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.