Grotto Beach in Summer Fick's Pool at Sunset Old Harbour

Summer time in Hermanus is associated with outdoor activities, blossoming fynbos that gives the hot air a sweet scent, sunblock and swimming and sandy shores and cold ocean water.

During the summer months Hermanus is known to become very hot and dry but luckily the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is right at our fingertips and offers a refreshing and relaxing escape from the summer heat. One of the many beaches found along our coast can offer you an ideal swimming location or you can take to one of our tidal pools for a calmer swim.

The Hermanus area also offers a variety of other water based activities and swimming areas, including the famous Three Dams at Fernkloof Nature Reserve. A short and slightly challenging hike up stony steps will take you to the wall of the first and largest of the dams, which hosts a ledge on which to picnic as well as a waterfall and rocky outcrops to enjoy. The water itself is cool and deep, giving you endless hours of enjoyment in this quiet and beautiful reserve. You might even encounter baboons along your trail, also trying to escape the heat.

For the more adventurous among us there are planned water-based activities that you can participate in, including white water rafting, lagoon and ocean kayaking, shark cage diving, whale watching (within season) and many more. Also, on cooler days you might find yourself wanting to explore inland, which can take you up into the Hemel en Aarde Valley and along its famous WINE ROUTE or up into the surrounding forests to experience the routes via a land-based tour or an adventure activity such as quad biking or paint balling.

Whilst all the aforementioned activities are both thrilling and memorable there may also be times when a more relaxed approach is preferable. On days such as these you could take a stroll through a market or plan to visit the vineyards along the wine route, taking your time at each venue to taste their wares and enjoy the scenery.

So, if you're ever wondering what to do in Hermanus know that there is a myriad of different ideas for you and the family to choose from, all within the Hermanus area.