Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

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The Hermanus New Harbour is now central to whale watching, tourism cruises, and marine conservation activities. (Image adapted). © suemtravels

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

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 7 in 3 units

^FromR 2275

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

House on Westcliff

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

0.4km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

House 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.

Sleeps 21 in 7 units

^FromR 825

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Anchor's Rest

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

0.5km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Anchor'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.

* Rates may vary according to season

On The Cliff Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

0.9km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

On 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.

Sleeps 8 in 4 units

^FromR 450

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Norfolk Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

1.5km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Norfolk 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.

* Rates may vary according to season

The Potting Shed Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus

1.7km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

The 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.

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 1000

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Fig Tree Cottage

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus

2.6km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Fig 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.

Sleeps 8 in 3 units

^FromR 1000

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Brown Jug

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus

2.7km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Brown 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.

Sleeps 14 in 7 units

^FromR 1675

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Sandbaai Country House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai

2.9km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Sandbaai 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.

Sleeps 108 in 15 units

Bayview 104

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

3.3km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Bayview 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.

* Rates may vary according to season

Bayview 303

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus

3.3km from Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape

Bayview 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.

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