HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA
(including GAANSBAAI)
GENERAL INFORMATION-Hermanus lies along Walker Bay on the south coast of the Western Cape.The town of Hermanus is only a 90 minutes drive (121 kms) from Cape Town heart of the Cape Whale Coast. Hermanus has developed from a rustic fishing village into one of the world’s best whale viewing and tourist destinations. Hermanus is a breeding ground for southern right whales. Hermanus offers visitors magnificent scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops, endless adventure options and a wide selection of restaurants and coffee shops. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve with over 1600 identified species of indigenous Fynbos has some stunning hikes, a mountain bike trail.It is also notable that Hermanus still boasts a historic railway station building without a railway line. To this day the locals still refer to it as "the village." The outdoor activities at Hermanus include cycling, kayaking, paragliding, scenic chartered plane flights, paint ball, horse riding, quad biking, golf, fly fishing, tree top sliding, scuba diving, canoe river trips, canopy tours, quad biking and horse riding. Hermanus also has facilities for tennis, squash, bowls and fishing. Hermanus is 40 km from Gansbaai, a famous spot where one can dive among the Great White Sharks.
https://insideguide.co.za/
Hermanus Wine-The Hermanus Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) wine route is the highlight on the Cape Whale Coast’s, explore the valley on a food and wine tasting extravaganza. The Hemel-en-Aarde winegrowers are situated on a 20 km-long meandering route (the R320). The Hermanus vineyards are home to some of the world’s top, award-winning wines and this is your chance to sample export quality reds, whites and rosé blends. Some of the Hermanus wine estates have tasting rooms with dining facilities. The Valley itself boasts over 15 renowned wine farms, most of which fall under the official Wine Route. The 15 farms include Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russell among more well-known names, as well as the Wine Village store where local wines can be purchased at leisure. These farms all offer their visitors a variety of renowned and award-winning wines that are usually paired with specialized canapés or accompany delicious dishes and desserts.Here, top chefs create meals using the region's fresh fish, creamy cheeses and organic produce that are served with perfectly paired wines. Those needing a thirst quencher can enjoy a pint of locally produced craft beer or sip a cocktail concocted with handcrafted Fynbos gin at one of the nightclubs and pubs in Hermanus.
Whale Watching-Rated as one of the top 12 whale-watching locations in the world by the World Wildlife Fund. Hermanus has set itself a reputation for the best land-based whale watching in the country, their advantage being the scenic clifftop walk along the shoreline, which allows the whales to
come in close. There are viewing terraces at the Old Harbour and Gearings Point is a popular spot. During the whale-watching season, a Whale Crier alerts watchers to the presence of whales by blowing on a kelp horn. The town holds a whale-watching festival every September. Well over 100 000 whale watching enthusiasts arrive just in the little Western Cape seaside village of Hermanus, during their annual September Whale Festival, for the best land-based whale watching in the world. Its 12 km’s of cliff paths stretch from the one side of the town to the other and give visitors the opportunity to observe these gentle giants. Benches are placed along the cliff paths providing a comfortable resting place to spot the whales. In some places, you can watch these amazing creatures from as close as five metres from the rocky cliffs. The luxury guesthouses are well positioned on the cliff edges, with many of them offering views of the whales from the comfort of your breakfast table.
Hermanus shallow, sandy coves and warmer, calm water provides whales with the ideal envoirment to start their reproductive cycle.Once in they come in relatively warm and calm waters, the whales then undertake the important task of mating and calving (giving birth). They do not eat while they are here; instead surviving on the ample blubber (fat) they have built up during their time in the south.
