In August 1992 Pieter Claasen, then working at the Old Harbour, blew the kelp horn for the first time. The idea came from the tourism office: a visitor had complained that the whales of Hermanus were the best kept secret at the Cape, and Jim Wepener decided to change that. Hermanus has been the only town in the world with a Whale Crier ever since. The first of them was made an honorary town crier in England in 1996, and his successors have carried the job on.
- first horn in August
- 1992
- anywhere in the world
- the only one
- horn of dried seaweed
- kelp
- out on the seafront
- June to November
In season, June to November, the Whale Crier walks between the Old Harbour, Market Square and Gearing's Point and blows whenever a whale is sighted anywhere. A board with the signals hangs on him, a different one for each bay. Out of season he is not about. If you are looking for him, ask at the tourism office on Market Square; they know where he is standing.
- Time needed
- five minutes or an afternoon
- Cost
- free
- When
- June to November, during the day
- From the Old Harbour
- right there
Our tipWhen you hear the horn, do not walk to the Whale Crier. Walk in the direction he is pointing. The whale is there, not with him.
Whale Crier: common questions
When is the Whale Crier out?
In season, June to November, during the day, between the Old Harbour, Market Square and Gearing's Point. Not out of season. The tourism office on Market Square knows where he is standing.
What do the notes on the kelp horn mean?
Each bay has its own signal, and the board listing them hangs on the Whale Crier himself. When you hear the horn, walk in the direction he points, not towards him.
How long has there been a Whale Crier?
Since August 1992. Pieter Claasen blew the first horn, and the idea came from the tourism office. Hermanus is still the only town in the world with one.