Walk along the longest beach of Walker Bay

Grotto Beach lies east of Hermanus and stretches for more than 18 kilometres along Walker Bay – from the cliffs of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to the Klein River Lagoon Mouth. The beach has received multiple awards, is part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is known for its excellent water quality. It is the longest continuously walkable stretch of beach in the region.

You start at the official access point with car park, toilets and a small café. From here you can walk eastwards, past dune systems and fynbos-covered slopes. The firm sand is ideal for walking barefoot. In season it’s worth bringing binoculars: Walker Bay is a hotspot for watching southern right whales, which come here to calve.

Grotto Beach is a ten-minute drive from Hermanus. The best times for a walk are in the morning or late afternoon – there are fewer swimmers around, the light is softer and at low tide the beach is particularly wide. It also works well as the start of a full-day hike towards De Kelders.