Hermanus Beaches, Western Cape

Beach in Hermanus at sunset

Being the whale watching capital of the Southern Hemisphere the seaside town of Hermanus in the Western Cape is undoubtedly most famous for its whales.

There are, however, numerous other excellent reasons to visit this small, picturesque town.

The area in and outside of Hermanus is dotted with excellent beaches suited to swimming, angling, surfing and other activities, with varying facilities but all well maintained.

Braaing and picnicking are favourite pasttimes and the local tourism office will be able to advise on which of the beaches are suited to specific activities.

Onrus Beach, which is adjacent to a warm, calm lagoon, is ideally suited to family outings, where small children can play in the calmer waters of the lagoon, and larger children and adults can brave the waves. This beach is overlooked by the reknowned restaurant, the Milkwood, making an ideal stop to quell hunger pangs. Onrus beach is also a favourite haunt for local surfers, so if you are skilled, or simply looking for a place to test your skills, this would be it.

Langbaai Beach, which is located between two rocky outcrops, and has limited parking is a more private and secluded beach suitable for long lazy days spent soaking up the sun. It offers excellent swimming and is clean and well maintained.

Grotto beach is another local beach that offers excellent facilities in the form of a restaurant play park and well maintained ablution facilities. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, endless stretch of white sand also makes it an excellent location to take the dogs for a walk, something which many a pet owner can be seen taking advantage of. In fact, many of the beaches in Hermanus allow pets and making Hermanus a great choice for families who can’t bear to leave their four legged friends behind.

Kammabaai is another beach with shallow water, ample parking and excellent facilities; making it ideal for family outings, especially for those with small children. The beach at Voelklip, flanked by green lawns, and with good facilities, is especially popular with younger adults during the peak tourist season. With refreshments on hand, and being another prime surfing spot, the beach is sometimes very full during season and may not always appeal to those who are looking for a more quiet, sedate beach experience.

With all these options and more on offer in Hermanus, it would seem that anyone can take time out from whale watching and other activities on offer to spend a lazy day at their chosen beach, whiling away the hours while sun bathing, swimming or playing in the white sand.