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If you have a day or a month or anything in between
you'll find the perfect activities to enjoy. The selection of "things-to-do" is
nearly endless at the Marine and range from that relaxing spa, to sightseeing
to wine tours to your favorite sport to the thrill of paragliding or diving
on a shipwrecks. Here's a partial list of activities where felaxation, fun
and adventure await you:
- Whale and dolphin watching
- Air Charters
Available on request for special whale watching and scenic tours of the Walker Bay coastline.
- Arts and Crafts
The market at Lemms Corner on Saturday mornings provides a wonderful selection of handcrafted goods and artworks.
- Fishing Charters
The fisherman can take his pick - from rocky headlands, sandy beaches, off shore angling and lagoons, to trout fishing in the De Bos Dam.
- Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Wine Tours
The wine region lies in the Glen Vauloch Mountains on the outskirts of Hermanus. Treat your self to a unique wine tour amongst some of the southernmost vineyards in the world.
- Hiking and Fynbos Viewing
Fernkloof Nature Reserve, one of the six floral kingdoms of the world. Walk on paths that hug the coastline from the new harbour to Grotto beach.
- Beaches
Hermanus has kilometres of pristine beaches, tidal pools and sheltered coves, as well as excellent waves for the avid surfer.
- Bird Watching
A bird lover's paradise. A bird hide on the Klein River Lagoon offers glimpses of about 130 species.
- Old Harbour
A focal point of the village. Take a walk down memory lane with remnants of old fishing days and the World War 1 Memorial with canons astride. Perlemoen (Abalone)
- Hatchery
Researching the aquaculture of abalone, an edible marine mollusc, which is dived commercially, mass harvested and exported to the Far East. Daily Tours.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Divers may explore various reefs, the marine reserve and several wrecks along the coast.
- Sports
Hermanus Golf Club and Arabella Golf Estate boast world class golf. Bowling, squash and tennis are locally accessible. For the more adventurous - why not paraglide off the top of Rotary Way. Bicycles are also available for hire.
- Whale Watching
Hermanus boasts some of the best land-based whale watching in the world. Walker Bay has become the nursery and breeding ground of the Southern Right Whale from July to November.
- Danger Point
This dangerous, rocky peninsula extends about 8km out to sea and the lighthouse bears testimony to the danger it poses to passing ships. The notorious Birkenhead Rock, where the HMS Birkenhead met its fate, can be seen at low tide. Tours to the lighthouse and Birkenhead Memorial may be arranged on request.
- De Kelders
Well known for shore angling, Duiwelgat Hiking Trail and several caves of archaeological interest that has recently been excavated. The rocky beaches and awesome cliffs provide some of the best vantagepoints in Walker Bay for viewing the Southern Right whales.
- Dyers Island
This island, 6km off the Gansbaai coastline, was named after Samson Dyer, who resided on the island collecting guano (bird-droppings used for fertiliser), years ago. It is at present a breeding colony for Jackass Penguins and the waters around the island teem with abundant sea life, as well as the primary feeding ground of the endangered Great White Shark. Not far from Dyers is Geyers Island, a breeding ground for seals. Boat charters to Dyers Island depart daily from Gansbaai harbour.
- Onrus
Well-known artists and writers have settled here over the years, giving the area the status of an artist's colony. Visitors are welcome to go to the workshops and studios to see them in action or to purchase a special souvenir.
- Stanford
This is a peaceful country village on the banks of the Klein River just before it meets the sea in a coastal lagoon. Visit the charming English church, Stanford House and the Birkenhead Brewery.
- Betty's Bay
Quaintly named after the daughter of a property developer, this town is now home to a protected colony of Jackass penguins at Stoney Point. The awe-inspiring Harold Porter Botanical Gardens lie in the mountains behind the village, offering hiking trails and paths in the spectacular surroundings. The gardens are also home to the legendary Betty's Bay leopard and 60 bird species.
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