St Helena Bay

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

St Helena Bay is situated in the West Coast region of the Western Cape, South Africa.

Geography and History

Discovered by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497, St Helena Bay, known locally as 'Die Agterbaai', is one of the world's prime fishing centres. Fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela current, the waters teem with marine life, which provides the livelihood for its coastal inhabitants.

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.

Accommodation

St Helena Bay has a variety of accommodation options available from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts to Self-catering units.

Activities

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. Ancient granite hills and boulders form a backdrop to the village and offer stunning views of the bay and across to the Piketberg mountains, while the white sandy beaches are perfect for beach combing and even a refreshing dip in the Atlantic.

St Helena Bay is also a bird watcher's paradise and being at the southernmost point of the migratory route from Europe and the Steppes of Russia makes it a must-visit spot for twitchers.

This town has a diverse range of activities to suit every visitor.

Restaurants

There are many restaurants on offer to suit every visitors budget. There is a great selection of restaurants, coffee shops and pubs to choose from!