Beaches, Whales and Nature Reserves

Say goodbye to Cape Town and begin your road trip.

Clarence Drive is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, offering stunning views of the bay.
Stop at Clarence Drive Outlook Point for picturesque views, envy-inducing photos and possible whale sightings. Spend a few minutes to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
It is open all day and there are no entrance fees. Parking is available.

The Hermanus New Harbour is where the whale-watching boats leave from during whale season. It also marks the start of the Hermanus Cliff Path Biodiversity Walk. Park your car here and begin the walk.
See more at Hermanus New Harbour

This is a 12km path along the coastline that will give you insight into the biodiversity in Hermanus. If the distance sounds daunting, then you can just walk a portion of it.
There are many benches along the way where you can relax and enjoy the amazing vistas of the bay.
The path is open all day and there are no entrance fees.
See more at: Hermanus Cliff Path

This museum and provincial heritage site consists of both an open-air and indoor section where one can see the well-preserved remnants of the old Hermanus fishing harbour.
The display includes old fishing boats, fish drying racks and old fishing tools. In the fisherman’s cottage, you can also see historical photos showing what Hermanus was like in the old dates.
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 4:30 pm Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
See more at: Old Harbour Museum

As the name suggests, Bientang’s Cave Seafood Restaurant is situated in a cave on the sea shore that is over a 100 years old. There is a fascinating legend associated with the cave.
The award-winning menu specialises in seafood but offers a variety of other options.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 11 am Dinner: Friday and Saturday only. Kitchen closes at 8 pm.
See more at: Bientang's Cave Restaurant

Situated in Fernkloof Nature Reserve, which is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a serene nature reserve with abundant fynbos.
There are 60 km of walking trails in the reserve including a short walk from the Visitors’ Centre to a waterfall and a forest pool where there is a bench. You can also run or cycle, watch birds, see beautiful flowers and relax in the gardens.
Entry is free.
Opening hours: Open Daily Summer: 6 am - 7 pm Winter: 7 am - 7 pm
See more at: Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Once you turn onto Fir Avenue, continue straight ahead to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve entrance gates (just under a kilometre).

Named after caves in the mountains overlooking the shore, Grotto Beach is the longest beach in Hermanus at 18km. Due to its size, it seldom feels as though it is crowded.
As a Blue Flag beach, it has great water quality. The beach is ideal for swimming, suntanning, surfing and long relaxing beach strolls.

Have dinner at The Pavilion at The Marine restaurant, situated in your hotel. The 1920’s themed restaurant is decorated in black and white and offers three meals a day.
Three course a-la-carte dinners are served and include a variety of innovative options, including fillet steak and tempura prawns.
Dinner times: Daily: 6 pm - 9:30 pm
See more at: The Marine Hermanus

The Marine is one of the oldest hotels in Hermanus. It is situated on a cliff overlooking Walker Bay, where whales can be seen during whale season. Nevertheless, the views from the hotel are stunning throughout the year.
The rooms are beautifully designed in marine themes too, and the hotel boasts international celebrities among its previous guests.