Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape
Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape
The Hermanus New Harbour, located along the famed Whale Coast, serves as both a vital commercial and recreational hub. Established in the early 1950s, the harbour was built to accommodate the town’s growing fishing industry and to replace the older, smaller Old Harbour, which had become inadequate for the demands of modern seafaring. Its strategic location along Walker Bay also made it a perfect base for marine activities, especially those related to the region’s flourishing tourism sector.
In the early days, Hermanus was primarily a small fishing village, and the Old Harbour, established in the late 19th century, served the local fishing community. As the town expanded and the fishing industry developed, the need for a larger, more modern facility became apparent. Construction of the New Harbour began in the 1950s, providing a safe and functional space for larger vessels, including commercial fishing boats and later, tourism-related craft.
Over the years, the New Harbour has evolved from a purely industrial space into a vibrant mixed-use area, catering to both local fishermen and visitors keen on experiencing Hermanus’s famous marine offerings. It is now central to whale watching, tourism cruises, and marine conservation activities.
Purpose and Activities at the Hermanus New Harbour:
Whale Watching:
Hermanus is globally renowned for being one of the best land-based whale-watching destinations, and the New Harbour plays a crucial role in this. During the whale season (June to November), boat-based whale-watching tours depart from the harbour, offering close-up encounters with Southern Right Whales, Humpbacks, and Bryde’s Whales.
Fishing Industry:
The harbour still serves as an operational base for the local fishing community, supporting commercial fishing activities. Fresh seafood, particularly fish and calamari, can often be seen unloaded at the docks.
Marine Tourism and Cruises:
Beyond whale watching, the harbour is the departure point for eco-marine tours, sunset cruises, and shark cage diving expeditions, showcasing the rich marine biodiversity of Walker Bay.
Dining and Leisure:
The New Harbour is home to seafood restaurants and cafés where visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced cuisine while overlooking the ocean. Popular spots include The Gecko Bar, which offers spectacular views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Contact details for the Hermanus New Harbour:
Hermanus Tourism Office: +27 28 312 2629
Whale Watching Operators: Available at the harbour for bookings
Address: Westcliff Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Location: -34.43415342751512, 19.225013084243074
Accommodation Near Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
0.4km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeHouse on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
0.5km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeAnchor's Rest offers the option of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, 120Km from Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
0.9km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeOn The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Norfolk Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.5km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeNorfolk Guest House offers accommodation on a limited self catering or room-only basis in Hermanus, and is ideally situated within easy walking distance to all the amenities and a stones throw from the cliff path, famous for unforgettable whale viewing. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.7km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeThe Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fig Tree Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
2.6km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeFig Tree Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast. situated in the quiet suburb of Eastcliff, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hermanus village centre, yet conveniently close enough to leave your car... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
2.7km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeBrown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandbaai Country House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai
2.9km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeSandbaai Country House offers quality accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Sandbaai, in the Hermanus area in the Overberg / Whale Coast region. Expect the very best at this residence, from luxury bedrooms to quality service and fine cuisine. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
3.3km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeBayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
3.3km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western CapeBayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus (0.17km)
- Dreunkrans - Cliff Jumping in Hermanus (1.33km)
- Fick's Pool - Hermanus, Western Cape (1.50km)
- Whale House Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.17km)
- Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.17km)
- Old Harbour Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.23km)
- Hermanus Tidal Pool - Hermanus, Whale Coast (2.57km)
- Hermanus Country Market - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.12km)
- Fernkloof Farmers Market - Hermanus, Garden Route (3.24km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.66km)
- Hermanus Golf Club - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.71km)
- Sandbaai Beach & Coastal Path - Sandbaai, Hermanus (3.84km)
- Onrus Beach - Onrus, Overberg, Whale Coast (4.89km)
- Langbaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.53km)
- Kalfiefees Hermanus Arts Festival - Hermanus (5.64km)
- Kammabaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (5.78km)
- Voelklip Beach - Hermanus, Overberg, Whale Coast (5.96km)
- Davies' Tidal Pool - Onrus (6.08km)
- Cliff Path - Milkwood Forest, Hermanus (6.30km)
- Jan Rabie Tidal Pool - Onrus, Western Cape (6.47km)
