Cape Town Coastal Areas

The outlying coastal areas surrounding Cape Town offer some of the most astounding marine life in the world.

These coastal regions will give you the opportunity to experience aquatic activities like no other! From whale watching to shark cage diving, fynbos walks to kitesurfing, deep sea fishing to sunbathing, this area has got it all.  

Whale Watching in Hermanus 

There is no better time for whale watching in South Africa than during breeding season (June to November), when the Southern Right Whales come in close to the shore to give birth to and nurture their young, and in doing so provide visitors with unmatched views of these gentle giants. Low cliffs line the sea in Hermanus allowing for excellent whale watching as visitors can get within metres of the whales and present excellent photo opportunities of them breaching and playing in the ocean. A variety of guest houses and boutique hotel accommodation … Read More

The outlying coastal areas surrounding Cape Town offer some of the most astounding marine life in the world.

These coastal regions will give you the opportunity to experience aquatic activities like no other! From whale watching to shark cage diving, fynbos walks to kitesurfing, deep sea fishing to sunbathing, this area has got it all.  

Whale Watching in Hermanus 

There is no better time for whale watching in South Africa than during breeding season (June to November), when the Southern Right Whales come in close to the shore to give birth to and nurture their young, and in doing so provide visitors with unmatched views of these gentle giants. Low cliffs line the sea in Hermanus allowing for excellent whale watching as visitors can get within metres of the whales and present excellent photo opportunities of them breaching and playing in the ocean. A variety of guest houses and boutique hotel accommodation on the whale coast is dotted along the cliff paths of Hermanus, allowing some superb views from the accommodation of your choice. For absolute luxury, try Birkenhead House or The Marine Hotel. For those looking for accommodation still overlooking the ocean but on a lesser budget, try Ocean’s Eleven or Abalone Guest House.

On a whale watching holiday in this town you'll often hear the sound of a seaweed horn being blown by the local whale crier, which signifies yet another whale sighting. It is not uncommon to lose count of the amount of whales you see in a day of whale watching in this glorious seaside town, an attraction no other town in the world can boast. Apart from whale watching you can spend your days here taking boat trips, kayaking, exploring the various hikes and beaches and once you've had you fill, a trip into the harbour for some freshly caught seafood is a must.

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai

For the more adventurous, a visit to Gansbaai will place you in the heart of Great White territory. Shark cage diving tours in South Africa is unrivalled in this area commonly known as Shark Alley. Shark cage diving is a safe yet terrifying way to come face to face with the most successful predator on earth. Nothing can quite describe the primal fear that surges through you as you witness the sheer power and finesse of the Great White Shark in its natural environment.

For the truly brave, view the sharks from the safety of a steel cage whilst diving face to face underwater with this primal predator.

Nature appreciation in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Situated between Hermanus and Gansbaai is the renown Grootbos Nature Reserve, where two different lodges cater for families and romantics alike. Here specialist guides lead 4x4 drives and walks through the fynbos and forests of the reserve (no Big-5 viewing). Activities at Grootbos includewalks along deserted beaches, horse rides, visits to archaeological and cultural sites, boat-based whale watching trips, as well as boat tours to a nearby seal island to view penguins, seals, dolphins and great white sharks.

Coastal sand dunes at De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve offers a complete outdoor experience - sea, sand dunes, the vlei, a floral sensation of rare fynbos plants and diverse antelope. Birders observe wading birds on the shores of the vlei while the Potberg Mountains are home to a colony of endangered Cape vultures. Hikers and cyclists have close-up encounters with bontebok, Cape mountain zebra, eland, red hartebeest, baboons and ostrich. Lazing on the beach and snorkeling in the many turquoise rock pools is simply another way to spend a rewarding day.

Deep Sea Fishing off False Bay

Cape Town waters are internationally renowned for excellent inshore and offshore fishing. The upwelling of the nutrient rich Benguella and Agulhas currents attract a great variety of fish species. Seasonality dictates fish species available, click here for a Cape Town fishing charter.

Watersport Extravaganza in Langebaan

One hour north of Cape Town is the Langebaan lagoon. A watersportsmans paradise offering easy learning conditions for most watersports, try your hand at kitesurfing, hobiecats, fishing or stand up paddleboarding. This makes for a great day trip from Cape Town, or for a longer stay, hire a seaside cottage  and relax in West Coast sunshine!

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