Southern Right whale are baleen whales. They can easily be identified by the massive callosities (wart-like looking bumps) on their big broad heads and massive tail flukes. They are usually a uniformly dark colour. They do not have fins on their backs. The easiest way to spot a SRW is by their V-shaped blow.
https://insideguide.co.za/
Hermanus Wine-The Hermanus Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) wine route is the highlight on the Cape Whale Coast’s, explore the valley on a food and wine tasting extravaganza. The Hemel-en-Aarde winegrowers are situated on a 20 km-long meandering route (the R320). The Hermanus vineyards are home to some of the world’s top, award-winning wines and this is your chance to sample export quality reds, whites and rosé blends. Some of the Hermanus wine estates have tasting rooms with dining facilities. The Valley itself boasts over 15 renowned wine farms, most of which fall under the official Wine Route. The 15 farms include Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russell among more well-known names, as well as the Wine Village store where local wines can be purchased at leisure. These farms all offer their visitors a variety of renowned and award-winning wines that are usually paired with specialized canapés or accompany delicious dishes and desserts.Here, top chefs create meals using the region's fresh fish, creamy cheeses and organic produce that are served with perfectly paired wines. Those needing a thirst quencher can enjoy a pint of locally produced craft beer or sip a cocktail concocted with handcrafted Fynbos gin at one of the nightclubs and pubs in Hermanus.
Whale Watching-Rated as one of the top 12 whale-watching locations in the world by the World Wildlife Fund. Hermanus has set itself a reputation for the best land-based whale watching in the country, their advantage being the scenic clifftop walk along the shoreline, which allows the whales to
come in close. There are viewing terraces at the Old Harbour and Gearings Point is a popular spot. During the whale-watching season, a Whale Crier alerts watchers to the presence of whales by blowing on a kelp horn. The town holds a whale-watching festival every September. Well over 100 000 whale watching enthusiasts arrive just in the little Western Cape seaside village of Hermanus, during their annual September Whale Festival, for the best land-based whale watching in the world. Its 12 km’s of cliff paths stretch from the one side of the town to the other and give visitors the opportunity to observe these gentle giants. Benches are placed along the cliff paths providing a comfortable resting place to spot the whales. In some places, you can watch these amazing creatures from as close as five metres from the rocky cliffs. The luxury guesthouses are well positioned on the cliff edges, with many of them offering views of the whales from the comfort of your breakfast table.
Hermanus shallow, sandy coves and warmer, calm water provides whales with the ideal envoirment to start their reproductive cycle.Once in they come in relatively warm and calm waters, the whales then undertake the important task of mating and calving (giving birth). They do not eat while they are here; instead surviving on the ample blubber (fat) they have built up during their time in the south.
Southern Right whale are baleen whales. They can easily be identified by the massive callosities (wart-like looking bumps) on their big broad heads and massive tail flukes. They are usually a uniformly dark colour. They do not have fins on their backs. The easiest way to spot a SRW is by their V-shaped blow.
Some good spots along the cliff paths include:-
Some Locations of whale sighting in the world -
1-Vancouver Island, Canada March-April (grey); May-September (orca)
2-Québec, Canada June-Sept
3-Húsavik,Iceland May-September
4-Monterey’s Marine Sanctuary&
Baja California, Mexico February-April
5- Azores,Porugal Year-round (sperm), late March-early June (blue, fin, sei)
6-Kaikoura,South Island, New Zealand Year-round (sperm); June-July (humpback); December- March (orca)
7-Mirissa and Galle,Sri Lanka January-April
8-Hermanus, South Africa July-Nov; May-Dec (humpback)
i-Hermanus Whale Watching Tours by Southern Right Charters-Known as the "Riviera of the South". Southern Right Charters offers boat-based Hermanus whale watching tours from the New Harbour in Hermanus, the Capital of the Cape Whale Coast, and operates within the local waters of Walker Bay, one of the best whale watching areas in the world. The boat based whale watching trip is from 1hr 30m – 3hrs maximum. It depends on traveling time to the whales on that trip; the time spent with them is the same. The duration of the trip is normally average at 2 hours. Tour depart daily at 9h00, 12h00 and 15h00 from the New Harbour in Hermanus. Arrival time is 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the on-land safety briefing led by our whale specialist guide. For private charters and group bookings the additional trip time of 06h30 or 17h00 can be requested dependent on time of year.
Whale Watching Trip-The permit entitles to approach the whales up to 50m and then we stop to observe, it is then up to the whales to approach closer. Being naturally curious, the whales often come right up to the boat. The whale-watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran.Then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’
Whale Watching Hermanus Prices- Adults-R900 (Enquire about our discount rates for groups of 10 or more.)
Address-Southern Right Charters
The Whale Shack. New Harbour. Hermanus
Corner of Westcliff Drive & Stil Rd
http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/whale-watching-trip/
ii-Hermanus Whale Watching Tours by The Hermanus Whale Cruises –The Hermanus Whale Cruises Whale Watching Trips depart from the New Harbour in Hermanus and last two hours. The boats are allowed to remain in position alongside the whales for up to 20 minutes.Snacks and mineral water and soft drinks are served during the trip.
The Boat-The whale watching boat seats 87 passengers and takes a crew of 5. There is a top viewing deck that seats 28 passengers, while the front viewing deck seats 7.
Departure Times:- 09:00 - 12:00 - 14:00 - 16:00
The operating period is from June to December.
Rates- Adults R 800.00
Get Your Own Dvd Of The Trip For R100.
http://www.hermanus-whale-cruises.co.za/
- The Old Harbour (in town)
- Gearing’s Point (may seem a bit touristy but it’s definitely one of the best spots)
- Kraal Rock
- Sievers Punt
- Kwaaiwater
Some Locations of whale sighting in the world -
1-Vancouver Island, Canada March-April (grey); May-September (orca)
2-Québec, Canada June-Sept
3-Húsavik,Iceland May-September
4-Monterey’s Marine Sanctuary&
Baja California, Mexico February-April
5- Azores,Porugal Year-round (sperm), late March-early June (blue, fin, sei)
6-Kaikoura,South Island, New Zealand Year-round (sperm); June-July (humpback); December- March (orca)
7-Mirissa and Galle,Sri Lanka January-April
8-Hermanus, South Africa July-Nov; May-Dec (humpback)
i-Hermanus Whale Watching Tours by Southern Right Charters-Known as the "Riviera of the South". Southern Right Charters offers boat-based Hermanus whale watching tours from the New Harbour in Hermanus, the Capital of the Cape Whale Coast, and operates within the local waters of Walker Bay, one of the best whale watching areas in the world. The boat based whale watching trip is from 1hr 30m – 3hrs maximum. It depends on traveling time to the whales on that trip; the time spent with them is the same. The duration of the trip is normally average at 2 hours. Tour depart daily at 9h00, 12h00 and 15h00 from the New Harbour in Hermanus. Arrival time is 30 minutes before departure for check-in and the on-land safety briefing led by our whale specialist guide. For private charters and group bookings the additional trip time of 06h30 or 17h00 can be requested dependent on time of year.
Whale Watching Trip-The permit entitles to approach the whales up to 50m and then we stop to observe, it is then up to the whales to approach closer. Being naturally curious, the whales often come right up to the boat. The whale-watching trip begins with an on-land briefing led by a whale specialist guide before heading down the jetty to our catamaran.Then set off from the Hermanus New Harbour in search of the ‘gentle giants.’
Whale Watching Hermanus Prices- Adults-R900 (Enquire about our discount rates for groups of 10 or more.)
Address-Southern Right Charters
The Whale Shack. New Harbour. Hermanus
Corner of Westcliff Drive & Stil Rd
http://www.southernrightcharters.co.za/whale-watching-trip/
ii-Hermanus Whale Watching Tours by The Hermanus Whale Cruises –The Hermanus Whale Cruises Whale Watching Trips depart from the New Harbour in Hermanus and last two hours. The boats are allowed to remain in position alongside the whales for up to 20 minutes.Snacks and mineral water and soft drinks are served during the trip.
The Boat-The whale watching boat seats 87 passengers and takes a crew of 5. There is a top viewing deck that seats 28 passengers, while the front viewing deck seats 7.
Departure Times:- 09:00 - 12:00 - 14:00 - 16:00
The operating period is from June to December.
