Only 1½ hours from Cape Town is the charming town of Hermanus. Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December, as well as a host of diverse marine life throughout the year, and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or from the shore. There is even the opportunity to cage dive with sharks. The history and natural beauty of the Overberg region has a year-round charm that is rich and full of life, with many museums and a large number of national parks, nature reserves and conservancies.