Jacobs Bay (Jacobsbaai)

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

Jump to: History of Jacobs Bay |Things to See and Do in Jacobs Bay |Useful Numbers in Jacobs Bay

Jacobs Bay is a small coastal settlement on the West Coast of the Western Cape, about 20 km north of Velddrif and roughly 155 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

Jacobs Bay is a small town that was founded on farmland originally registered as 109 Jacobsbaai. It was probably named after the Frenchman Jacques Titius. Jacobsbaai has a street called Titius Street, and Tietiesbaai is also named after him. He was a colonial trader on the West Coast. Another theory is that the English king entrusted the piece of land to a local known as ‘Jacob.’
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 7 bays. Jacob’s Bay is often referred to as Namaqualand by the sea. 

During the early 1800s, companies competed for control of these valuable West Coast landing places. Stefan Bros secured long-term leasehold rights to several coastal farms, giving the company control over cargo landings along that stretch of coastline. The farm changed hands several times before being purchased in 1984 by advertising executive, author and poet Nic Tredoux. He developed the village using strict architectural guidelines that preserved its traditional whitewashed cottages and distinctive West Coast character. To protect its absolute tranquillity, the village has deliberately resisted commercialisation. There are no supermarkets, no petrol stations, and no flashing neon signs. Instead, the town relies on a handful of low-key local establishments

Jacobs Bay began to develop more significantly in the late 20th century, becoming 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.

The village has some of the strictest building codes in South Africa to preserve its traditional character. Every building must s adhere to the traditional West Coast vernacular architecture. This includes brilliant white walls,  pitched roofs, and  rugged stone chimneys

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

Just north of the village is Cape Columbine, the westernmost point of the Western Cape. The headland was named after the British barque Columbine, which was wrecked nearby in 1829.

Find a list of shipwrecks that occurred near Jacob’s Bay

The license plate prefix isfor Jacob’s Bay is CFG and the postal code is 7379

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Things to See and Do in Jacobs Bay

• Five Bay Trail, between Paternoster and Jacobsbaai:
• Jacobsbaai is well known for its abundant crayfish
• The beach is made up of 7 small bays, each with its own character
• Cape Colombine lighthouse

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

 

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Useful Numbers in Jacobs Bay

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