New Harbour Hermanus
A vibrant harbour renowned for whale watching, fresh seafood, and unique marine encounters. Experience coastal charm and thrilling ocean adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
New Harbour Hermanus
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant harbour renowned for whale watching, fresh seafood, and unique marine encounters. Experience coastal charm and thrilling ocean adventures.
"Witness majestic whales breaching and enjoy delicious seafood with stunning ocean views at Hermanus New Harbour."
🚢 Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
🍣 Sushi Delights at The Rock
Don't miss the highly-rated sushi at The Rock Restaurant in the New Harbour. A local favorite!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whale Watching Expeditions
Hermanus New Harbour
Witness majestic Southern Right, Humpback, and Bryde's whales breaching and playing in Walker Bay. An unforgettable marine spectacle.
The Rock Restaurant
Hermanus New Harbour
Savor delicious sushi and seafood with stunning ocean views. A local favorite for a memorable dining experience.
Fishing & Squid Angling
Hermanus New Harbour
Experience the thrill of night fishing, attracting squid with lights, or try your luck catching local fish. A unique local pastime.
Abalone Farm Tours
Hermanus New Harbour
Discover the fascinating world of abalone farming with insightful tours. Learn about sustainable aquaculture practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Whales & Wonders
Harbour Access & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
🍣 Sushi Delights at The Rock
Don't miss the highly-rated sushi at The Rock Restaurant in the New Harbour. A local favorite!
💰 Cash for Entrance?
Be aware of potential cash collection at the entrance; its legitimacy can be uncertain. Parking is free.
🎣 Night Fishing Adventure
Try night fishing for squid and fish; it's a thrilling experience watching locals attract them with lights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Whale Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment.
🍣 Sushi Delights at The Rock
Don't miss the highly-rated sushi at The Rock Restaurant in the New Harbour. A local favorite!
💰 Cash for Entrance?
Be aware of potential cash collection at the entrance; its legitimacy can be uncertain. Parking is free.
🎣 Night Fishing Adventure
Try night fishing for squid and fish; it's a thrilling experience watching locals attract them with lights.
🦭 Seal Encounters
Keep an eye out for seals, including elephant seals, often seen in or around the harbour.
👨👩👧 Family Fun
The harbour offers activities like bay tubing, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hermanus New Harbour is celebrated for its incredible whale watching opportunities and charming harbour atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the fresh seafood, unique activities like night fishing, and the chance to see diverse marine life. However, some find the harbour's overall vibe less engaging than expected, and the clarity of entrance fees can be a minor point of confusion.
"The whale watching experience was good. I got to see 3 whales breaching multiple time. I also ate at a place called Bientangs Cave Restaurant and Wine bar."
Chawa Chiteta
"We had an amazing Whale Tour with Hermans Whale Tours. We saw Southern Right Whales, Hump-back Whales, and a Bryde’s Whale. We also saw penguins and cormorants. The staff were friendly and the boat was clean."
Richard Focke
"Hermanus New Harbour is home to the whale watching industry with many services on offer from the harbour.
There are also a few restaurants which makes their home here, but overall, the harbour doesn’t have a particularly entertaining or engaging vibe as one would associate with Kleinmond harbour just up the road from Hermanus.
You pay R5 ($0.30) to a man collecting cash at the entrance where it appears the boom gates have not worked for a long time.
So who know whether this is legitimate cash collection.
The harbour is reasonably clean and it’s good to see NSRI rescue services based there.
There is ample free parking."
Duncan Alfreds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New Harbour Hermanus is located about 1.5 hours from Cape Town. You can drive there directly, and there is ample free parking available.
While direct public transport to the harbour might be limited, regular bus services operate to Hermanus town, from where you can arrange local transport or a taxi to the harbour. It's advisable to check local schedules.
Driving is the most convenient way, taking approximately 1.5 hours via the scenic R44 coastal route. Alternatively, several shuttle services and tour operators offer transport from Cape Town.
A small cash fee may be collected at the entrance by an attendant, though its legitimacy can be uncertain. Parking within the harbour is generally free.
Yes, the harbour is reasonably clean and walkable, offering a pleasant experience to observe the boats and marine life.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book whale watching tours in advance, especially during the peak season (June-November), to secure your preferred date and time.
The harbour itself is generally accessible throughout the day and evening. Specific tour operators or restaurants may have their own operating hours.
Yes, besides whale watching, you can find tours like abalone farm tours which often have specific registration times.
Prices for whale watching tours can vary depending on the operator and duration. It's best to check directly with companies like Blade Charters or Herman's Whale Tours for current pricing.
You can generally access the harbour area without a booking to explore, dine, or observe. However, specific activities like boat tours require pre-booked tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can go whale watching, enjoy dining at restaurants like The Rock, try night fishing for squid, take abalone farm tours, or simply enjoy the harbour atmosphere. Bay tubing is also available for family fun.
Yes, it's a great spot for families with activities like bay tubing and opportunities to see marine life. The harbour offers a quaint experience with dining options.
Besides whales during the season, you might spot seals, elephant seals, penguins, cormorants, stingrays, and various fish and squid.
The NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) is based here, indicating a focus on safety. However, always be mindful of your surroundings, especially near the water.
It offers a quaint, blue and white harbour experience with a focus on marine activities and dining. While it has its charm, some find it less entertaining than other nearby harbours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Rock Restaurant is highly recommended for its sushi and seafood with ocean views. Burgundy Restaurant is praised for its grilled calamari.
While some restaurants cater to a higher price point, looking for specials or simpler seafood options might offer more budget-friendly choices. Burgundy Restaurant is mentioned for good calamari.
You can expect fresh seafood, including calamari, sushi, and fish. Many restaurants focus on local catches and preparations.
While specific fish and chip shops aren't highlighted, many seafood restaurants in the harbour will likely offer this popular dish.
Yes, restaurants like The Rock offer beautiful ocean views, making it a lovely spot for a romantic dinner, especially during sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of whales breaching (seasonal), seals, fishing boats, the quaint harbour architecture, and sunset views over the ocean.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be good for capturing marine life activity.
Yes, you can photograph seals, elephant seals, and marine birds. During whale season, opportunities to photograph whales are abundant. Always maintain a respectful distance.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography of individuals without permission.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of whales from the boat. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the harbour's atmosphere and landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts
🌊 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Whale Watching: The Star Attraction
Beyond the whales, keep an eye out for other marine life such as dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds, including cormorants. Some tours also highlight the rich kelp forests and the diverse underwater ecosystem. Remember to book your whale watching tours in advance, as they are very popular, and consider the weather conditions for the best viewing experience.
Culinary Delights at the Harbour
While the harbour offers a quaint atmosphere, it's worth noting that some visitors find the overall vibe less vibrant compared to other coastal towns. However, the focus on fresh, local seafood ensures a satisfying culinary experience. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch or a more formal dinner, the restaurants at the New Harbour provide a taste of the region's coastal bounty.
Beyond Whales: Activities and Local Life
You might also encounter seals and even elephant seals lounging around the harbour, adding to the wildlife viewing opportunities. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) also has a base here, underscoring the maritime nature of the area. Even if you're not actively participating in these activities, simply strolling around the harbour, observing the boats, and soaking in the coastal atmosphere is a rewarding experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit