Day Trip To Arniston
Arniston is a quaint, seaside town where visitors come to relax and watch time go by.
Arniston is home to fishermen who have gone about their business quietly with limited interruptions from the outside world. From whale watching to fishing in the Overberg, Arniston is the best place to enjoy these activities and more!
Where time stands still…
The town is called Arniston after the hospital/transport ship of the same name sunk in 1815. The HMS Arniston carried roughly 378 passengers, mostly wounded soldiers, women and children. It hit a reef travelling from Sri Lanka to England, only 6 passengers survived.
However, today the “dorpie” is a much loved holiday destination. Here you will find untouched and unspoiled beaches, stretching for miles. Arniston beach with its white 
sand and emerald waters would have anybody believing that they were in Greece. The water is warm and clear, perfect for a swim! Pack goggles and snorkels into your beach bag and snorkel in the bay.
Visit Kassiesbaai, a national heritage site. Here you will find a 200-year-old fishing village. The whitewashed buildings with their thatch roofs make for a beautiful site against the contrast of the turquoise waters. In Kassiesbaai you will also 
find a vibey eatery and craft store called Willeen’s Arts and Crafts. The restaurant serves traditional South African delicacies such as pickled fish, pie and bobotie.
For a bit of an adventure, you can go down to the Waenhuiskrans Cave, explore the depths of the cave at low tide only. The name Waenhuiskrans means “Wagon House Cliff”. The cave is so big that a wagon drawn by oxen can turn around in it, according to locals!
The De Mond Nature Reserve lies close by and avid hikers are encouraged to visit and hike the many routes in and around the area. The De Mond to Arniston Trail follows the coastline to the Waenhuiskrans Cave. There are historical landmarks along the way which include stone wall traps that were constructed by the Khoisan. The Sterna Trail in De Mond winds through the fynbos areas and over the Heuningnes River suspension bridge and into the coastal forest.
De Hoop Whale Trail is one of South Africa’s ultimate hiking routes. The trail is 5 days long. The 54 KM trail takes visitors through the De Mond Nature Reserve, over spectacular dunes offering magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and providing those with perfect whale watching opportunities. Another hiking trail in De Mond is the Klipspringer Trail which leads its way through the Potberg Mountain range. The route boasts the only breeding flock of Cape Vultures in the Western Cape.
For a break, head to the Arniston Hotel and Spa. The restaurant focuses mainly on seafood and Malay flavours. The seafood is sourced fresh from the boats in the harbour each day. Dinners can either sit on the outside patio or in the hotel dining room, both sport breath taking views of the Indian Ocean. For the ultimate in relaxation, book a spa treatment at the Ginkgo Spa at the Arniston Hotel. They have an extensive spa menu and the service is spot on!
Outdoorsmen will love the fishing in Arniston. The Arniston Hotel can advise you on all the best fishing spots in the area and book fishing expeditions. Please let them know if you require bait and tackle before hand.
Arniston is also another fantastic spot to do Whale Watching in the Overberg. The clear water makes spotting the whales a whole lot easier. Viewing is at its peak during September and October.
For more information contact the Suidpunt Tourism Bureau: +27 (0)28 424 2584
Find peace and quiet in Arniston!
| More info on the town of Hermanus |
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