Rates- Adults R 800.00
Get Your Own Dvd Of The Trip For R100.
http://www.hermanus-whale-cruises.co.za/
GAANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA
GANSBAAI-Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world, it is at 165-kilometre (103-mile) and is only a 2 and 15 minutes scenic drive from Cape Town and from Harmanus is only 43kms. This marine wonderland is the closest place in the world where you can safely see these apex predators in their natural environment.Gansbaai is situated in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches of Pearly Beach, you will find one of the most unique and astonishing land-based whale watching spots in the area. It is known for its dense population of great white sharks and as a whale-watching location. The main tourist attraction in Gansbaai since approximately 1995 has been cage diving with great white sharks. It has also become a popular whale-watching spot for the southern right whale. The southern right whale can be seen in large numbers, especially from the rocky shores of De Kelders on Walker Bay. This is also the site of an old whaling station. The lookout platform and the steps leading to it are still standing. Today whales are protected in South Africa.
For Shark Cage Diving-The boat launches from Kleinbaai, only 12km from the coastal fishing village of Gansbaai, on an exhilarating 20-minute boat ride to where one will start looking for the first sharks. During the summer months, the sharks keep close to shore and during winter, they move to Shark Alley, a nearby channel created by two islands.
Attracting the Great White-The process of attracting the Great Whites to a vessel and its cage begins with “chumming”. This is the creation of a chum slick or odour corridor aimed at guiding the sharks to the boat. Chum consists of minced tuna meat, mashed sardines and fish oil which is mixed with sea water in a drum aboard the boat. It’s a potent smelling mixture which is then ladled back into the sea to create a chum slick which drifts slowly away from the boat. Then, pieces of fish are attached to a float and a rope and pulled away from the sharks. The South African cage-diving industry is not allowed by law to feed the sharks, and although the intention is to use the bait solely as a lure, it does get taken on occasion.
The dive-Just as soon as there are fairly active sharks are seen in the area, the cage is lowered into the water. The diving cages are designed to float and are made of a sturdy galvanized steel mesh protruding above the water’s surface to allow the divers to come up at any time. A lid prevents sharks from slipping in at the top and the use of surface air supply or SCUBA is optional. The cage floats on the surface and is moored right next to the boat, so the diving is quite safe. No diving experience is required, and air is pumped in from the boat, enabling those in the cage to breathe from an extended hose. Divers are never more than 1 metre below the surface. The dive length depends on the level of shark activity as well as the temperature of the water. Weather permitting, everyone on board is given a chance to go into the cage. Visibility is between 4m to 6m on average, but may exceed 15m on a clear day.
For Shark Cage Diving-The boat launches from Kleinbaai, only 12km from the coastal fishing village of Gansbaai, on an exhilarating 20-minute boat ride to where one will start looking for the first sharks. During the summer months, the sharks keep close to shore and during winter, they move to Shark Alley, a nearby channel created by two islands.
Attracting the Great White-The process of attracting the Great Whites to a vessel and its cage begins with “chumming”. This is the creation of a chum slick or odour corridor aimed at guiding the sharks to the boat. Chum consists of minced tuna meat, mashed sardines and fish oil which is mixed with sea water in a drum aboard the boat. It’s a potent smelling mixture which is then ladled back into the sea to create a chum slick which drifts slowly away from the boat. Then, pieces of fish are attached to a float and a rope and pulled away from the sharks. The South African cage-diving industry is not allowed by law to feed the sharks, and although the intention is to use the bait solely as a lure, it does get taken on occasion.
The dive-Just as soon as there are fairly active sharks are seen in the area, the cage is lowered into the water. The diving cages are designed to float and are made of a sturdy galvanized steel mesh protruding above the water’s surface to allow the divers to come up at any time. A lid prevents sharks from slipping in at the top and the use of surface air supply or SCUBA is optional. The cage floats on the surface and is moored right next to the boat, so the diving is quite safe. No diving experience is required, and air is pumped in from the boat, enabling those in the cage to breathe from an extended hose. Divers are never more than 1 metre below the surface. The dive length depends on the level of shark activity as well as the temperature of the water. Weather permitting, everyone on board is given a chance to go into the cage. Visibility is between 4m to 6m on average, but may exceed 15m on a clear day.
