Whale watching on the cliff pathes of Hermanus

Hermanus Old Harbour

Just 15 minutes stroll from Hermanus Backpackers is the historic Old Harbour of Hermanus.  Situated in the centre of town, it’s obviously an old whaling harbour, although there’ll be none of that these days!  The Southern Right Whales which frequent Walker Bay (Hermanus) are protected by law from any interference.  There was whaling here from the 1920′s to early 1950′s, I think they only stopped as they’d run out of whales, it took another 30 years before the whale population was back to where it’s supposed to be!  During peak whale season, around September/October, you might have as many as 180 Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay and surrounding area.  This is one of their most favoured breeding and nursery areas.  We often see new born calves swimming next to and breaching with their mums.

Whale Watching Points – Best Land Based Whale Watching in the World

Within a couple of minutes walk of Hermanus Backpackers you’ll be on the scenic cliff path, which runs the length of the town.  From anywhere along the path you can stroll, relax and whale watch from July right through until early December.  Although there are days when the whales won’t be sighted, more often than not you can see them clearly from the shore.  Most of the town of Hermanus is elevated, sitting on cliffs, so whale sightings from these scenic walks are common.  Don’t be surprised if you see dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks and sea birds too, this area has prolific sea and bird life.

Views from Hermanus Old Harbour