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.

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.

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.