Gearing's Point Hermanus
A scenic coastal viewpoint in Hermanus, famous for whale watching and featuring unique outdoor art installations along its cliff path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
Gearing's Point Hermanus
Best Time
Peak whale watching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal viewpoint in Hermanus, famous for whale watching and featuring unique outdoor art installations along its cliff path.
"Gearing's Point is a lovely place to walk and take in the ocean views, especially during whale season!"
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting whales further out in Walker Bay. Don't miss a moment of the action!
Art Installations 🎨
Enjoy the FynArt sculptures along the path. They add a unique cultural touch to the stunning natural scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whale Watching Spectacle
Walker Bay
Witness majestic Southern Right Whales breaching and playing in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife encounter.
FynArt Sculptures
Gearing's Point
Admire a collection of impressive outdoor art installations that add a unique cultural dimension to the scenic coastal path.
Cliff Path Promenade
Gearing's Point to Old Harbour
Stroll along the well-maintained wooden walkway, offering breathtaking views of Walker Bay and the rugged coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Whale Watching Wonders
Art & Scenic Strolls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting whales further out in Walker Bay. Don't miss a moment of the action!
Art Installations 🎨
Enjoy the FynArt sculptures along the path. They add a unique cultural touch to the stunning natural scenery.
Parking Pointers 🚗
Parking can fill up quickly on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas.
Coastal Walk Comfort 👟
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the scenic cliff path and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Binoculars! 🔭
Essential for spotting whales further out in Walker Bay. Don't miss a moment of the action!
Art Installations 🎨
Enjoy the FynArt sculptures along the path. They add a unique cultural touch to the stunning natural scenery.
Parking Pointers 🚗
Parking can fill up quickly on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early or consider walking from nearby areas.
Coastal Walk Comfort 👟
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the scenic cliff path and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Whale Season Magic ✨
Visit between June and November for the highest chance of seeing Southern Right Whales.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Gearing's Point for its stunning ocean views, excellent whale watching opportunities, and the presence of interesting art installations along the well-maintained cliff path. It's considered a peaceful and beautiful spot, especially during whale season, and conveniently located near amenities. However, some find the area a bit uneventful if not during peak whale season or if expecting more than just scenic views and art.
"Gearing’s Point is a lovely place to walk and take in the ocean views. We were lucky to see a few whales, though they were a bit far out, binoculars definitely help! The lookout decks are well maintained and it’s a peaceful place to just sit and enjoy the sea. Worth a visit, especially during whale season!"
Kim K
"Beautiful view. Great shoreside spot for whale sightings. Walkway to explore further. Love the statues on display. Parking can get full quickly over weekends & peak season."
nadine matthysen
"I recently visited Gearing Point, and honestly, I found the place a bit boring. At the end of the road leading to the reserve, there's a barrier where you have to pay an entrance fee of 40 Rand to get in. I went ahead and paid the fee, hoping for something interesting inside. However, once inside, the experience didn't really meet my expectations. There wasn't much to see or do, and overall, the place felt quite dull. I wouldn’t personally recommend it unless you’re really interested in penguins or have extra time to spare"
RoOo7 KA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gearing's Point is easily accessible by car, located along the main coastal road in Hermanus. There is parking available, though it can get busy on weekends and during peak whale watching season.
While direct public transport to Gearing's Point might be limited, Hermanus has local bus services that can get you close to the town center. From there, it's a short walk or a quick taxi ride to the point.
Hermanus is typically reached via the R44 coastal road from Cape Town, offering scenic views along the way. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, Gearing's Point itself is a public access area and does not have an entrance fee for the walkway or viewing areas. However, some reviews mention a fee for a specific reserve at the end of the road, which might be a separate attraction.
Gearing's Point is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible at all hours. However, for safety and enjoyment, visiting during daylight hours is recommended, especially for whale watching.
While you can often spot whales from Gearing's Point itself, booking a dedicated whale watching tour is recommended for a closer experience. Tours can be booked in advance through various operators in Hermanus, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Gearing's Point, you can enjoy scenic walks along the cliff path, admire outdoor art installations, and most importantly, go whale watching from the shore.
Yes, Gearing's Point is renowned for its shoreside whale watching opportunities, particularly for Southern Right Whales during their migration season.
The area around Gearing's Point offers beautiful walkways and viewing decks. Nearby, you'll find cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient spot to spend time.
The cliff path is generally well-maintained and accessible for walking. However, some sections might be uneven, so comfortable footwear is advised.
While Gearing's Point is known for whale watching and art, some reviews mention penguins in a nearby reserve. Gearing's Point itself is not primarily a penguin viewing spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Gearing's Point is conveniently located near many of Hermanus's best coffee shops and restaurants, offering a variety of dining options with beautiful views.
While there aren't designated picnic areas directly at Gearing's Point, the scenic walkways offer lovely spots to enjoy a packed lunch with an ocean view. Remember to take any trash with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Gearing's Point offers fantastic photo opportunities, from dramatic ocean vistas and whale sightings to the unique FynArt sculptures
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and coastal landscapes. For wildlife, a telephoto lens is ideal for getting close-up shots of whales.
Yes, the western-facing views from Gearing's Point can offer beautiful sunset colors over the ocean, making it a great spot for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, and consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy on one of the many benches. The outdoor art installations can also spark curiosity and conversation. While there's no dedicated playground, the natural beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities provide ample entertainment.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
📸 Photographers
+1 provide diverse subjects. A wide-angle lens is perfect for the sweeping ocean views, while a telephoto lens is essential for capturing wildlife. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset often cast a magical light over the bay, making it a prime location for landscape and wildlife photography.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Whale Watching
For an even closer encounter, numerous boat tours depart from the nearby Old Harbour, providing an immersive experience with these gentle giants. Remember to bring binoculars, as whales can sometimes be quite far out.Art Along the Coastline
+2 These installations add a unique cultural dimension to the stunning coastal scenery, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for visitors. The sculptures are often part of annual art festivals or are permanent fixtures, making each visit potentially different. Walking the Cliff Path from Gearing's Point allows you to discover these artworks interspersed with breathtaking ocean views.+1Exploring the Cliff Path
It's an ideal route for a leisurely stroll, a brisk walk, or even a gentle jog. Along the path, you'll find numerous lookout decks and benches, perfect for pausing to soak in the scenery, watch for whales, or simply enjoy the fresh sea air.
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