Dyre Island-Across the bay, there is Dyer Island, widely regarded as the best spot in the world to view the Great White Shark.Dyer Island is the largest of a group of islands about 5 miles (8.0 km) offshore from Gansbaai-Kleinbaai Harbour. It is named after Samson Dyer, Polynesian seaman, an emigrant from the USA to the Cape Colony in 1806.Dyer Island, is the breeding ground of the African Penguin, cormorants and other sea birds.The 20 hectare island is rather flat and pebbly, lacking much sand. Once home to a huge colony (25 000 pairs) of African penguins, today it has about 50 000 penguins and a huge gathering of seabirds.Dyer Island is a nature reserve and cannot be accessed by the public.It is also considered by Birdlife South Africa as one of the 101 Important Bird Areas in the country. It is the easternmost island of a chain of seabird havens along the Western Cape.
Geyser Island- It is a smaller island nearby, and is home to around 60,000 Cape fur seals.They use the passage of sea between the Dyre Island and the Geyser Island to find their food.The seals are, in turn, fed upon by great white sharks. In winter in particular this alley lives up to its name as thousands of seal pups venture into the water.
Shark Alley- It is the passage between these islands that, attracts the Great White and has become known as ‘shark alley’. This Alley is famous for shark cage diving, and one of the biggest tourist attractions.This is home to the densest known population of Great White Sharks in the world.The waters around these islands have become a feeding ground for the endangered species, which has fueled the rise of shark cage diving from Kleinbaai’s Harbour. Fortunately, the area around Dyer Island has been declared a nature reserve and only boats with permits granted by the Department of Nature Conservation may enter the vicinity.
i-Dyer Island Cruises from Gaansbaai- Dyer Island Cruises is a premiere boat-based whale watching company located in Kleinbaai. Whether whale watching is a once in a lifetime dream or part of a life-long passion.
The "Marine Big 5" experience, where we hope to find whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and African penguins. Departing from Kleinbaai Harbour (12kms) near Gaansbaai which is 2.5 hours and drive from Cape Town, this tour offers cruises to Dyer Island, which is located 8km from the shore.During the two-hour trip, one will see a variety of bird species, including African Penguins, as well as Cape fur seals. The guides know where all the best whale-viewing spots are and have even catalogued seeing the same whales year after year. The peak season is from July to December, and southern right whales are pretty much guaranteed between August and November.
a-Marine Big 5 Tour Self Drive-Time Slots- 07:00-09 09:00-11: 11:30-14:00 14:00-17:00
Rate-R1,290
Purchase of video footage R200.00
b-Marine Big 5 Tour - Hermanus Return-
Time Slot- 07:00-09:00 09:00-11:30 11:30-14:00
Rate-R1,740
https://www.whalewatchsa.com
https://www.whalewatchsa.com/#gallery
ii- Shark Cage Diving & Viewing Trip by White Shark Diving Company–
Destination: Arrival at White Shark Diving Co at 9Kusweg, Kleinbaai Harbour, Gansbaai.
Duration: 1 day Price: - R2, 050
Adult divers:-R2, 050 Non-divers (viewing on board):-R1, 750
Transport: -R450 (Round trip=2x165 kms or 2hrs 15 mts.) from Cape Town.
We limit the number of passengers to 22 people per trip in order to provide a more exclusive experience.
Trip and Transport times-
iii-Shark Dive & Whale Watching Boat Trip-Two boat-based excursions at sea, creating one extraordinary adventure as sharks and whales share the same waters. This day trip offers the unique opportunity to join both a thrilling shark cage diving and viewing trip as well as a boat-based Whale watching trip for sightings of these majestic oceanic giants.
Destination: Gansbaai
Duration: 1 Day - Seasonal package (June – December 2019)
Price: R3,050
Adult divers and non-divers:-R3,050
https://www.sharkcagediving.co.za/tour/shark-dive-whale-watching-boat-trip/
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA
Geyser Island- It is a smaller island nearby, and is home to around 60,000 Cape fur seals.They use the passage of sea between the Dyre Island and the Geyser Island to find their food.The seals are, in turn, fed upon by great white sharks. In winter in particular this alley lives up to its name as thousands of seal pups venture into the water.
