Hermanus is renowned as one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. The Southern Right whales start arriving in Walker Bay from June and stay until beginning December. The peak whale season, when sightings are virtually guaranteed on a daily basis, is during September and October. Calving season is August and September.

Hermanus even has 'the world's only whale crier', Wilson Salukazana, who blows a horn made of sea bamboo to tell people that whales are in view. He will answer the questions of every eager tourist. The whales seem to appreciate an audience and provide spectacular entertainment.

The Whale Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the Southern Right whales that come to Walker Bay to mate and calve. For ten days each September and October, Hermanus is transformed as thousands of visitors from all over the country arrive to enjoy the arts and environ-experience of the Whale Festival. The Whale Festival has become one of the major events on the South African cultural calendar.

The Whale House situated at the Old Harbour Museum provides information to visitors by means of articles, drawings, photographs, displays, audiovisual presentations and an exciting exploratory room where hands-on participation will be encouraged.

The Old Harbour Museum contains several exhibitions that explain the whaling history of Hermanus and displays part of an impressive whale skeleton. The museum also has a hydrophone attached to a sonar buoy in the bay that transmits whale sounds; the equipment also allows visitors to watch and hear the whales at the same time.

De Wet's Huis Photo Museum is situated on the Market Square above the old harbour. It is a little stone building housing an interesting photographic collection of historic events of the village in the past. Copies can be bought as souvenirs.

The annual Easter Passion Play staged in the old harbour on Good Friday, depicts the life of Jesus Christ from birth to crucifixion, with the cliff walls of the harbour providing the stage. An estimated 7 000 people attended the 2000 show.

Township Tours offer visitors the opportunity to visit a traditional Zwelihle township. Enjoy Xhosa singing and dancing, a traditional meal and African beer and buy some local handcrafted goods.

Many artists have established themselves in Hermanus and surrounding villages of Onrus and Vermont. Potters and painters, sculptors and master chefs, jewellery designers and writers all add to a whole new dimension to your visit to Hermanus. The Onrus Gallery displays masterpieces done by famous artists. The Windsor Gallery in Mainrd Hermanus focuses on promoting the work of local artists. Visitors will discover several other studios and shops, when exploring the side streets.

The Lemm's Corner Craft Market is transformed every weekend into a bustling marketplace as local crafters present visitors with all kinds of goods. All products are handmade and unique. In addition to paintings, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, carpets, hand-painted linen, African curios and clothing, there is also an interesting collection of homemade foods on sale.

The Hemel-en Aarde Valley offers wine lovers an opportunity to treat themselves to unique wine tours. Several acclaimed wines have been produced in the valley over the last few years. The Bouchard Finlayson estate, Whalehaven Wines, Hamilton Russel Vineyards, Cape Bay and Sumaridge is open to the public for wine tastings. All the wines from the Valley are available at the Wine Village. It has the most comprehensive collection of internationally acclaimed white and red South African wines in the largest wine shop in South Africa.