St Helena Bay – Colour Dots

Britannia bay beach

carynkaleido — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 12:11:16 +0000

Britannia Bay Beach has a pristine stretch of white sand and tiny shell-strewn nooks, with beautiful rocky areas. Swimming, diving and other water sports are very popular here. In the protected bay, you can see families of dolphins who frolic in the waves. The Southern Right whale can often be seen. With the right conditions, it is great for surfing and kite surfing. The small village and beach take their name from a British East Indiaman ship that was badly damaged by a reef in the bay. \ It was rediscovered in January 1998. T The wreck of the Britannia has been placed under the supervision of the Council for National Monuments. Example of an EastIndiaman ship Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Parking: Lots of free parking Lifeguards: No Surfing: Surf Report Swimming: Yes Fishing: Yes; see the illustrated guide to sea fishing Dog walking: Yes Ablutions: No Beach type: Protected Bay Picnic and braai: No Whale watching in season Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Cape St Martin lighthouse

carynkaleido — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:36:30 +0000

St Helena Bay was named “Bahia de Santa Helena” by explorer Vasco da Gama, after Saint Helena, a devout Christian and mother of Constantine the Great. He landed here on the 7th of November 1497, during his first successful circumnavigation of Africa. He stayed in the area for 8 days and took on fresh provisions by bartering with the local Khoisan inhabitants. The Cape St Martin lighthouse is a 10-metre-high triangular skeletal tower that has not been painted. The light is 2,000 candelas and was first lit on 12 December 1977 it flashes white or red once every 10 seconds and can be seen for 22 nautical miles. 32°42’53.9″S 17°55’15.7″E

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Castle beach

carynkaleido — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:29:33 +0000

Castle beach If you want to swim in the sea then Castle Beach is a great beach to visit in Pearly Beach. This Blue flag, white sandy beach is Well equipped, there are ablution facilities and showers at the main parking area for this beach. From the car park there is a wooden walkway that takes you straight to the beach. Dogs are allowed, Lifeguard services are available and the beach is Wheelchair accessible. This is a popular beach that tends to get crowded. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide There is a good chance of seeing whales from the shore during the calving season. Read about whales and dolphins here Forel Street Pearly Beach Check the sea temperature here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Route 27

carynkaleido — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:24:22 +0000

Route 27 is one of the most scenic road trips in South Africa, running from Cape Town along the West Coast to Langebaan, Paternoster, Velddrif, and Lamberts Bay. It stretches north along the coastline, passing through interesting historical towns, nature reserves, and fishing villages, all the way to Vredendal and beyond. Click on the Town names and see lists of things to see and do in the towns. Also, click the listings for other ideas of things to see, and a list of local businesses. Route highlights: Cape Town → Blouberg →West Coast National Park →Langebaan → Paternoster → Velddrif → Lamberts Bay. Best for: coastal drives, wildlife, beaches, seafood Distance: ~180–250 km, depending on the stops you choose Open the interactive route map HERE Unlike the more congested coastal routes, the R27 remains relatively traffic-free, even during the busy December holidays. It’s ideal for a Cape Town to Namibia road trip or a weekend getaway, with highlights in every season: wildflowers in spring, whale watching in winter, and beach escapes in summer. Seasonal Highlights on Route 27 Spring (August–September): Wildflowers across Darling, Yzerfontein, and West Coast Park Summer (December–February): Coastal activities, swimming, seafood Whale Watching (June–November): Especially around Saldanha and Langebaan Birdwatching The Western Cape is home to hundreds of bird species. For full identification and seasonal details, see this comprehensive Western Cape bird guide. Getting there .From Cape Town, take the N1 north, then the R27 off-ramp toward the coast. You’ll pass Woodbridge Island and the Milnerton Lighthouse. Continue past Blouberg, known for its long beaches, restaurants, and iconic views of Table Mountain. Route 27 Melkbosstrand is a relaxed beach town with excellent surfing, sunbathing and family-friendly rock pools. Lifeguards are on duty. Drive through the Blouberg Nature Reserve and Atlantic Beach Golf Estate. You will pass the Koeberg Nature Reserve, then the peaceful seaside village of Grotto Bay. Travel through the Grotto Bay Nature Reserve and into the Rondeberg Private Nature Reserve. When you get to the turnoff for the R315, you can take a right and a detour to visit the small town of Darling, known for its flowers, wine, beer, and art. Return to the R27 and pass through the Buffelsfontein Game and Nature Reserve. Yzerfontein is a small fishing village known for the 16 Mile Beach and lagoon. Birdwatching and hiking are popular in the surrounding biosphere. Stop at the Weskus Farm Stall just before the turnoff. It has a café, aviary, preserves, and the Yzerfontein tourism office. Turn left onto West Coast Gate Road to enter the West Coast National Park. This park is famous for: Wildflowers (best viewed in August/September), Birdwatching at the lagoon and Stunning long coastal walks Continue to Langebaan, known for a beautiful turquoise lagoon, sailing, fishing, kitesurfing, watersports, family-friendly beaches and great seafood. Stop at the Geelbek bird hides, and if the weather permits, there are great (safe) swimming places and picnic spots at Kraalbaai. Visit The West Coast Fossil Park. This National Heritage Site shows the region as it was during the Pliocene era, when sabre-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes and African bears inhabited the area. The next town is Saldanha Bay. This is a working harbour town built around the lagoon. It is also home to the Sishen-Saldanha iron ore terminal and a South African naval base. Things the town is famous for include great fresh fish restaurants, whale watching, bird watching and great water sports opportunities. Paternoster is next, it is one of the oldest fishing villages in South Africa, featuring whitewashed cottages and unspoiled beaches. Paternoster has some interesting restaurants, and plenty of holiday accommodation is available, including the well-known Tietiesbaai (Cape Columbine nature reserve), which offers camping and beach access. Sea kayaking is a popular activity, and the beaches are great for watching the sunset. Look out for the Cape Columbine Lighthouse.. The beach here is well known for seashells A bit further north is Velddrif and the Berg River. The R27’s first section officially ends here. Veldrif is well known for being the endpoint of the Berg River Canoe Marathon, which boosts local tourism. The town is also known for the salt pans. Look out for flamingos. The Velddrif –Vredendal connection isn’t tarred but is drivable on gravel roads. However, the rest of the route is mostly tarred and suitable for all vehicles. Follow the coastal road 110 km further up the coast, and you will reach Lamberts Bay. The drive takes about one and a half hours. Lamberts Bay is known for its fishing industry and its Cape gannet colony on Bird Island Nature Reserve. You will pass Elands Bay and Leipoldsville. From Lambert’s Bay, you can continue North to Vredendal, which is an important agricultural town in the Olifants River Valley. It is known as the gateway to Namaqualand. Visit nearby vineyards and wine farms, explore local farm stalls, and enjoy fresh produce. Then you can continue all the way to Namibia. The R27 continues beyond Vredendal as a second segment leading to Keimoes via Vanrhynsdorp, Calvinia, Brandvlei, and Kenhardt in the Northern Cape. Or turn inland, driving about 60 km on the R364 to visit Clanwilliam and do a circular route returning to Cape Town via Citrusdal, Piketberg and Malmesbury See Tips for road trips See some other scenic drives and road trips, and browse the complete Western Cape guide. 7 Driving and car hire in the Western Cape (article)