Shark Alley- It is the passage between these islands that, attracts the Great White and has become known as ‘shark alley’. This Alley is famous for shark cage diving, and one of the biggest tourist attractions.This is home to the densest known population of Great White Sharks in the world.The waters around these islands have become a feeding ground for the endangered species, which has fueled the rise of shark cage diving from Kleinbaai’s Harbour. Fortunately, the area around Dyer Island has been declared a nature reserve and only boats with permits granted by the Department of Nature Conservation may enter the vicinity.
i-Dyer Island Cruises from Gaansbaai- Dyer Island Cruises is a premiere boat-based whale watching company located in Kleinbaai. Whether whale watching is a once in a lifetime dream or part of a life-long passion.
The "Marine Big 5" experience, where we hope to find whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, and African penguins. Departing from Kleinbaai Harbour (12kms) near Gaansbaai which is 2.5 hours and drive from Cape Town, this tour offers cruises to Dyer Island, which is located 8km from the shore.During the two-hour trip, one will see a variety of bird species, including African Penguins, as well as Cape fur seals. The guides know where all the best whale-viewing spots are and have even catalogued seeing the same whales year after year. The peak season is from July to December, and southern right whales are pretty much guaranteed between August and November.
a-Marine Big 5 Tour Self Drive-Time Slots- 07:00-09 09:00-11: 11:30-14:00 14:00-17:00
Rate-R1,290
Purchase of video footage R200.00
b-Marine Big 5 Tour - Hermanus Return-
Time Slot- 07:00-09:00 09:00-11:30 11:30-14:00
Rate-R1,740
https://www.whalewatchsa.com
https://www.whalewatchsa.com/#gallery
ii- Shark Cage Diving & Viewing Trip by White Shark Diving Company–
Destination: Arrival at White Shark Diving Co at 9Kusweg, Kleinbaai Harbour, Gansbaai.
Duration: 1 day Price: - R2, 050
Adult divers:-R2, 050 Non-divers (viewing on board):-R1, 750
Transport: -R450 (Round trip=2x165 kms or 2hrs 15 mts.) from Cape Town.
We limit the number of passengers to 22 people per trip in order to provide a more exclusive experience.
Trip and Transport times-
- WSDC operates 1 to 3 cage diving trips per day, with trip meeting times ranging from early morning to midday.
- The duration of the excursion from your time of arrival at our premises to your time of departure is approximately four and a half hours.
- Boat ride to the dive site (approximately 15 to 20 minutes).
- Cage is dropped at the diving site and guests are allocated diving gear.
- Guests take consecutive turns in the 8-man floating cage for an up close and personal experience with Great Whites and other amazing species of Sharks and Rays.
- Shark activity takes place on and just below sea level. No scuba gear or diving certification is required as the free-floating cage is attached to the side of the boat. Sharks are extremely sensitive to vibrations caused by air supply and the breath-holding method is the most effective way of enjoying close encounters with sharks.
- The time spent at sea from launch to return to the harbour is approximately 2 – 3 hours, and the exact dive/cage time as well as the number of dive sessions differ from day to day, depending on shark activity and sea conditions.
- Bring your own towel as we are deeply committed to all conservation efforts during the current water crisis and will have minimal towels available.
- Video footage of your trip available for purchase.
- When making your booking, please ensure that you have the full day available for this excursion as we cannot guarantee start or finish times in advance.
- Travel time from Cape Town is roughly 2.5 hours.
- If you opt to make use of our transport service, collection times will be confirmed on the day prior to your trip.
- The final/24 hour weather and sea report will be reviewed on the day prior to the dive and the trip time schedule and subsequent transport pick-up times will be advised via e-mail on the day before the dive.
iii-Shark Dive & Whale Watching Boat Trip-Two boat-based excursions at sea, creating one extraordinary adventure as sharks and whales share the same waters. This day trip offers the unique opportunity to join both a thrilling shark cage diving and viewing trip as well as a boat-based Whale watching trip for sightings of these majestic oceanic giants.
Destination: Gansbaai
Duration: 1 Day - Seasonal package (June – December 2019)
Price: R3,050
Adult divers and non-divers:-R3,050
https://www.sharkcagediving.co.za/tour/shark-dive-whale-watching-boat-trip/
PRESENTED BY - V.P.GUPTA