St Helena Bay

St Helena Bay

st helena bay

THE BAY OF MANY BAYS 

Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current, it is one of the world’s prime fishing areas and its water provide a valuable livelihood to many locals.

The main harbour at Sandy Point bustles with activity and shipbuilders and fishermen rub shoulders as they go about their daily work.

During the 15th century, navigators seeking the route to the East explored this shoreline in search of fresh water, most notably being Vasco da Gama who landed here in 1497 and named it Bahai da Santa Elena.

Imposing granite boulders provide a stunning backdrop to the town and beautiful, unspoilt and long white beaches hug the shoreline; walkers and beachcombers delight in exploring the area.

Endemic Heaviside’s dolphins, as well as dusky and common dolphins visit the bay in search of food, and the calm waters give shelter to the southern right whales that come to mate and calve in the second half of the year. Humpback and killer whales are also frequent visitors.

St Helena Bay is a birdwatcher’s paradise and being at the southern most point of the migratory route from Europe and the Steppes of Russia makes it a must-visit spot for twitchers.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...

Jacobsbaai

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAI

NATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS 

A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both picturesque and unique. This hamlet is just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town up the R27 and hugs the coast between Saldanha and Paternoster.

Locals call Jacobsbaai ‘Namaqualand by the sea’ for its spring wildflower tapestry that follows the coastline. Sun, sea, sand, and stars are all plentiful in Jacobsbaai, which attracts those seeking solace, peace, and calm. There’s just one restaurant, one tiny cafe and the roads are still gravel in the hamlet.

Jacobsbaai is well known for its abundant crayfish and is popular amongst fishermen in search of local fish species. The hamlet actually comprises seven little bays, each with a distinct personality.

The bay’s unusual name is from the 1800s when ships dropped off their sick to be quarantined here before reaching Cape Town.

A 17-km hiking trail runs between Swartrietbaai and Tietiesbaai nearby, and boardsailing and kayaking are also popular along this stretch of coastline.

 

The natural fynbos surrounding Jacobsbaai supports a variety of wildlife including jackal, duiker, steenbok and tortoise. Birding is popular here too – for buzzards, kites and eagles, while southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted along the coast. In spring the landscape transforms into a riot of colour, with daisies and wild flowers adorning the hamlet of Jacobsbaai all the way to the sea.

If it’s peace, beauty and natural attractions you seek, that’s what Jacobsbaai is built on.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...

Vredenburg

Vredenburg

VREDENBURG

A RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE 

A relaxed blend of business and pleasure.

Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh drinking water, it was named Twisfontein (‘Quarrel Spring’) and later Prosesfontein (‘Lawsuite Spring’) because the rights to it cause so many disputes between two neighbouring farmers. Water is a scarce commodity on the West Coast, so water rights were highly coveted.

Peace finally reigned when the now pale pink Dutch Reformed Church in the main street was built not far from the disputed spring. The town was promptly renamed Vredenburg, or ‘Peaceful Town’, which is the way

it’s been ever since.  Vredenburg is the commercial hub for the surrounding farming community, and it’s a place to shop, catch a movie or a meal out.

Surrounded by fynbos, wheat fields and dairy and sheep farms, the town has all the modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience on a West Coast holiday.

The West Coast Mall – with panoramic views over Saldanha Bay – has dozens of shops, including restaurants and coffee shops, as well as speciality stores selling everything from craft materials to sports equipment.

In the town, there’s a popular golf course, a gym and even dancing classes on offer, or paintball for the kids.

Importantly, Vredenburg – just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town – is ideally situated as a base from which to do day trips to the surrounding areas on the West Coast. Within 20 km of Vredenburg are both the West Coast Fossil Park and the long, white beaches of Paternoster with the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve nearby.

In easy striking distance are Langebaan and the West Coast National Park for wildlife and flora. Jacobsbaai is close by, and St Helena Bay just a short drive away – and all offer the finest natural West Coast attractions, unspoiled beaches and extreme beauty.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...

Paternoster

Paternoster

PATERNOSTER

AN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARM

The oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life here is closely connected to the sea, with fishermen heading out in colourful traditional wooden boats to catch snoek in winter and crayfish in summer. Visitors can buy their fish fresh of the boats as they come into shore.

Meaning ‘our father’ in Latin, Paternoster is watched over the stoic Cape Columbine lighthouse. It stands tall and white in the nature reserve with the same name, and which extends all the way along the rocky coastline to include quirkily named Tietiesbaai. The reserve is a favourite camping ground for summer holidaymakers who want to be close to nature and the water’s edge.

About 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, Paternoster epitomises an authentic and traditional West Coast lifestyle, and local people are well loved for their humor, generosity, and hospitality. Surrounded by fynbos, wheat fields in winter, and wildflowers in Spring, Paternoster is also a favourite amongst snorkelers, experienced divers, kite surfers and flyers, hikers, bikers and kayakers. Virtually all year there are whales and dolphins to watch, and bidring is excellent for endangered black oystercatchers and over 200 other species.

talented local artists live and work here too, their painting, sculpture, pottery, and photography on exhibition at various galleries and shops in the village.

