The Hermanus New Harbour, located along the famed Whale Coast, serves as both a vital commercial and recreational hub. Established in the early 1950s, the harbour was built to accommodate the town’s growing fishing industry and to replace the older, smaller Old Harbour, which had become inadequate for the demands of modern seafaring. Its strategic location along Walker Bay also made it a perfect base for marine activities, especially those related to the region’s flourishing tourism sector.
In the early days, Hermanus was primarily a small fishing village, and the Old Harbour, established in the late 19th century, served the local fishing community. As the town expanded and the fishing industry developed, the need for a larger, more modern facility became apparent. Construction of the New Harbour began in the 1950s, providing a safe and functional space for larger vessels, including commercial fishing boats and later, tourism-related craft.
Over the years, the New Harbour has evolved from a purely industrial space into a vibrant mixed-use area, catering to both local fishermen and visitors keen on experiencing Hermanus’s famous marine offerings. It is now central to whale watching, tourism cruises, and marine conservation activities.
Purpose and Activities at the Hermanus New Harbour:
Whale Watching:
Hermanus is globally renowned for being one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations, and the New Harbour plays a crucial role in this. During the whale season (June to November), boat-based whale-watching tours depart from the harbour, offering close-up encounters with Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, and Bryde’s Whales.
Fishing Industry:
The harbour still serves as an operational base for the local fishing community, supporting commercial fishing activities. Fresh seafood, particularly fish and calamari, can often be seen unloaded at the docks.
Marine Tourism and Cruises:
Beyond whale watching, the harbour is the departure point for eco-marine tours, sunset cruises, and shark cage diving expeditions, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of Walker Bay.
Dining and Leisure:
The New Harbour is home to seafood restaurants and cafés where visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine while overlooking the ocean. Popular spots include The Gecko Bar, which offers spectacular views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Contact details for the Hermanus New Harbour:
Hermanus Tourism Office: +27 28 312 2629
Whale Watching Operators: Available at the harbour for bookings
Address: Westcliff Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Location: -34.43415342751512, 19.225013084243074
House on Westcliff bied B&B-verblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg-/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. 'n Hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjies wat uitkyk oor Walkerbaai is House on Westcliff. Hierdie boetiek Bed en Ontbyt bestaan uit ses... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Anchor's Rest bied die opsie van B&B en selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë in die bekoorlike kusdorpie Hermanus, 120 km vanaf Kaapstad. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
On The Cliff Guest House bied verblyf op 'n B&B-basis in Hermanus Sentraal aan die Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë op die bekende kranspaadjies van Hermanus en is ook stapafstand van die ou hawe in die dorp se middestad af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Norfolk Guest House bied verblyf op 'n beperkte selfsorg- of kamer-basis in Hermanus, en is ideaal geleë binne maklike stapafstand van al die geriewe en 'n hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjie af, bekend vir onvergeetlike walvisbesigtiging. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Annamarie en David verwelkom u by The Potting Shed Accommodation, in die outydse dorpie, Hermanus, slegs 1 uur vanaf Kaapstad se Internasionale Lughawe. Geniet die persoonlike diens by die onderneming wat deur die eienaar bestuur word. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Fig Tree Cottage bied selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg-/Walviskus. Geleë in die stil woonbuurt Eastcliff, weg van die gewoel van die Hermanus dorpskern, maar tog gerieflik naby genoeg om jou motor te los... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Brown Jug bied aan besoekers aan Hermanus selfsorgverblyf. Sentraal geleë in gesogte Eastcliff, 'n stil lowerryke woonbuurt, is slegs twee minute se stap na die winkels, restaurante en seefront waar jy die bekende walviskyk kan geniet. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Sandbaai Country House bied gehalteverblyf op 'n B&B-basis in Sandbaai, in die Hermanus-omgewing in die Overberg-/Walviskusstreek. Verwag die allerbeste by hierdie koshuis, van luukse slaapkamers tot kwaliteit diens en fyn kombuis. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 104 is 'n ruim selfsorgwoonstel naby die waterkant in Hermanus, aan die Wes-Kaap se Walviskus en bied gerieflike slaapplek aan 4 gaste en is 'n hanetreetjie van die water af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 303 bied luukse selfsorgwoonstelverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg-/Walviskusstreek, Wes-Kaap. Ons seefrontwoonstel is sentraal geleë tussen die swemstrande en die Hermanus middedorp. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.