This annual festival is held at one of the world's best land-based whale watching sites - Hermanus.
The Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the yearly visit of the Southern Right Whales to our coastline and especially to the waters of Walker Bay.
The loud blare of the whale cryer's horn alerts visitors to the fact that a whale has been sighted and it's incredible to watch these massive beasts wave fins and tails, or best yet leap right out of the water as they breach.
The pcituresque town of Hermanus is always buzzing with visitors but during the Whale Festival things get especially festive. Live music, outdoor entertainment, theatre, comedy and art and craft markets are all laid on to keep you entertained when the whales are snoozing...
Also in the area are shark cage diving, horse riding, wonderful hiking trails and some lovely beaches for surfing, swimming and body boarding. Excellent golf courses in the vicinity include the Arabella a short drive out of town.
The renowned cliff path wanders right along the stretch of coastline offering extensive views and great whale watching. If you want to get even closer to these awesome creatures head for the harbour and join one of the many whale watching boat cruises available (best to book ahead due to the popularity of these trips).
Hermanus has grown to become visitor friendly in many ways, not least of all with a great selection of cafes, bistros and wine bars as well as relaxed family style restaurants. For a unique dining experience book a table at Bientang's Cave, a restaurant literally in a cave that once sheltered a strandloper in days gone by.
Need to Know:
Accommodation in Hermanus
An easy 1.5 hour’s drive from Cape Town, Hermanus is the ideal place for a romantic weekend away or a family holiday with something for all ages. Of course Hermanus is best known as being one of the top land-based whale watching destinations in the world, with numerous Southern Right whales coming into Walker Bay to calve each spring.