Foodies will also be spoilt for choice with renowned chefs presiding over excellent restaurants, some right on the beach. Sunsets over the sea long walks on the 8 km long, white, sandy beach of Langstrand, seal and penguin watching, evening fires and seafood braais are just a few of Paternoster’s enticing attractions. Or climb the lighthouse for a panoramic view over the village and beyond.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...

Langebaan

Langebaan

LANGEBAAN

WATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOON

Almost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan paradise for water sports lovers – particularly kite surfers, wind surfers, kayakers, yachtsmen, water skiers and fishermen. The tidal mud flats of the lagoon also attract thousands of migratory birds every year, and resident species are prolific and include greater and lesser flamingos. 

The world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers also occurs in the area. Langebaan is an internationally acclaimed Ramsar Site for its importance as a wetland.

The picturesque, modern town borders onto the scenic West Coast national Park, which may not have the Big Five but does have the Slow Five: tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles Eland, wildebeest, hartebeest, bontebok, springbok, kudu and mountain zebra can also be seen mostly in the Postberg section of the park. This section is open during August and September, to show off its rainbow coloured spring flower carpets, often with wildlife grazing amongst them.

Game viewing in the West Coast National Park on bicycle is a popular activity too. The oldest known footprint of a modern human – Eve’s Footprint – was also discovered in the park on the banks of the Langebaan Lagoon in 1995. The fossil footprint is dated at about 117 000 years old.

Called the ‘jewel of the West Coast’, Langebaan is an easy hour’s drive from Cape Town and the bustling town has attractions for the whole family.

The natural attractions lure outdoor lovers in droves, while unique beach restaurants, abundant seafood and shopping for curios, crafts or clothing entice others. 

 

Adults can also be entertained at the casino at Club Mykonos, while there is lots on offer for children. There is golf at the Country Club, horse riding on the beach and relaxing spa treatments are also on offer.

Close to the town, at Langebaanweg, is the West Coast Fossil Park – the only fossil park in South Africa. It’s home to the ancient Big Five that once roamed this area.

The remains of Africa’s only bear have also been discovered here, along with the fossils of 200 other species. Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of a fossil dig and hunt for their own fossils, and there is biking, hiking and horse riding through the park.

Relaxed or adrenaline fuelled, all extremes of entertainment and activity – or not – are easily found in Langebaan, where nature lives in harmony with modern life.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...

Hopefield

Hopefield

HOPEFIELD

FYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY 

Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast. Just 120km from Cape Town and inland from Langebaan, it lies at the heart of the arid Sandveld, with the Zoute River running through it.

As the West Coast’s oldest town, it’s not surprising Hopefield has an old world atmosphere too. Its origins date back to 1851, when farmers donated money to build the majestic whitewashed Dutch Reformed Church – and the century old organ is still played on Sundays.

Hopefield has a year round natural fynbos display, and is also renowned for its vibrant and indigenous spring daisies that appear after winter rains during August and September. Added to the over 500 different species of fynbos that naturally occur here, this area is an Eden for botanists and flora lovers. Fine fynbos honey is also produced here.

Every August, the popular Hopefield Fynbos Show depicts the breathtaking and diverse flora of the region. To see indigenous flora at ground level, hikers can walk the Langrietvlei and Helderwater trails on farms near the town. Fossils excavated from Elandsfontein, near Saldanha Bay, are on display n a small fossil museum at the Visitor Information Centre in the main street.

A replica of the hominid skull Saldanha Man – also called the Saldanha Skull or Elandsfontein Skull – can be seen here too. Further along, the street is an example of an intriguing Hartebeeshuisie, one of the traditional reed houses for which the area is well known.

Fynbos, fossils, honey and traditional homesteads are just the beginning of Hopefield’s unique attractions.

St Helena Bay

st helena bayTHE BAY OF MANY BAYS Eighteen bays, stunning sea views and sparkling surf make St Helena Bay a very special destination. Fed by the...

Jacobsbaai

JACOBSBAAINATURAL THEATRE AND SECLUDED BAYS A rugged, rocky coastline with small, sandy bays tucked in between make the landscape of Jacobsbaai both...

Vredenburg

VREDENBURGA RELAXED BLEND OF BUSINESS AND PLEASURE A relaxed blend of business and pleasure. Vredenburg was established around a spring of fresh...

Paternoster

PATERNOSTERAN HISTORIC FISHING VILLAGE WITH OLD WORLD CHARMThe oldest fishing village on the West Coast, past and present meet in Paternoster. Life...

Langebaan

LANGEBAANWATER SPORTS, WADERS AND  WILDLIFE ALONG A TURQUOISE LAGOONAlmost year round sunshine, safe waters and reliable winds make Langebaan...

Hopefield

HOPEFIELDFYNBOS AND FOSSIL COUNTRY Surrounded by delicate fynbos and waving green wheat in winter, Hopefield is an historic town on the West Coast....

Saldanha

SALDANHASOUTH AFRICA'S LARGES NATURAL HARBOUR Set on the noth side of a massive bay, the town of Saldanha is a holiday hot spot for water sport...