Local Things
To Do
For anyone's culinary taste or adventure
in and around st. helena bay
Local Places to Eat
Restaurants, Pubs & Cafés
Restaurants in
St. Helena Bay
Great places for breakfasts, light lunches, Sunday buffets, steak and seafood.
Alegria
Portuguese cuisine with Mediterranean flair
Die See Ster Kombuis
Café & restaurant
Oppikaai
Seafood Restaurant
The Palms Restaurant
Bistro fare, Buffet, Burgers, Coffee & Light Meals
And so many more in and around St. Helena Bay
Places to Visit
Nearby villages & towns to visit in and around St. helena Bay
Darling
Situated between vineyards and golden wheat fields, Darling famous for artisanal products from toffee, cheese, olives, wine and beer plus iconic theatre packaged in a quaint village on Cape Town’s doorstep.
THINGS TO SEE
- Darling Tourism Bureau “Hello Darling”: The Museum recreates life in a bygone era with fascinating displays of Victorian clothing, china, and household furniture, rooms partitioned depicting daily life such as a shop, a laundry room, school and buttery. From the museum you can take a self-guided historic walking tour – maps can be purchased for a mere R2 at the museum. Should you want a little more excitement than on your walk, then ask for the Darling Mystery Tour instead and challenge your mind on this innovative treasure hunt.
- Groote Post: A historic 18th century farm on the Cape’s West Coast where the unique aspects and cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative fruit and excellent wines. Groote Post Wine is renowned around the world. The winery is situated in a lovely green valley threaded by the Klawer River, with luxurious lawns and an original, beautifully restored Cape Dutch homestead. Groote Post also hosts a monthly Country Market brim-full of artisan foods, arts and crafts, home ware and décor, live entertainment, lots of fun activities for kids, and of course, Groote Post’s well-loved wines.
- Evita se Perron: This is home to ‘Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout’, the world famous alter ego of Pieter Dirk Uys, South Africa’s best-known political satirist, and impersonator. Evita se Perron is a transformed train station with two cabaret venues, a restaurant, and a bar.
THINGS TO DO
- The Marmalade Cat: Open daily for breakfast and lunch and on Friday nights for pizza, this unique eatery is popular with locals and visitors alike. Easy to spot on Darling’s main road, here guests are greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly baked goods and a kaleidoscope of gifts and collectibles. Start your day with one of their delicious omelets, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the flower-filled courtyard or pop in for afternoon tea – this quirky venue is sure to put a spring in your step.
- Darling Wildflower (Society) Show: Takes place annually over the third weekend in September (20 to 22 September 2019) and celebrates an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprising of Renosterveld, Rietveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of flowers can be found. The event includes entry to the Landscaped Hall (depicting the flowers of the area in their natural habitat). A Free ride on a tractor drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show), a Craft/Farmers Market, Veteran Tractor/Car Display, an Entertainment Tent featuring live music, a large Children’s area, safe and secure parking and many other attractions. There will also be numerous Food and Beverage stalls where you can purchase a variety of food and drinks to take away or use the facilities to relax and enjoy the natural environment.
- Darling Brew: Be sure to stop at the Darling Brewery & Tasteroom – a craft beer haven which embodies the slow pace of life on the Cape West Coast. Pair each of the Darling Brew craft beers with a selection of light meals produced from locally sourced, free range and organic produce.
Visitors can see the brewing process, enjoy a selection of beer tasters and purchase some of their favourites to take home. The tasteroom, operated by Flying Pig, offers a locally sourced smoke house menu where the concept of slow beer and slow food truly come together. The menu includes a variety of artisanal tapas, salads and slow-cured meat dishes based on traditional recipes with a number of beer pairings.
Elands Bay Beach
1h 25min (98,5 km) from st. helena bay
The quaint fishing village of Eland’s Bay (Elandsbaai) might be only two hours from the city of Cape Town, but it is about as far off the beaten track as you can get, with so little travelling time.
Eland’s Bay is one of those gems that have managed to elude the rush of development and city dwellers to stake their claim on a piece of the coast – this is sand and sea with little else to lure the average holiday maker.
THINGS TO SEE
- Elands Bay Cave: Elands Bay Cave has more than the rock paintings, the views from the cave are exquisite. The paintings in the cave were left there by the ancient San people, who were hunter-gatherers that lived in tribes. They had an intricate understanding of the land, its plants, and its animals. They developed unique ways of hunting, preparing meat, making clothing, and using plants as medicine.
- Verlorenvlei Heritage Settlement: What was once a thriving little hamlet on the shores of Verlorenvlei (40 buildings or ruins were still in evidence in 1992) is only a few surviving langhuis (long house) structures today.
THINGS TO DO
- Foodie Route: A string of new restaurants, cafés and bars have popped up along the route.
- The Tin Kitchen: A country restaurant serves delicious local organic meat and fish dishes in and around a 300 year old barn. Shaded seating areas and beautifully tended lawns add to the relaxed, rustic atmosphere.
- Crayfish Diving: Dive for crayfish and then enjoy your own crayfish braai. The season is roughly middle of November to the end of April. You need a valid license to crayfish dive in South Africa. Permits are available at any Post Office in South Africa.
- The Boegoeberg 4×4 Trail: This trail extends for 25 kms through mountain passes, loose rock, river crossings and sandy stretches. It takes about 6 hours to complete and has a formal grading of between 3 and 4. There are two shorter routes available, one which is circular and rather challenging, thanks to sand hills and riverbeds.
Jacobsbaai (Jacobs bay)
37 min (40,5 km) from st. helena bay
Only established a few decades ago, Jacobsbaai is a tranquil getaway, home to a small community including artists, potters and a renowned Afrikaans writer and storyteller.
The town is known for its traditional West Coast building style of whitewashed cottages, some using local rock, as well as its abundant fish and crayfish (lobster). Most of the roads of the quiet little town are gravel, adding to a relaxed holiday mood.
Pretty Jacobsbaai beach is one of seven little bays along the local stretch of coast. The others include Kwaaibaai, popular with surfers; Tooth Rock and Bamboesbaai, great for diving, fishing and crayfishing; Smalbaai with its many oyster-catchers and cormorants perching on the rocks; and Mauritzbaai, where hundreds of terns can often be seen. The sandy beach of Hospital Bay – its name dates back to the 1800s when ships dropped off their sick to be quarantined here – is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Experience the rugged beauty of the landscape around Jacobsbaai on the 17km hiking trail that runs from Swartrietbaai to tiny Tietiesbaai near Paternoster.
THINGS TO SEE
The natural fynbos surrounding Jacobsbaai supports a variety of wildlife, including jackal, duiker, steenbok and tortoise. The area is popular for birding, and species include buzzards, kites and eagles.
Dolphins can often be spotted along the coast, as can southern right whales between June and November.
In late winter and spring, the landscape transforms into a riot of colour, with daisies and wildflowers stretching all the way to the ocean.
THINGS TO DO
- Boating, fishing and diving
- Board-sailing and kayaking
- Coastal hiking trails and dune riding
- Visits to local art and pottery studios
Langebaan
37 min (47,0 km) from st. helena bay
The picturesque holiday town’s year-round pleasant climate, safe waters and reliable winds make it a paradise for watersports, including kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing and fishing.
What is widely believed to be the oldest known fossilised footprint of a modern human, known as Eve’s Footprint and thought to be about 117 000 years old, was discovered on the shore of the lagoon in 1995.
Langebaan’s popular Club Mykonos Resort offers restaurants like the new Cape Town Fish Market and Brauhaus, a spa, swimming pools, a casino and more. Keen golfers can head to the Langebaan Country Estate for a round or two.
THINGS TO SEE
The tidal mud flats of the saltwater lagoon attract thousands of migratory birds, with resident species including greater and lesser flamingos and the world’s largest breeding colony of black harriers. The lagoon also serves as a nursery for sea fish species such as pipefish, skates, rays and steenbras.
THINGS TO DO
- Horse riding on the beach
- Game viewing in the West Coast National Park on bicycle
- Watersports, fishing and boat trips
- Hiking
Paternoster
21 min (18,7 km) from st. helena bay
he oldest fishing village on the West Coast, formerly sleepy Paternoster has in recent years become a sought-after holiday destination, but it has not lost its traditional West Coast charm and lifestyle.
Everyday life in the village remains closely linked to the sea, with fishermen using traditional wooden boats (bakkies) to catch fish and, in season, crayfish. Visitors can buy fresh catch from the market or directly from the boats.
The 80m-high Cape Columbine lighthouse, situated in the 263ha Cape Columbine Nature Reserve that extends along the rocky coastline to adjacent Tietiesbaai, is a landmark. It got its name from the British vessel, Columbine, that was shipwrecked in the area in 1829. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and admire the views from the top.
Paternoster is a relaxing destination for snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, hiking, biking and kayaking. The foodies are spoiled for choice – the little town boasts some famous South African chefs and excellent restaurants, some right on the beach.
THINGS TO SEE
Paternoster is home to talented local artists, with their paintings, sculptures, pottery and photography exhibited at various galleries and stores in the village. Spend a morning browsing, taking in some culture and shopping.
Visitors may spot dolphins, or whales (particularly in winter and spring) and the area is a bird watcher’s paradise, with more than 200 species, including the endangered black Oyster Catcher.
THINGS TO DO
- Stroll along the 8km white, sandy beach of Langstrand
- Join a horse trail on the beach
- Sign up for a cooking class
- Go kayaking on the bay
- Try the local delicacy, dried bokkoms (fish biltong)
- Walk the Paternoster Art Route, view extraordinary artworks and meet the artists
- Join Deon for a Beach Buggy ride along the dunes from Paternoster to Duikereiland and experience an adrenalin rush on the sand tracks
- Visit Wolfgat – the 2019 Best Restaurant in the World
Postberg
1h 19min (94,1 km) to st. helena bay
The Postberg section of the West Coast National Park, open in August and September when the spring wildflowers are in full bloom.
It also houses eland, wildebeest, hartebeest, bontebok, springbok, kudu and mountain zebra.
Silwerstroomstrand
1h 5min (107.1 km) to st. helena bay
Head to Silwerstroomstrand for one of South Africa’s prestigious eco-labeled Blue Flag beaches and step into a green gem of indigenous plants and glittering water.
A small rocky point called Wintersteen provides protection from the swell for safe swimming in the sea, and there is also a tidal pool for those wanting a warmer dip without the waves.
Silwerstroomstrand, just north of Melkbosstrand on your way to St. Helena Bay from Cape Town has excellent water quality and an expansive stretch of coastline in a wonderfully secluded setting.
Visitors can make a day of it and relax at one of the various picnic sites and barbeque (braai) areas, or for longer stays, there are comfortable bungalows and a caravan park. Other facilities available include an extensive parking area, several ablution blocks and paved walkways. Lifeguards and law enforcement services are also provided at the beach.
Thali Thali Game Lodge
38 min (44,3 km) from st. helena bay
Thali Thali Game Lodge is a pristine privately owned 14.6km² game and fynbos reserve which is home to abundant birdlife and wildlife.
Kudu, oryx, giraffe, red hartebeest, eland, zebra, springbok, black wildebeest, duiker, bontebok, and steenbok are all easy to spot and, as there are no predators in the park, guests are free to explore on foot to view the birds and animals. Daily game drives are available in a customized open game viewer pick-up or game trailer.
You can also try your hand at the ancient sport of archery or test your marksmanship skills at the 3D bow hunting track.
Velddrif
25 min (28,1 km) from st. helena bay
Velddrif is one of the small fishing villages that dot this part of the ‘forgotten’ West Coast villages; where a visitor is greeted with silence, the space to explore, and where time slows inexplicably. This part of South Africa is one of the few places where one can, almost immediately, feel the pull of an era when time hastened no-one, and only the sea, the wind and the landscape had any effect upon you.
THINGS TO SEE
- Rocherpan Nature Reserve
- Berg River Estuary
THINGS TO DO
- Tolbossie Padstal: offerings include wild watermelon, ginger jam, beetroot chutney, and curried pineapple atchar. Because the West Coast is known for its fresh seafood, the snoek pies, curried fish, roll mops and mussel pies are an absolute must.
- Berg River Canooze: Kayaking on the river is an exciting way to explore the scenic beauty and incredible birdlife of the West Coast, and the Berg River in particular is home to thousands of waterfowl every spring, whilst during the late winter months the veld is full of wild flowers.
- Kersbosstrand Beach: The calm waters are excellent for swimming and boating, as well as for stand-up paddling on a SUP board and hydro-foiling. When the wind picks up, this beach is the spot of choice for kite-surfers too. Between July and December, these waters are visited by whales, which splash and blow for the entertainment of their spectators. Dolphins can be seen leaping out or surfing the waves all through the year.
- ( Bokomlaan, Gin tasting Russels on the Port hotel, Charlies)
West Coast Fossil Park
33 min (35,3 km) from st. helena bay
At the West Coast Fossil Park near the town, fascinating fossils of bears, sabre-tooth cats, short-necked giraffes and many other exotic animals that inhabited the west coast area about five million years ago can be seen.
