The Marine
Hermanus, South Africa
At a Glance
Watch Whales breach from your window
Explore the beautiful rugged coastline
Enjoy the most spectacular Ocean views
Enjoy the nearby world class golf courses
Take a tour of their fabulous floating wine cellar
The most spectacular seaside Relais & Chataux property in the southern hemisphere
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Hermanus enjoys a moderate climate all year round. In peak summer season, from December to February, temperatures can climb as high as 34ºC, although winter temperatures can drop to as low as 4ºC. Generally, this season has many sunny days with high wind at times. During the winter months of June, July, and August, expect frequent rains and a couple of chilly evenings.
Insider's View
Head to the Sun Lounge cocktail bar just before dinner and watch the whales as the sun sets.
Grab some sundowners from your mini bar and go and sit on one of the hidden benches along the coastal path to watch the sun set
To start planning your vacation to The Marine
Description
The Marine is situated on a cliff in Hermanus and has some of the most spectacular sea views in the southern hemisphere. The Marine has 40 bedrooms and suites with views over the bay and the Overberg Mountains.
With understated luxury and sophisticated décor, the Marine Hotel comprises 40 luxury rooms and suites. Spectacular views out to sea can be enjoyed from your bedroom window, including some of the best land-based whale watching in the world (between July and November). Rooms feature elegant furniture, king size beds and luxurious ensuite bathrooms.
The hotel's spa is outstanding and features a steam room, dynamic hydro bath table for mud and gel body wrap treatments and a Vicci shower. Other facilities at the Marine include a heated salt water pool, boutique and various dining options serving sumptuous local cuisine, a cocktail bar and an extensive 'floating' wine cellar stocking some of South Africa's finest wines and spirits.
Enjoy coastal walks with exquisite views across Walker Bay, where there is nothing between you and the Antarctic, other than a few thousand miles of ocean. Other activities in the local area include Great White Shark cage diving, fishing, wine tours, hiking in the nearby Fernkloof Nature Reserve, birdwatching, scuba diving, snorkeling and some world class golf.
Accommodation
The Marine Hotel comprises 42 luxury rooms and suites. Spectacular views can be enjoyed from your bedroom window, including some of the best land-based whale watching in the world (July to November). Rooms feature elegant furniture, king size beds and luxurious bathrooms.
Childcare
Children are welcome at the Marine hotel although there are no specific facilities. There is plenty for them to do in the local area such as visits to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, the Elephant Sanctuary and Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a spa, a heated salt water pool, boutique and various dining options serving sumptuous local cuisine, a cocktail bar and an extensive 'floating' wine cellar stocking some of South Africa's finest wine.
Activities
The Marine Hotel offers complimentary whale watching, walking and use of the heated saltwater pool and tidal pool. Spa treatments are charged additionally.
Reviews
Sian Frost (Staff)
The hotel has a fantastic location right on the cliffs above the marine pool, which if your feeling brave you can have a dip in, alternatively stick to the hotel's pool! You are right next to the cliff path for a spectacular walk dipping in and out of hedgerows and popping out for amazing views. The rooms are large and well appointed but do request a sea view room!
Louisa Verney (Staff)
The location of this hotel is superb, right on the waters edge on a low cliff, with great sea views. If you are here for the whale migration (Jul to Oct) then you can view the southern rights from the hotel. An awesome sight.
Its a very well-appointed hotel and quite traditional in style. The rooms are decorated in light colors and blues to reflect the location by the sea. Pleasant as it is, there is not a huge amount to do in Hermanus outside the whale season but it is a great place to relax with a gorgeous sea view at any time of year. Also the weather is better outside the whale season, which is during the South African winter and spring.
I would recommend this more for slightly older couples and families.
Experiences
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Abseil Table Mountain
From 1,000 meters above sea level, let us take you through a thrilling abseiling experience with breathtaking views, all while keeping your pulse racing!
