Kleinbaai

Discover the charm of Kleinbaai

OUR AREA

On the southern side of the scenic Danger Point Peninsula lies Kleinbaai, a peaceful coastal village that has earned global recognition as the world’s centre for shark cage diving. From the harbour, a fleet of boats depart in the morning for unforgettable marine encounters - including the legendary “Shark Alley,” where sharks glide between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock.

Dyer Island is a protected bird sanctuary home to endangered African penguins, cormorants and many seabirds, while neighbouring Geyser Rock hosts more than 50,000 Cape fur seals. Together, these islands form one of the most extraordinary marine ecosystems in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe.

Kleinbaai is also regarded as one of the best whale-watching destinations anywhere. From June to December, Southern Right Whales can often be seen breaching and playing in the bay - sometimes close enough to feel the spray from their blowholes on a licensed boat tour.

Back on land, the village offers plenty of ways to slow down and soak in the coastal lifestyle. A tidal pool with lush lawns is perfect for swimming and picnics, while the nearby 9-hole golf course - one of the few with sweeping sea views - invites a relaxed round followed by a drink at the clubhouse. For those who love the outdoors, the coastal hiking trail winds past rock pools and rugged shores all the way to the historic Danger Point Lighthouse.

At the heart of Kleinbaai’s conservation efforts is the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), a world-class rehabilitation centre where visitors can witness dedicated care for endangered seabirds. This inspiring initiative highlights the community’s deep connection to protecting its natural heritage.

Despite its international reputation, Kleinbaai retains the warmth of a small village - complete with a licensed restaurant, superette, petrol station and cosy local shops. It remains a serene hideaway, equally loved by adventurers, nature enthusiasts and those who simply want to escape the rush and reconnect with the coast.

Gansbaai

Where untamed coastlines meet gentle giants

NEARBY

Gansbaai is a modest fishing village with a quiet charm nestled along Walker Bay, framed by rugged coastline and Cape fynbos - its beauty lies in its natural authenticity.

Famous for its shark cage diving experiences, the waters here offer thrilling encounters with bronze whaler (copper) sharks and other marine life. At the same time, the bay transforms into a sanctuary each year as Southern Right Whales return to calve and mate, creating some of the world’s best land-based whale-watching opportunities from nearby De Kelders and Pearly Beach.

The name “Gansbaai,” meaning “bay of geese,” is thought to come from the flocks of Egyptian geese that once gathered at a freshwater spring near the harbour. Today, the town is loved for its unspoiled beauty, with fynbos-covered hills, pristine beaches and sweeping ocean views.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature: scenic hikes through fynbos and milkwood forests, fishing along the rocky shorelines, or a visit to the historic Danger Point Lighthouse - a national monument that watches over the coastline where the Birkenhead shipwreck lies beneath the waves.

With its friendly community, simple conveniences and natural wonders, Gansbaai is the kind of place that quietly captures your heart and lingers long after you’ve left.