Hermanus Beaches
Grotto Beach
Grotto beach is a pristine Blue Flag beach that stretches for 12 kilometers – a perfect beach for long walks and flying kites. This is one of the most popular beaches among holiday makers because of the facilities available and because it is so vast that it is never overwhelmingly crowded – even in peak holiday season. Facilities at Grotto beach include: Dutchies restaurant, a play park, excellent ablution facilities, ample parking and barbeque facilities.
La Gratitude is situated a stones throw away from Grotto Beach. This is one of the original Hermanus holiday homes and the ideal spot for a self-catering family holiday in South Africa.
Voëlklip
Voëlklip is a small beach that also has excellent ablution facilities. It’s the beach to go to if you like being by the seaside but aren’t too crazy about sand because it has large stretches of lawn above the beach. Voëlkip beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers.
Langbaai
This is, as the name suggests, a long beach in a secluded cove at the foot of the Hermanus cliffs. Langbaai is considered to be the ‘secret’ beach of Hermanus as it is tucked away and not well sign posted. There are quite a few steps to get onto the beach which can make things difficult for those with very small children, elderly people or anyone who has a penchant for taking loads of equipment to the beach.
Kammabaai
Kammabaai, also known as Nanny’s Beach, is a family favourite. This beach has excellent surfing, as well as wonderful rocks to climb and a few hidden coves and rock pools. Inexperienced surfers must check with locals about the tide. The current can be quite strong at times and there is a trick to getting out into the surf. There are picnic spots and barbeque sites under the Milkwoods and basic ablution facilities.
Sandbaai
The Sandbaai beach is a good beach for sunbathing and quick cooling dips. There are a lot of rocks so it isn’t really a beach to go to for swimming or surfing. Sandbaai beach is best for snorkeling, exploring and shell collecting. It is dotted with rock pools full of marine creatures and swimming is safe at low tide. There are changerooms and showers.
Onrus Beach
This is also a favourite for families because of the safe swimming the lagoon provides. Onrus beach is popular with local body boarders and surfers. There are shower facilities, a little shop and an outstanding restaurant, The Milkwood, overlooks the beach and provides take-aways and light meals.
Breakfast Bay
This little beach in Vermont provides a perfect setting for picknicking. Flanked by high dunes, the beach is sheltered and a nice place for the sunbather and popular with sandboarders.