Kammabaai Cape Town
Kammabaai: A stunning Hermanus beach offering whale watching, surfing, family fun, and breathtaking sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime whale watching season
Kammabaai Cape Town
Best Time
Prime whale watching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kammabaai: A stunning Hermanus beach offering whale watching, surfing, family fun, and breathtaking sunsets.
"This has become my favorite beach in the area and I am sure it will continue to be."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially during peak season. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
🐳 Whale Watching Season
Visit between June and November for the best chance to spot Southern Right Whales.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whale Watching Haven
Coastal waters
Witness majestic Southern Right Whales from June to November. A truly unforgettable natural spectacle.
Surfer's Paradise
Western side of the beach
Catch consistent waves perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. Rip currents can aid surfers in reaching the backline.
Family-Friendly Fun
Eastern side and rock pools
Safe swimming, sandcastle building, and exploring rock pools make it ideal for kids and pets.
Stunning Coastal Sunsets
Western horizon
End your day with breathtaking sunsets over the ocean. A perfect romantic backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Whale Watching
Beach Activities for Everyone
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially during peak season. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
🐳 Whale Watching Season
Visit between June and November for the best chance to spot Southern Right Whales.
🏄 Surfer's Rip Current
Experienced surfers can use the consistent rip current on the right for easier access to the backline.
☕ Coffee & Pancakes
Enjoy a coffee or a sweet treat from the mobile vendors in the car park.
Riptide Practice in Hermanus, SA
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially during peak season. Aim to arrive early to secure a spot.
🐳 Whale Watching Season
Visit between June and November for the best chance to spot Southern Right Whales.
🏄 Surfer's Rip Current
Experienced surfers can use the consistent rip current on the right for easier access to the backline.
☕ Coffee & Pancakes
Enjoy a coffee or a sweet treat from the mobile vendors in the car park.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Zones
Dogs are welcome on the left side of the beach, making it great for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kammabaai is widely praised as a beautiful and versatile beach, perfect for families, surfers, and whale watchers. Visitors love its clean sand, stunning views, and the convenience of nearby vendors. Some find it can get very crowded during peak season, and parking can be a challenge.
"Gorgeous waves for surfing, body boarding and swimming. Beautiful views. Stunning sunsets. Perfect beach for all ages to build sand castles, play beach bats and watch the waves breaking. Rock pools included…!"
Mignon van Vreden
"Best beach in my opinion on this Hermanus stretch, surf launching allowed on the right, dogs and swimming on the left with rocks that enclose the area to ease current and waves, a great beach for kids and pets (dog friendly) and a good coffee vendor in the car park."
Rene Winter
"If you are looking for a great spot to go swimming or just to have a relaxing day on the beach, then make a trip to Kammabaai. The beach cannot accommodate as many people as Grotto Beach (main beach in Hermanus) and it has cliffs on both sides, making it more private and the waters' a bit calmer. However it is a very popular spot during peak season so make sure you arrive early or else you won't find any parking available. It's great for the whole family as it's basically divided into two smaller bays with some rocks in between where the children like to climb around. It's relatively shallow closer to shore if you just want to wade around, but you can go deeper in if you want to swim - there are also some nice waves for surfers. During peak season there are also lifeguards on duty. This has become my favorite beach in the area and I am sure it will continue to be."
Dewald Reinke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kammabaai is located in Hermanus, about a 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town via the N2 highway. The scenic coastal route is also an option.
Yes, there is parking available in the car park adjacent to the beach. However, it fills up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
While direct public transport to Kammabaai is limited, you can take a bus from Cape Town to Hermanus and then a local taxi or ride-sharing service to the beach.
The N2 highway is generally well-maintained. During whale watching season, expect more traffic as you approach Hermanus.
The beach has easy access from the car park, with a relatively flat sandy area. However, navigating the sand can be challenging for some mobility devices.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Kammabaai beach is free to access for everyone.
Kammabaai is a public beach and is accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the peak season (summer months) and whale watching season.
Dogs are permitted on the left side of the beach, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Generally, recreational activities like swimming, surfing, and sandcastle building are allowed. Be mindful of designated areas and safety guidelines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, and whale watching (seasonally).
Yes, the beach offers relatively shallow waters closer to shore for wading and deeper areas for swimming. The rock formations can help calm the waves in certain areas.
The beach has nice, clean sand that is perfect for children to play in and for relaxing.
Basic facilities, including restrooms, are usually available near the car park.
Kammabaai is often considered more private due to cliffs on both sides and can have calmer waters than the main Grotto Beach, though it can get crowded in peak season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no permanent restaurants directly on the beach, there is a popular mobile coffee stand and a pancake stand in the car park.
Absolutely! Kammabaai is a fantastic spot for a picnic. You can bring your own or book a luxury picnic experience in Hermanus.
The vendors typically offer coffee, hot beverages, and sweet treats like pancakes.
Yes, Hermanus town center, a short drive away, offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes and budgets.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer stunning light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing beach activities.
Whales (in season), surfers catching waves, families playing on the beach, dramatic sunsets, and the coastal rock formations are popular subjects.
The cliffs on either side of the beach offer elevated views. The car park area also provides good vantage points.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is good for general shots. A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant whales, and a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive coastline.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Hermanus tourism office before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏄 Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
🐋 Whale Watching Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Whale Watching at Kammabaai
Beyond the whales, the coastline around Kammabaai offers stunning vistas. The cliffs flanking the beach provide elevated viewpoints, perfect for scanning the ocean. Even outside of whale season, the marine life is abundant, with dolphins and seals often spotted. The presence of a mobile coffee vendor in the car park adds a touch of convenience, allowing you to enjoy a warm drink while taking in the breathtaking ocean scenery.
Surfing and Water Sports at Kammabaai
When planning your surf session, it's important to be aware of the rip currents, which can be strong. Lifeguards are present during peak season, so always swim or surf within designated areas and heed their advice. For those looking for a more relaxed water experience, the calmer sections closer to shore are perfect for wading and enjoying the ocean spray.
A Family and Pet-Friendly Escape
Pet owners will appreciate that dogs are welcome on the left side of the beach, making it a great spot for a family outing that includes furry members. The presence of a coffee and pancake vendor in the car park adds to the convenience, allowing for quick snacks and refreshments. While the beach can get busy during peak season, its natural beauty and diverse activities make it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit