Kalk Bay
Neatly nestled between the mountains and the sea lies Kalk Bay, offering holidaymakers a magical world away from the chaos and commotion of city life.
Kalk Bay was originally a fishing village and still boasts a fully functional working harbour today. It has become one of the most popular destinations in Cape Town and serves as a perfect base from which to explore the Cape Point Route and the Winelands. Kalk Bay’s Main Road is a busy little hub packed with quaint coffee shops, restaurants, antique stores, galleries and second-hand bookstores.
Neatly nestled between the mountains and the sea lies Kalk Bay, it’s less than 30 minutes’ drive from the heart of Cape Town and offers holidaymakers a magical world away from the chaos and commotion of city life. This picturesque little town’s thriving fishing harbour is bustling with local fishermen who go out in their traditional fishing boats to earn a living. There is nothing better than taking a stroll along the Harbour to look at the colourful vessels painted in bright blues, piercing reds and sunny yellows with names like “Star of the Sea” and “Amber Rose.”
Visitors can learn how to fish like a pro and the kids will love the harbour seals playing in the waters waiting for scraps of fish while the men clean their catch. Kalk Bay is also the ideal place for some real outdoor action and activities include deep sea fishing, harbour wall angling, surfing and exploring the well-known Kalk Bay Caves. Don’t be surprised if you are followed by a few Cape Fur Seals during your fishing trip, coming along for a quick bite as you brave the ocean. Dolphins also play next to the boat and if you are lucky enough you might even spot a Great White Shark. In mating season the Southern Right Whales come to this coastline to calve in the False Bay area between the months of June and October.
With such a relaxed atmosphere it is sometimes difficult to think that Kalk Bay actually forms part of the greater Cape Town area. The pace here is much slower, so there is more time to walk along the wharf while you browse through the peculiar little shops, or enjoy a glass of superb Cape wine while you watch the surfers ride the breakers. Scuba diving enthusiasts will be amazed at the beautiful scenery underwater while exploring the harbour wall.
- Surf the reef
- Swim in a tidal pool
- Whale watching
- Kalk Bay Caves
- Shopping at curio shops
- Hiking Scenic train rides
- Art galleries
- Kalk Bay Theatre
- Bird watching
Kalk Bay has a warm Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers during the months of November and February and cold, wet, windy winters that start in June and continues until the end of August. Autumn is a wonderful season for sight-seeing, when the whole village and its surrounding areas are transformed into a magnificent blend of reds, oranges and gold from March to May.
During the months of September to October its springtime in the peninsula which brings its own variety of colours with loads of blossoming flowers. This relaxed little town truly comes alive when whale watching season starts in August and continues until November. Many tourists flock to the region and it’s the best time for whale watching.
Every year huge numbers of Southern Right Whales travel to the bays to breed and calve. During whale watching season these gentle goliaths can be seen playing in the waters, or even breaking out of the water. Many restaurants offer good viewing opportunities, while the harbour offers an excellent vantage point to spot whales.
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Small town near a big city
- Working fishermen
- Great surf
- Traffic jams in peak season
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Is Kalk Bay not your ideal destination? Explore more popular holiday destinations in the Western Cape.