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Shelly Beach

carynkaleido — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:22:48 +0000

Shelly Beach is a secluded little beach and is a great place to go for a stroll and collect interesting shells and pebbles. The most spectacular sunsets can be enjoyed from the beach. Swimming is safe here and Surfing and Sailing are very popular. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Fishing and crayfish diving are also good. If you enjoy snorkeling you will enjoy Shelly Point. Close by are other attractions which include a 9-hole golf course and a spa, Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Stompneusbaai Beach

carynkaleido — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:34:56 +0000

Stompneusbaai beach is a little beach near St Helena Bay where the Stompneus fish is abundant. The crayfish industry started in this area in 1915 and there are many other fish processing plants here. The beach is great for birdwatching and shell collecting. Surfing, kayaking, hiking, and sailing are also popular. Views from the beach are spectacular and you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset from the shore. Shells can often be found on this beach, especially after winter storms and low tide. If you plan to collect shells, please follow local regulations and take only empty shells. Shell identification guide Check the tides here Best beaches in the Western Cape article

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Stompneusbaai lighthouse

carynkaleido — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 14:30:14 +0000

Stompneusbaai lighthouse is a beautiful structure situated at the southwestern end of St Helena Bay. It replaced an earlier wooden structure. This is not a traditional Lighthouse, but a Lead Light one. The area was bought to establish Shelly Point Estate and the owner who was a Lighthouse enthusiast built this structure. It is an 8-metre tall square masonry tower painted white with a lantern and a green dome. The focal plane is 11 meters. The light of 1,403 candelas flashes once every 3 seconds and can be seen for 10 nautical miles. There is a parking area on 14th Street. The walk from there to the lighthouse is about 150 meters. GPS S32.704194 E17.981242 32°42’15.1″S 17°58’52.5″E St Helena Bay

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The wreck of the de Gouden Buys

carynkaleido — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:28:21 +0000

The De Gouden Buys left the city of Enkhuizen for Batavia in 1693. The voyage was beset with challenges from the outset. There was sickness on board. Both scurvy and Typhoid caused daily deaths. When the ship reached the equator, they were becalmed for weeks. A lack of fresh water and food exacerbated the problem. The ship eventually reached St Helena Bay. A Northwesterly wind prevented the ship from continuing to Table Bay Captain Baanman ordered seven men, who were still strong enough, to go ashore and seek help. They hiked for several weeks. With the help of some local Khoi Khoi people, they managed to reach a Dutch post and a message was delivered to the Cape Castle A large salvage operation was put into place by Governor Simon van der Stel. Four ships sailed to St. Helena Bay. When they arrived, Daniël Silliman, one of the few survivors, was rescued from the beach. The Dageraad salvaged the cargo and departed for the Cape with Silleman and 17 treasure chests, but the boat also shipwrecked at Robben Island. Silleman, incredibly, also survived this tragedy, and he eventually returned to Holland. The wreck of the de Gouden Buys inspired a book. Silleman’s story was published in Enkhuizen in 1695. “The Journey of the De Gouden Buys and the Story of Daniël Silleman” became a popular storybook. Only a few copies survive.

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