The Marine Hotel

The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay in the Western Cape’s Overberg region, this Small Luxury 'Hotels of the World' property is the ultimate location for whale watching during whale season – most often directly from the comfort of the sea view bedrooms.

The 10 Premier Suites offer views over the gorgeous ocean vista surrounding the hotel. Two of the Premier Suites also boast views from private balconies. Each Premier Suite encompasses a separate lounge with a flat-screen TV, Satellite TV channels and DVD Player. A beautifully decorated bedroom with an en-suite bathroom is made all the more comfortable with air-conditioning throughout. In addition, two of the Premier Suites include a fireplace – the ultimate home accessory during chilly winter nights.

The Luxury Double Rooms with Sea Views are perfectly positioned for watching pods of dolphins and whales as they swim in the bay below. The panoramic views over Walker Bay have inspired the décor of each of the rooms, with blue featuring as a dominant colour. A comfortable seating area makes for the perfect vantage point for spotting the gentle giants below while enjoying a glass of wine. In addition, several of the rooms feature a balcony with breathtaking views of the ocean. King size beds, spacious en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning throughout ensure the ultimate comfort.

The Double Rooms at The Marine all offer stunning décor and uncompromising style. Each of these comfortable guest rooms comes with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning, as well as a king-size bed – which in some rooms can also be converted into a twin bed. In addition, several of the Double Rooms open out onto private balconies.

Overlooking South Africa’s most pristine whale sanctuary, The Marine offers guests the opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. That is not all, however – the hotel also provides the perfect base from which to explore and enjoy a host of other activities. The Marine is only a stone’s throw from one of the greatest densities of the famous, endangered Great White Shark, as well as Cape Agulhas and the Winelands. From nature walks, hikes and mountain bike trails, to arts & crafts and festivals & markets, you can expect an exciting, invigorating holiday for the whole family.

About Hermanus

The picturesque village of Hermanus is situated in the Overberg region, an easy drive of about 140 km from Cape Town. Greater Hermanus stretches from Fisherhaven in the west to Voëlklip in the east. The town centre, surrounding the historic Old Harbour, overlooks Walker Bay.

Hermanus lies between a range of mountains and the sea, offering residents and visitors a unique taste of the natural splendour of the Western Cape. From July to November, magnificent whales visit Walker Bay to give birth and copulate. The highly popular Cliff path was built along the coast to allow walkers an excellent view of these giant mammals basking and frolicking in the bay.

Hermanus is home to the only whale crier in the world. During the July-December season, the whale crier blows a code on a kelp horn to indicate where whales have been spotted, directing visitors towards the best vantage point.

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers the entire mountain behind the town, providing for spectacular walks among the visual feast that is the unique fynbos floral kingdom.

Golfers can swing their way around the 27-hole course at Hermanus Golf Club while admiring the imposing mountains. For the adventurous, there are activities such as scuba diving, surfing, boardsailing, sea and river kayaking, paragliding and shark-cage diving.

The climate in Hermanus is Mediterranean with most of the rainfall in winter and long sunny days in summer. The town has all the necessary businesses and retail outlets conveniently situated with a wide variety of restaurants to cater for all tastes and budgets.

Activities in and around Hermanus

• Shark cage diving in Gansbaai
• Golfing at Hermanus and Arabella
• Whale Watching (land and boat-based)
• Craft market
• Hiking
• Diving in Old Harbour
• Scenic drives
• Paragliding
• Wine tasting