THINGS TO SEE
Visitors can also enjoy an informative tour of a fossil dig and hunt for their own fossils, as well as bike, hike and ride horses in the park.
Today the heritage site is recognised as containing the deposit of possibly the greatest diversity of five million year old fossils in the world, and over 70 scientific papers have been published about the fossils.
THINGS TO DO
- Trails: There are also several mountain bike trails in the park that include rides for the whole family. Four different trails cover varying distances, and there are some tricky sections for those intent on adventure. It is a great way to appreciate both the prehistoric aspects of the park, and the views from the northern end over Saldanha and Vredenburg.
West Coast National Park
46 min (66,5 km) to st. helena bay
The cyan-coloured water of the vast lagoon meets the postcard-perfect white of the sand, rugged scrub erupts into a mosaic of colourful wild flowers every spring, and the wildlife that calls this home ranges from antelope and predators on land to the magnificent fish, mammals and sharks of the Atlantic Ocean.
THINGS TO SEE
- Wild Flowers: The West Coast is known for the magnificent colours of its wild flowers during August and September (depending on the rains). The national park is the ideal place to see the vibrant colours of the blooms as they spring out of the ground in a quilt of yellows, oranges, purples, pinks, reds and whites.
- Wildlife: The park is traversed by a variety of wildlife. These include the elegant eland and red hartebeest, the cunning caracal, cute rock hyraxes that sun themselves lazily, mountain zebra, steenbok, Cape grysbok, gemsbok, African wild cat, and bontebok.
- Marine Animals: Dolphins and the southern right whales, as well as humpbacks and killer whales may also skirt this coastline.
- Birdlife: Keen bird-watchers should look out for the little egret, South African shelduck, flamingo, Karoo lark, sandpipers, bokmakierie, plover, godwit, osprey, Cape gannet, African penguin, and white pelican. Visit the Geelbek Hide as the tide is coming in. The summer months are the most abundant for avian enthusiasts.
THINGS TO DO
- Watersports: The Langebaan Lagoon is a Mecca for kite surfers and wind surfers, thanks to the glassy water and perfect winds. Boating and waterskiing are also popular here. This lagoon is excellent for fishing too, and anglers can expect to catch the likes of white Steenbras, elf (also known as shad), cob, and white stumpnose. Even on days when the pickings are few, the breath-taking scenery makes the effort of sitting on the banks or boat well worth the while. Head into the deep ocean waters for an exciting day of fishing, and come back with geelbek, skates, yellowtail, dorado and tuna (big-eye, yellowfin, and longfin).
- Trails: Discover a replica of the prehistoric footprints (dubbed Eve’s footprints) that have been indelibly imprinted into what was once sea sand but has now formed rock at the Geelbek Information Centre. The main trail retraces “Eve’s” footsteps across 30 kilometres of West Coast wilderness and takes 2.5 days to complete. It is fully portered and catered, and invites visitors into a world in which sleeping, eating and travelling are governed only by the movement of the sun across the sky and the tide as it comes and goes on the shore.
The scenic West Coast National Park, also boasts what locals have dubbed the “Slow Five”: tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune mole rats.
Local Experiences
Nature, Beaches, Fishing & Outdoors
Shelley Point
Golf Club
& Wellness Centre
“This 9-hole course promises golfers plenty in the way of a challenging game. The gorgeous greens and fairways wind through the pretty vegetation that graces this part of the country so beautifully.
This, in turn, provides a stunning habitat to small buck and plenty of bird species, giving the entire course a very special aura of natural abundance.” – TripAdvisor
The
Flower Season
From August to September
St Helena Bay is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the spring wild flower season, with visitors from all over the world who come for relaxation and recreation.
The
Snoek Season
From August to September
Snoek are very special fish found only off the South African coast. A particular delicacy (also called Cape Caviar) is snoek roe. Snoek soup, quiche and many other dishes are very much part of the South African cuisine.
The
Whale Season
Later in the year
Endemic Heaviside dolphins, as well as dusky and common dolphins visit the bay in search of food, and the calm waters give shelter to the southern right whales that come to mate and calve in the second half of the year – and can easily be seen from the shore. Humpback and killer whales are also frequent visitors.
Featured Experience
Shelley Bay Beach
Lying in the calm waters of Shelley Bay, just a 10min drive from True North, you will find Shelley Point.
Ideal for sailing and fishing, as well as being safe shallow waters for kids to play or collect mussels.
Visit the golf estate, which offers a 9-hole course or the Wellness Centre Spa – relax, unwind and take in the pristine beach view.
