New Harbour (Hermanus) - Image 1
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New Harbour Hermanus

4.3
·701 reviews·Hermanus, South Africa

A vibrant harbour renowned for whale watching, fresh seafood, and unique marine encounters. Experience coastal charm and thrilling ocean adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

June - November

Peak whale watching season

CrowdMedium
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New Harbour (Hermanus) - Image 1

New Harbour Hermanus

Best Time

June - November

Peak whale watching season

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant harbour renowned for whale watching, fresh seafood, and unique marine encounters. Experience coastal charm and thrilling ocean adventures.

4.3
(701 reviews)

"Witness majestic whales breaching and enjoy delicious seafood with stunning ocean views at Hermanus New Harbour."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Whale Watching Expeditions

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

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

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

Abalone Farm Tours

Hermanus New Harbour

Discover the fascinating world of abalone farming with insightful tours. Learn about sustainable aquaculture practices.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Whales & Wonders

Hermanus New Harbour is a prime spot for whale watching, with peak season from June to November. Book whale tours in advance, especially during holidays. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.

Harbour Access & Fees

While the harbour itself is generally accessible, some activities like whale watching tours require pre-booked tickets. Be aware that a small cash fee might be collected at the entrance, though its legitimacy can be unclear. Ample free parking is available.

Best Times

When
June - November
Why
Peak whale watching season
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Atmospheric fishing & dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lets go Fishing with @bladecharters Elephant Seal in Hermanus New Harbour⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Whatsapp:0761099717 Email:bookings@bladecharters.co.za
@blade.charters
45.3K likes • 773.3K views

🚢 Book Whale Tours Early

Secure your spot on popular whale watching tours, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. TikTok

🍣 Sushi Delights at The Rock

Don't miss the highly-rated sushi at The Rock Restaurant in the New Harbour. A local favorite! Instagram

Immediately adds to travel bucket list 👇🏽 Only 1.5 hours from Cape Town on South Africa’s Western Cape. This spot is a seaside paradise for whale watching, sipping crisp wine at coastal vineyards & lots of ocean time! We loved this stay so much - 10/10! 📍Location: The Royal Portfolio|Birkenhead House #birkenheadhouse #theroyalportfolio #hermanus #capetown #westerncape #southafricahotel #capetownho...
@saltyluxe_
15.5K likes • 180.1K views
Lovely lunch at The Rock in the new harbour hermanus. Best sushi in my opinion! #sushi #seafood #therockrestuarant #newharbour #hermanus #westerncape #travellocal
simplymeagantaitz
11 likes • 315 views

💰 Cash for Entrance?

Be aware of potential cash collection at the entrance; its legitimacy can be uncertain. Parking is free. Reddit

🎣 Night Fishing Adventure

Try night fishing for squid and fish; it's a thrilling experience watching locals attract them with lights. Reddit

Join us for our Open Day and drowning prevention awareness demonstrations at the Hermanus Country Market or at our rescue station in the New Harbour—and stay for live CPR demonstrations by our crew! We will be at the Hermanus Country Market from 09:00 to 14:00, and at our rescue station from 09:00 to 16:00.
searescue17hermanus
31 likes • 907 views

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. TikTok

🍣 Sushi Delights at The Rock

Don't miss the highly-rated sushi at The Rock Restaurant in the New Harbour. A local favorite! Instagram

💰 Cash for Entrance?

Be aware of potential cash collection at the entrance; its legitimacy can be uncertain. Parking is free. Reddit

🎣 Night Fishing Adventure

Try night fishing for squid and fish; it's a thrilling experience watching locals attract them with lights. Reddit

🦭 Seal Encounters

Keep an eye out for seals, including elephant seals, often seen in or around the harbour. TikTokInstagram+1

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Fun

The harbour offers activities like bay tubing, making it a fun outing for the whole family. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(701 reviews)

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

Spectacular whale sightings
Fresh seafood dining
Quaint harbour charm

What People Dislike

Variable harbour vibe
Unclear entrance fees

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

Yes, the harbour is reasonably clean and walkable, offering a pleasant experience to observe the boats and marine life. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

The harbour itself is generally accessible throughout the day and evening. Specific tour operators or restaurants may have their own operating hours. InstagramReddit

Yes, besides whale watching, you can find tours like abalone farm tours which often have specific registration times. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit+2

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. InstagramReddit

Besides whales during the season, you might spot seals, elephant seals, penguins, cormorants, stingrays, and various fish and squid. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Rock Restaurant is highly recommended for its sushi and seafood with ocean views. Burgundy Restaurant is praised for its grilled calamari. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

You can expect fresh seafood, including calamari, sushi, and fish. Many restaurants focus on local catches and preparations. InstagramReddit

While specific fish and chip shops aren't highlighted, many seafood restaurants in the harbour will likely offer this popular dish. Reddit

Yes, restaurants like The Rock offer beautiful ocean views, making it a lovely spot for a romantic dinner, especially during sunset. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of whales breaching (seasonal), seals, fishing boats, the quaint harbour architecture, and sunset views over the ocean. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be good for capturing marine life activity. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph seals, elephant seals, and marine birds. During whale season, opportunities to photograph whales are abundant. Always maintain a respectful distance. TikTokInstagram+1

Generally, photography is allowed, but always be mindful of private property and avoid intrusive photography of individuals without permission. Reddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hermanus New Harbour is a fantastic destination for families. The chance to see whales, seals, and other marine life is incredibly exciting for children. TikTokInstagramReddit+1 Activities like bay tubing offer active fun, and the abalone farm tours can be educational. Instagram+1 Pack snacks and drinks, and consider booking shorter whale watching trips suitable for younger attention spans. The harbour's relatively compact size makes it manageable for exploring with kids. Reddit

🎣 Anglers and Fishing Enthusiasts

For those who love to fish, Hermanus New Harbour offers unique opportunities. Experiencing night fishing for squid is a highly recommended activity, providing a thrilling and memorable adventure. Reddit You can also observe local fishermen and learn about their techniques. While specific fishing charter information isn't detailed, the harbour is a working fishing port, suggesting potential for local knowledge and access. Reddit

🌊 Wildlife Enthusiasts

Hermanus New Harbour is a paradise for wildlife lovers, especially during whale season (June-November). Witnessing Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, and Bryde's whales is a bucket-list experience. TikTok Beyond whales, the harbour is frequented by seals, elephant seals, penguins, and various seabirds. InstagramReddit+1 Even outside whale season, the marine life and coastal birds offer constant opportunities for observation and photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Whale Watching: The Star Attraction

Hermanus New Harbour is world-renowned for its land-based and boat-based whale watching opportunities. The primary species you'll encounter are the Southern Right Whales, which migrate to these sheltered waters to calve and nurse their young. The peak season runs from June to November, with sightings often peaking in September and October. Many visitors opt for boat tours departing directly from the New Harbour, offering closer encounters with these gentle giants. You might also be lucky enough to spot Humpback Whales and Bryde's Whales during this period. TikTok

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. InstagramReddit

Culinary Delights at the Harbour

Hermanus New Harbour is not just about marine life; it's also a destination for seafood lovers. The Rock Restaurant is frequently praised for its excellent sushi and fresh seafood, offering a delightful dining experience with ocean views. Instagram For those craving calamari, Burgundy Restaurant is a local recommendation, known for its grilled Patagonian calamari tubes with a peri-peri sauce. Reddit

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. Reddit

Beyond Whales: Activities and Local Life

While whale watching is the main draw, Hermanus New Harbour offers other engaging activities. For the adventurous, bay tubing provides family-friendly fun on the water. Instagram If you're interested in local aquaculture, the abalone farm tours offer a fascinating glimpse into sustainable farming practices. Instagram The harbour is also a hub for local fishermen, and experiencing night fishing for squid, where locals use bright lights to attract their catch, is described as a thrilling and unique activity. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit+1 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. Reddit

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