 Adventure and festivities are the order of the day. We look at shark cage diving and whale watching whilest enjoying the comforts of Abalone Guest House in Hermanus. Just to top it off, there's more information on the Whale Festival held in Hermanus. I hope you enjoy this newsletter.
Grant du Toit
“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” ~James Michener |
Swimming with Sharks
Diving into the icy ocean with Great White Sharks is one of the most thrilling experiences in the world today. If you like to play it safe, you can opt to be lowered a meter into the sea within the safety of steel cage, and watch the giant predators glide silently right by your nose.
South Africa has a wealth of shark spotting areas from Gansbaai to Simonstown. There are many tour operators operating in these areas offering excellent trips out. Some do combination tours which include watching a shark breach and then afterwards going down into a cage for a close-up encounter.
What a lot of people don’t know is that there are several illegal ‘cowboy’ boats who advertise shark breaching trips. These operators upset the delicate eco-system by indiscriminately ‘chumming’ the water and by cutting through the shark’s natural path of predation. Fines are steep and by going with an illegal operator you not only run the risk of injury but also a cancelled trip and money lost.
Speak to us about arranging a tailor made trip with a trusted and experienced eco-friendly operator. We can arrange a full day excursion starting with a wholesome breakfast in some of the most beautiful natural locations on earth. We will advise you about the right time of year for every venue as well as what you need to bring with (such as motion sickness tablets) and what you may expect from the adventure.
From May to October is also a great time for whale watching when the Southern Right Whales arrive in South African coastal waters on their migration from Antarctica. You may also spot an array of other marine life including dolphins, seals, penguins and birds.
The Hermanus Whale Festival is held annually from 24-27 September to celebrate the return of the Southern Right whales to the waters of Walker Bay, and the arrival of Spring. The little coastal village is turned into a huge outdoor market selling home-made arts and crafts. Musicians and comedians entertain the crowds, but the whales are always the main attraction.
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Exploring the Garden Route on horseback
Few things are as exhilarating as riding a horse through foamy white waves, with the sun in your face, and the wind in your hair. The Garden Route is famous for its long, golden beaches which may be explored by horseback under the trained eye of a tour guide.
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Nocturnal Quad Bike Tours
South Africans and quad bikes are like curry and rice; like Nelson Mandela and peace… Durban and surfers… Awesome quad bike tours and routes are found in abundance all along the Garden route.
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Point, a landmark beachfront position midway between the town and the beautiful white beaches of Hermanus. 
Bosch. Esias' son Anton Bosch who specializes in pottery bowls made all the hand basins in all the bathrooms. Both Esias and Anton Bosch's works are seen as collectors' items. 
