- Province: Western Cape
- West Coast
- Coordinates:32°49′S 17°53′E
- Area:2.49 km2
- Municipality: Saldanha Bay
Paternoster is a coastal village in the Western Cape, situated on the Atlantic Ocean. It lies west of Vredenberg, north of Veldrif, and south of Lamberts Bay. The village is part of the West Coast region, offering scenic beaches, local seafood markets, and access to nearby fishing communities, nature reserves, and the Olifants River estuary.
History of Paternoster
Paternoster is a traditional fishing village. It is said that the name, which means “Our Father”, was given by Portuguese sailors who were grateful to have survived shipwrecks. Another theory is that the name refers to Khoi beads called paternosters. Khoi and San people inhabited the area for centuries, living off the rich marine life.
Europeans settled here in the early 1800s. The village is full of examples of their whitewashed, thatched cottages. Large quantities of crayfish are caught here and processed for export.
Many locals are involved with fishing in one form or another. The area is most famous for its crayfish, but there is also an abundance of mussels and oysters. Snoek and mullets are also caught. These are often dried and salted into a delicacy called “bokkoms”. There is currently a lobster factory and a Kabeljou farm in the town. Paternoster was also the birthplace of the iconic “Redro” brand of fish paste.
The postcode for Paternoster is 7381, and the license plate prefix is CFG
local WEATHER TODAY
Browse businesses and places to visit in Paternoster
Things to see and do in Paternoster
- Enjoy the wildflowers in spring at the Columbine Nature Reserve, just 3 km away
- See the lighthouse at Cape Columbine – it’s the last manned lighthouse to have been built on the South African coast
- Explore the Lisboa shipwreck, which ran aground at Soldier’s Reef back on 23 October 1910. This was the first time that radiotelegraphy was used for ships in distress on the South African coast.
- Several ships have wrecked off the local coast. See a list here
- Enjoy a kayak paddle along the coastline where you can spot dolphins, seals, and whales, or get up close and personal with the fascinating bird life on the rocks. Read about whales and dolphins here
- A weekend-long festival features exquisite Cap Classique wines, local art, live music, and vibrant community spirit. September. wines@paternosterwinelounge.co.za.
- On misty days, listen out for the eerie and nostalgic foghorn sound coming from the Cape Columbine lighthouse
- Paternoster events Facebook
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Useful Numbers in Paternoster
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities
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Emergency Services
- Police: Vredenburg 022 713 1310 /10111
- Fire: 998/999 Saldanha Bay (022) 713 1815 or 086 007 3473 or (022) 433 8700
- Ambulance: 10177 022 713 1300 paramedics 0861 225599
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Medical
- Closest hospital: Vredenburg Provincial Hospital 022 709 7200/
West Coast Life Hospital – (022) 719 1030 - Pharmacy; Weskem Vredenburg 022 713 1184
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Municipal & Utilities
- Municipality; 022 701 7000
- Water: – (022) 701 7061
- Electricity:– (022) 701 7061
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: Vredenburg 022 713 1286
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
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Community & Safety
- Childline-116
- Snake catcher – Brakkie – 072 440 7589
- SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998
- NSRI (Sea Rescue) – 082 990 5966
- 24-hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
- NSRI 087 094 9774/ 082 990 5966
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Post office; Vredenburg 022 715 1550
- Library: 022 752 2101
- Neighbourhood watch (from 8 pm to 6 am) – 072 730 5775
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Schools in Paternoster
- : St Augustine Primary School 022 752 2728
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
