Jaunted

We booked two nights at Hermanus Backpackers, a sunny hostel that's just a 10-minute walk from town and five minutes from the shore. The bar and internet access at this laid-back hostel operate on the honor system, breakfast is included in the R80 ($10) price tag and patrons pay when they leave instead of when they arrive. (They say this makes visitors feel more at home.)

The assistant manager hates Americans--and made every effort to remind us--but that doesn't seem to keep US travelers away. That's probably because Hermanus Backpackers offers the best deal on shark diving anywhere on the coast. Just R795 ($95) gets travelers a free night's lodging, breakfast and a morning cage dive with a former National Geographic cameraman and conservationist in shark-infested waters. Similar trips along the coast cost upwards of R1000 (and include far fewer perks).

Those with a fear of Jaws (or, like us, traveling on a shoestring budget) can still enjoy ocean-going wildlife from a safer distance. The cliffs of Hermanus offer spectacular views of whales and their young during August and September, and the Cliff Path provides an easy half-hour walk from the New Harbor to Old Harbor (where we recommend lunching at Harbor Rock for fresh seafood with a view).

The Backpackers offers sea kayaking for whale watching up close, but those who prefer to imbibe should try the second-story Café Havana. It offers a serious range of delicious cocktails with comfy couches and unobstructed ocean views.

Related Stories:
· Hermanus Backpackers [Official Site]
· South Africa Field Trip [Jaunted]
· South Africa Travel coverage [Jaunted]

Where: Hermanus, South Africa

Tags: South Africa Field Trip / Africa Travel / Sharks / Diving

by Jaunted