A Bit About the Whales Many visitors travel to Hermanus for the whale watching opportunities offered by this quaint coastal town. The type of whale that can be spotted in Hermanus is known as the Southern Right Whale. The origins of its name are a little unfortunate, as it was named by hunters who termed it the â€right’ whale to hunt because it’s a slow swimmer and its blubber makes it float even after being killed. The good news is that the Southern Right Whale population is now growing at a rate of about 7 percent every year, meaning that its population doubles every 10 years. These types of whales generally have dark grey bodies and massive heads, measuring up to a third of their bodies. Why Do the Whales Like Hermanus? Hermanus falls along the 2000 km’s of whale watching territory on the coast of South Africa that are ideal for the whales’ needs. The shallow waters and sandy bottoms offer a safe haven for mating, calving and nursing their young. Why Would You Like Hermanus? Hermanus offers a variety of ways to view whales and a large number of other activities to complement a whale watching holiday. There are a many coves, with charming smaller beaches that are connected by walk-ways running along the coast. This gives you the options of relaxing walks to view whales, or if that’s too much activity, you can always cuddle with a blanket and some wine on the beach or eat at the restaurant in the harbour while you peer out at the sea. If watching from the land keeps you too far away from the Southern Right Whale’s, you could also take advantage of the boat trips that are offered to take you out to sea. Experienced guides can chat you through a whale viewing experience, and bring you as close as is possible without actually disturbing the whales. The whale festival happens around the 25th of September for a week every year, when many flock to the town to spot the visiting whales. Other Activities In Hermanus Hermanus offers a variety of other charms. The town has become quite a popular tourist spot, without expanding too much. As a result there are a range of wonderful restaurants and shops to keep you busy on days when the whales are hiding. Various mountain trails and hikes offer some activity that could give you an entirely different view of the ocean as well, with walks in the Hermanus reserve proving particularly popular. While the town can’t claim to have a large number of options in terms of nightlife, there are a number of clubs and pubs to keep you entertained if you are that way inclined. Hermanus has an established history of being a whale watching spot and lovely vacation get away. The natural splendour and relaxed sea-side offerings are enough reason to go there, with the whales’ offering an extra bonus, albeit quite a large one!
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