Day 14: to wrap up our trip, we returned to Hermanus for our final 6 nights in SA. We arrived just on time to head out to the Rock Restaurant in the new harbour to watch the sunset and enjoy some seafood. The view is just wow, truly spectacular, especially as the sun goes down.
Day 15: Hermanus whale lookout, Marine tidal Pool and Grotto beach
What a fantastic day we had, swimming in a natural pool (Marine – the old harbour tidal pool) and in the Atlantic (at Grotto Beach), both in the same day!
I expected the Marine tidal pool to be man-made, but looks like I was wrong.
The Marine Tidal Pool in Hermanus isn’t man-made in the usual sense.
It began as a natural depression in the coastal rock along the cliffs of Walker’s bay where seawater collects and is refreshed by the tides. Over time, locals recognised it as a safe swimming spot. The pool wasn’t a single “build project” but a gradual enhancement of a natural feature.
Day 16: Stony Point Penguin Colony, Spookfontein
Stony Point Penguin Colony is a protected coastal breeding site for African penguins on the edge of Bettys Bay. You can get very close and observe this endangered species at close range on land via raised boardwalks (less touristy than Boulders Beach).
Current estimated wild African penguin population (2024–2025): ~8,000–10,000 breeding pairs (≈ 16,000–20,000 individual adult penguins)
⚠️ Classified as Endangered with 5% of original population remaining (1M + in early 1900s). .
Our first stop after seeing the penguins was Spookfountain for wine tasting and lunch.
To wrap up the day we stopped at Bientang’s Cave is one of the most unique wine bars ever —literally built into a natural cave right on the ocean’s edge. The restaurant is set into a coastal cave carved into the cliffs of Hermanus. Ocean right below you: Waves crash just meters away—sometimes you’ll feel the sea spray. Whale watching hotspot: During season (June–Nov), you can often spot whales 🐳
You know it aaall! 