Amys Visit to Africa – Hermanus Whale Watching

The last full day we had in Cape Town was to be one of our most interesting trips. A professional colleague of mine from Cape Town had offered to take us whale watching in Hermanus. Hermanus is east along the coast about 200km from Cape Town. The drive in was very scenic as the road followed directly along the ocean front. We had some great vistas, and even spotted a few whales from the car.

David wanted to show us one of his cherished hiking spots along the coast. There is a small rest camp in this mountain valley servicing a group of trails ranging in length. There was even a raging river flowing out into the ocean and a few local boys had planned a river rafting trip that same day.

Once in Hermanus we had a fantastic lunch at Bientang’s Cave Seafood Restaurant. The food was divine and my sister throught the wine was great too. I tried the local beer which was a bit sweet for my liking. The restaurant is actually built into the caves at the banks of the ocean. A little about Bientangs Cave Restaurant.

Bientang’s Cave Seafood Restaurant is situated on the shores of Walker Bay and is carved into the depths of a century old cave extending over the rocks almost to the water’s edge. It is in the heart of the best land-based whale watching area of the world and is a prime tourist attraction in one of the most beautiful Marine Reserves in the Western Cape, overlooking the only whale sanctuary on the African Continent.

Famous for our bouillabaisse soup and linefish grilled on open fire. At our oyster bar on the rocks you can enjoy fresh oysters and fine wine with the waves lapping at your feet.

Further along the coast, just near the restaurant, was a lovely little lagoon.

Sea kayaking, with the captain at the helm.

A nice, clean and rather friendly seagull paid us quite a bit of attention.

Thats David and I enjoying the view out to sea.

We saw many whales this day. Unfortunately the really active ones were waaaay out to sea. We could see them jumping, and flapping their tales in the air on occasion. It was really tough to get a proper picture. This is the best I got as a rather large whale cruised by about a 100 feet from shore.

Whale watchers. I was also taking in the beautiful backdrop. It was a really nice spot.

David had to get back into town so we made for the car. Well, maybe we better take a quick bathroom break before we hit the road. We made use of the bathroom and with a few minutes to spare Amy decided she wanted to feel the temperature of the ocean. I believe her exact wording was “I want to touch the ocean!!!! I want to touch the ocean!!!” So off she went towards the surf. It all looked fine and good from my perspective. Suddenly she was on her ass covered in surf, camera in hand, bag on back, screaming like a banshee. The currents are strong in these parts. The wave took her feet out from under her and she was down. Being the good brother that I am, I managed to snap this pick of her pulling herself out of the water. We had a great laugh. David didn’t seem to mind a wet sister in the back seat. Thanks for his patience! The camera was saved. I will never forget the look on the faces of the people on the beach as the girl who had so eagerly ran towards the ocean sloshed back to the car. It was utter shock!!!