History of St Helena Bay

Province: Western Cape
West coast
Coordinates:32°45′30″S 18°01′40″E
Area:26.92 km2
Municipality: Saldanha Bay

St Helena Bay was discovered by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497. He and his crew had been at sea for 4 months. They found plenty of fresh water at a number of springs just a bit inland it is known locally as ‘Die Agterbaai.
The Portuguese named the bay Bahia de Santa Helena (after Saint Helena the mother of Constantine) This location was also the site of a battle between the indigenous Khoikhoi people and Europeans. It is reported that Da Gama was wounded by an assegai in this encounter.

The main marine products extracted here are snow, pilchards, anchovies, and crayfish.

The postcode for St Helena Bay is 7390 (Boxes only)
The license plate prefix for St Helena Bay is CFG

Things to see and do in St Helena Bay

There are some great birdwatching opportunities in St Helena Bay
St Helena Bay is ideal for catching Shad (or Elf) at the Berg River mouth.
The Vasco Da Gama monument, where the explorer first landed.
St. Helena Bay has some of the finest sailing on the West Coast particularly when the Southeaster is blowing.
Because of its position St Helena Bay is the only town on the West Coast where the sun rises over the sea.

WEATHER IN ST HELENA BAY TODAY

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Useful Numbers in st Helena Bay

Police: 022 736 8072
Municipality;022 736 1043
After hours and Emergencies – 022-701-7061
CALL CENTRE – 022 701 7061 / 6974
Traffic department: Veldrif;022 736 8072
Fire: Saldanha Bay Municipality Fire Services:- 022 713 1815 / 086 007 3473
West Coast District Municipality Fire Services:-022 433 8700
Water:022 736 1043
Electricity:022 736 1043
Ambulance: 10177 or 022-713-4590
Post office; Veldrif 022 783 0222
Library: Noordhoek: 022 783 1112
Closest hospital; Life West coast private hos[pital 022 719 1030
Vredenberg provincial hospital 022 709 7200
Pharmacy; Distrik Pharmacy Vredenburg 022 713 5261
SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998
Schools:

H P Williams Primer – H P Williams Primer -022 742 1821
Laerskool St Helena Baai – 022 736 1310/1981
Steenbergs Cove Primary School – 022 736 1022
Stompeusbaai EK Primary School – 022 742 1720

St Helena Bay