ACTIVITIES IN & AROUND HERMANUS!

Explore the stunning coastline and marine life up close with a sea kayaking tour. Led by an experienced guide, visitors can glide through the sparkling water while taking in the majestic mountain, sea cliffs, and wildlife. The tour departs from the historic Old Harbour for a round trip, direction dependent on winds, swells, and paddling abilities. The tour operates in a Marine Reserve where whales are protected, and sightings of seals, penguins, and cormorants are guaranteed. Perception Tribe sea kayaks are provided, and the tour guides are qualified in marine guiding and first aid at sea. The tour lasts for 2 hours, and no prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Situated between Hermanus and Cape Town, at Betty’s Bay, is Stony Point Nature Reserve – home to roughly 3 600 African Penguins, it’s one of the largest successful breeding colonies of African Penguins in the world.

This thriving African Penguin colony is undoubtedly the most sought-after attraction and top reason to visit this incredible Cape Nature Reserve.

It’s less touristy than Boulders Beach and a fraction of the cost. In fact – you don’t even need to pay to see the penguins – only if you want to go on the boardwalk.

Eco Cruises offers daily tours of Hermanus’ coastline on the Ocean Quest, providing informative talks on the area’s history and sightings of local wildlife such as Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins. With a 90-minute day cruise, or 2 hour sunset cruise this is perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxing way to take in the sights of Walker Bay and Hermanus, with soft drinks, water, and blankets available on board. Ocean Quest is a licensed commercial sailing vessel with an experienced crew adhering to safety regulations. Departure times are 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm (summer months only).

De Kelders Cave, situated in the small coastal town of De Kelders near Hermanus, is a fascinating archaeological site that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the early inhabitants of the region. The cave, located on the coast overlooking Walker Bay, has been occupied by humans for over 100,000 years and has yielded a wealth of Stone Age artifacts, including the oldest known human footprints outside of Africa. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site, which includes a visit to the cave and a museum showcasing some of the artifacts. The cave’s stunning views and rich cultural significance make it a must-see destination in the Western Cape.

Hermanus, a town in South Africa, offers a unique opportunity for whale watching tours from the shore. Visitors can witness the migration of up to 100 Southern Right Whales in a single day, without leaving land. The tour starts at the Whale Museum, with an introduction to the Whales of the oceans followed by an in-depth education by an expert who has spent the last decade studying and photographing these creatures. Visitors can walk along the breathtaking cliff pathways of Hermanus, smell, hear and photograph the whales, and learn about their life cycles. Full Moon Whale Walking Tours are also offered every month, providing a unique perspective. The tours are personalized, safe, wheelchair friendly, and end with a complimentary beverage and stargazing.

Escape to Heaven & Earth Horse Trails, located in the Hemel en Aarde Valley in Hermanus, offers a range of picturesque horseback riding experiences with stunning mountain views and vineyards. The Orchard Trail is perfect for beginners and families with young children, featuring a leisurely ride through beautiful surroundings, 30 minutes of pre-ride instruction, and a 60-minute ride. The Exclusive Trail offers private and individualized instruction during a 90-minute ride, accommodating all levels of experience. For an unforgettable experience, riders can choose The Bosman Frame House Wine Tasting Trail, which includes a 2.5-hour ride and wine tasting.

Learn to Kitesurf with the help of our professionally trained IKO kitesurfing instructor who provides all necessary equipment, including the kite, kite control bar, kiteboard, and wetsuit. You only need to bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, swimming costume, and water, and the instructor will take care of the rest. Our one-on-one instruction using Bluetooth headsets ensures you learn the safest and best way to kitesurf during the 2-hour lesson. For those already experienced, we offer rental equipment for half-day or full-day use. Rentals range from a complete KITESURFING set to just a board or kite.

Sandboarding, an exciting recreational activity similar to snowboarding, is enjoyed on large sand dunes instead of snow-covered mountains. Betty’s Bay, close to Cape Town, is home to one of Africa’s highest commercial sandboarding dunes. Guides offer training and safety tips, making it perfect for individuals, larger groups, or team-building events.

Beginners start with a smaller section and progress to higher levels as their skills improve. Participants can stand or sit on the sandboard while descending the dune. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended, and sunscreen and water are essential during summer sessions. Each session lasts approximately two hours.

Rain may affect sandboarding, so check with the operator on the day of your booking. If the weather is bad, you can reschedule or receive a refund.

Eco Cruises depart daily from Hermanus’ New Harbour, offering a relaxing and informative tour of the coastline. With the option of motor or sail (depending on weather conditions), the crew provides educational talks on the historical sites passed and Hermanus. Visitors can enjoy sightings of Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins throughout the year, while dolphins and Bryde’s Whales may also appear. The 90-minute cruise is ideal for families and couples, with blankets and drinks available. The licensed vessel follows South African Maritime Safety Authority regulations for guest and crew safety.

Cape Sidecar Adventures is a unique and exciting way to explore Cape Town. The company offers guided tours on vintage sidecar motorcycles, allowing visitors to see the city’s top sights in style and comfort. The tours range from short rides around the city to full-day excursions that take in the stunning coastline and surrounding countryside. Along the way, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Cape Town from knowledgeable guides. Cape Sidecar Adventures also offers tailor-made tours for those who want to create their own itinerary. The experience is unforgettable, offering a thrilling and immersive way to discover the beauty and charm of Cape Town.

Skydiving in Cape Town offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The jump takes place from an altitude of around 9,000 feet, providing spectacular views of the Mother City and surrounding areas. After a 20-minute scenic flight, you will be securely harnessed to your experienced tandem instructor before taking the leap of faith. The freefall lasts for approximately 30 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, before the parachute is deployed for a gentle descent back to earth. With highly trained instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, skydiving in Cape Town is a safe and exhilarating adventure for adrenaline junkies.