warm welcome and a quick intro with helpful information, safety tips, and what to expect on board. The vibe was calm and professional, which instantly put us at ease, especially as a family with a little one.
Tip: It gets chilly out at sea, so dress warm!
My son Yaqeen was strapped into a life jacket (not his favourite fashion moment 😄), but he was more curious than nervous, especially when those first whales came into view.
The tour doesn’t head far out before the action begins. We saw multiple southern right whales, mostly mothers with their calves. The younger ones seemed to love showing off, tail slapping, surfacing, and gliding just beneath the waves. It was pure magic.
The boat itself is spacious with a large front viewing deck, so it never felt overcrowded or cramped. There’s plenty of room to move around, and the onboard guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, passionate, and great at pointing out exactly where to look.
I’ll be honest, the water was choppy the day we went, and I started to feel a little nauseous (rookie mistake not bringing motion sickness tablets!). So if you’re prone to seasickness, pack something just in case.
That said, the discomfort was 100% worth it. Seeing these gentle giants up close in their natural environment was something I’ll never forget. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d recommend to anyone visiting Hermanus during whale season.
Want to experience it for yourself? You can book a tour directly with Southern Right Charters.
Final Thoughts
Our weekend in Hermanus was nothing short of magical. From spotting majestic whales up close, to relaxing in our spacious apartment at Whale Coast Hotel, to enjoying fresh seafood with ocean views, this little coastal gem gave us memories we’ll never forget.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers fun, family-friendly activities, beautiful views, and a touch of nature’s wonder, Hermanus is it. Whether it’s a quick weekend away or a longer stay, there’s something here for everyone.
I’ll be sharing more tips, highlights, and videos on my social media and YouTube, so make sure to check them out and follow along for the next adventure!
Until the next destination,
Ash xoxo
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