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Black Water Tubing - Green Route
Explore the beauty of Tsitsikamma's Plaatbos Nature Reserve through a fun combination of tubing and stand-up paddle boarding.
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Black Water Tubing - Red Route
For those who are thrilled with adventure, this is a unforgettable way to explore Tsitsikamma's Goesa Nature Reserve as you journey through beautiful forest and cliff sceneries which opens up to the spectacular Storms River Mouth.
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Boat Trip on Storms River
If you like to be on the water, then this boat trip will get you up close and personal to the stunning Storms River. Afterwards, walk through the forest to the suspension bridge.
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Coastal Cave Tour
Explore the fascinating coastal caves in the cliffs below Grootbos. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the history of human habitation going back in time to a period when the Stone Age people and Khoi bushman called the caves home.
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Flight over Walker Bay
Take-off from Grootbos' private airstrip for a magical flight over the Walker Bay area, from July to October enjoy incredible sightings of Southern Right Whales from the air.
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Fynbos Flower Safari
The Cape Floral Region has the highest concentration of plant species in the world. Staggeringly this recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site holds three times the diversity of species than the Amazon rainforest.
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Great White Shark Cage Diving
Great white shark cage diving is an experience like no other. To get up close to the ocean's number one predator in its natural environment is a humbling experience you will never forget.
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Horse Riding in the Cape
Enjoy exploring the dramatic landscapes of South Africa on horseback, an experience to be included on any visit.
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Paddle Up Storms River
If you like to be on the water, then this two to three-hour kayak adventure will get you up close and personal to the stunning Storms River. Afterwards, walk through the forest to the suspension bridge.
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Paragliding over Hermanus and Walkerbay
Take an unforgettable flight over Hermanus and Walkerbay with experienced and professional pilots. With easy take off and landing spots, all you need is a warm jumper and a sense of adventure!
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Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in the Southern Cape and is in the perfect location for anyone who wants to experience a one day, big game viewing experience along the Garden Route.
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Quad Biking at the Wineries
This route takes you through Hamilton Russel Vineyards & South Right wineries into the Fernklook Nature Reserve.
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Robben Island Trip
A short ferry ride from the V and A Waterfront in Cape Town is the famous Robben Island, a cultural must-do when staying in Cape Town, this trip gives an insight into South Africa's difficult history, as well as brilliant views across Cape Towns harbor.
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Robberg Peninsula Walk
The Robberg Peninsula is an outcrop of land from the western side of Plettenberg Bay. The Peninsula is now a nature reserve and a marine protected area which makes for spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna.
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Sandboarding & Quad Biking Adventure
Travel 45 minutes to the Atlantis white sand dunes for sandboarding, a lunch and a four-wheel quad biking.
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Sea Kayaking at Hermanus
An adventurous 2-hour sea kayaking experience as you paddle along the coastline with opportunities to encounter sea creatures.
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Sea Kayaking at Walker Bay
Explore the stunning coastline of WalkerBay and see some of its abundant marine life at close range. All of the guides are extremely experienced and after a short training session, you will head out to the Marine Reserve for a unique and fun experience.
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Seal Island
Seal Island, is a small island, around 200 meters in length and a 15-minute boat ride from Hout Bay. The island has become a breeding colony for around 6000 Cape Fur Seals and several operators offer daily trips to the island.
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Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Center at Plettenberg Bay offers guests a truly unique wildcat experience as they are taken on a guided tour of cheetah, leopard, serval, caracal and other wildcats, baboons and birds.
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Whale watching on the Western Cape
Southern right whales visit the Western Cape from about June to December every year. These beautiful gentle giants congregate to the shores of Hermanus all the way along the coast line towards Plettenberg Bay.
Location & directions
Hermanus, South Africa
The Marine is located on Marine Drive, perched on the cliffs overlooking Hermanus' Walker Bay. The Marine commands 360-degree view of the surrounding seascape and Overberg Mountains.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator