Jacobs Bay (Jacobsbaai)

• Province: Western Cape
• West Coast
• Coordinates:32°58′0″S 17°53′25″E
• Area: 3.43 km2
• Municipality: Saldanha Bay

Jacobs Bay is a small coastal settlement on the West Coast of the Western Cape, about 20 km north of Velddrif and 160 km north of Cape Town. It lies along the R399 and borders the Berg River estuary, with nearby towns including Dwarskersbos to the south and Elands Bay to the north. The area is primarily residential and holiday-focused, with easy access to beaches, fishing spots and the West Coast National Park.

History of Jacobs Bay

Jacobsbaai is a small town that was founded on farmland originally registered as 109 Jacobsbaai. It was named after the Frenchman Jacques Titius. He was a colonial trader on the West Coast.
It is a quiet settlement where the sand roads keep motorists driving slowly in town. The town has just 2 kilometres of coastline, which incorporates 5 bays. Jacobsbaai is often referred to as Namaqualand by the sea. 

Jacobs Bay began to develop more significantly in the late 20th century when it became a sought-after location for holiday homes and tourism. The village’s unspoiled natural beauty and traditional West Coast architecture attracted visitors looking for a tranquil escape from the noise of urban life. Today, Jacobs Bay is known for its traditional West Coast style of building whitewashed cottages with thatched roofs using local rock, scenic views, and a slower pace of life.

Jacobsbaai has seven individual bays: Kwaaibaai, which is popular with surfers; Jacobsbaai, Smalbaai and Moerie se baai, which are great for launching boats from; and Bamboesbaai and Toothrock are used for diving and fishing.

The postal code for Jacobs Bay is 7379

Things to see and do in Jacobsbaai

• Five Bay Trail, between Paternoster and Jacobsbaai:

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

local WEATHER TODAY

Browse businesses and places to visit in jacobs Bay

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around

• Emergency Services

• Police: Saldanha 022 714 8333
• Ambulance:10177 022 714 4590
• Fire: West coast 022 433 8700

• Medical

• Closest hospital; West coast 022 719 1030
• Pharmacy;Saldanha 022 714 2201

• Municipal & Utilities

• Municipality-022 714 8000/ 022 701 7000
• Water:022 714 8000
• Electricity:022 714 8000

• Transport & Roads

• Traffic department:022 701 6900

• Community & Safety

• SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998

• Local Contacts and Community Resources 

• Post office; Saldanha 022 714 1109
• Library: 022 707 5030