Hout Bay
Where it is…
Hout Bay is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, just 20 minutes from Cape Town City Centre and 5 minutes from Constantia, known for its Wine Route and selection of pristine golf courses. Hout Bay is set at the foot of the magnificent Chapman’s Peak Mountain with the world-famous coastal drive which provides some of the most spectacular and dramatic views…
Hout Bay Beach…
The one end of the Bay is defined by Chapman’s Peak Mountain, plunging into the sea, and on the other end is the festive Hout Bay Harbour set at the foot of Sentinel Mountain.
There are many restaurants and café’s along the Hout Bay beachfront to enjoy fresh coffee, cocktails or scrumptious meals from breakfast to dinner.
Chapman’s Peak Drive…
Hout Bay is well known for the beautiful dramatic coastal drive which connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek and the South Peninsula.
The entire drive will take your breath away, with many spectacular viewpoints and picnic spots to watch the sun go down into the Ocean.
The history and engineering structures to prevent rockfalls are fascinating.
Llandudno Beach…
There is a beautiful pristine beach 5 minutes drive from the house, called Llandudno beach.
The sunsets in the ocean and there are large boulders to climb on and watch the sunset. This is an absolutely gorgeous beach, with white sand and very popular with locals, as well as tourist.
The village…
Hout Bay village is a very popular tourist destination for families and travelers as it is very close to Cape Town and has a large variety of activities to offer, as well as all amenities such as wonderful shopping center’s, art galleries and craft shops, fantastic food and craft markets, lovely deli’s and many excellent restaurants.
The ‘World of Birds’ with the famous monkey jungle, where the mischievous squirrel monkeys play with kids and adults, is a ‘must’ on the list of things to do.
The Hout Bay Harbour…
Hout Bay has its own working harbour that is the home of the tuna, snoek and crayfish fleets. Choose your own ‘catch of the day’ from the fish market or take a boat trip to Seal Island.
Experience high-speed boat trips as well as spectacular daily cruises. Watch the seals and seagulls enjoy the treats from the fishermen at the harbour or the fishermen at work.
Enjoy the festivity and the vibe of mixed cultures, whilst being entertained with traditional music of the Cape Minstrels in their colourful attire.
The Hout Bay markets…
Hout Bay has a wonderful variety of markets, all with great ambiance and well worth a visit. The famous indoor BAY HARBOUR MARKET right at the end of the harbour (park at ‘Fish on the Rocks’ restaurant) beats them all, open on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 am and 5 pm. This market is very similar to the famous market at the ‘Old Biscuit Mill’ in Woodstock, with many yummy food stalls and interesting crafts, clothes, live music and vintage stores.
The Bay Harbour market is child-friendly and suitable for a family outing, it offers cake and sweet stalls, kids entertainment and playgrounds.
The restaurants…
Hout Bay offers many delicious Delis and fine Seafood restaurants in spectacular settings.
To name a few of our favourite restaurants in Hout Bay:
- Deli Delish
- Chapman’s Peak Restaurant (best calamari in the Cape!)
- Dunes restaurant (great setting at the beach)
- Quentin at Oakhurst
- Dario’s
- Mariner’s Wharf (old timer – Seafood restaurant with ships cabin interior)
- The Look-Out Deck (beautiful setting, good ambience, regular live music)
- Harbour House and La Parada on Constantia Nek
The scenic walks…
There are many, many scenic walks, picnic spots and hikes to choose from in and around Hout Bay.
From easy circular forest walks at Constantia Nek to stunning hikes for more experienced hikers or the most mind-blowing hike up to the top of Chapman’s Peak. There are ample mountain-bike trails as well. It is strongly advised to hike in groups and with a guide.
The local Wine farms…
There are various beautiful wine farms in close proximity to Hout Bay. The most spectacular one is situated in Noordhoek, the Cape Point Vineyards, a mere 15-minute drive over Chapmans’ Peak. The Cape Point Vineyards boast 360 degrees panoramic views, over the dam, the ocean, the vineyards sloping up the mountains and the beautifully tendered gardens.
There is a vibrant Foodmarket on Cape Point Vineyards on Thursday evenings, not to be missed! One can also pre-order a picnic basket and have a picnic on the estate, or a fine dining experience with beautiful sunsets over the lake and ocean.
The most famous wine farm nearby would be the historical ‘Groot Constantia’ wine estate, ten minutes drive from Hout Bay. On Constantia Nek, 5 minutes drive from the house, starts the Constantia Wine Route. Some wine farms well worth a visit for lunch or wine tasting to enjoy the beautiful views are Constantia Glen and Beau Constantia (nice Sushi!), Constantia Uitsig and Klein Constantia. Steenberg Estate, a little further away, also has a lovely wine tasting in a modern setting.
Fun things to do…
The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus…
This double-decker bus is better known as the Red Bus, and with its open rooftop is a real head-turner. They stop by the Hout Bay Harbour, 400 meters walk from the cottage by Mariners Warf.
The Red Bus offers open-top bus tours, boat cruises and guided day tours. Each bus has a prepared commentary in 15 different spoken languages. For the kids on board, there’s even a fun channel to keep them entertained. The tours are exciting, different and provide insightful information on the surroundings while on the bus.
There are many stops on the route where you can explore the various attractions Cape Town has to offer, including the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens and the interesting T-bag art factory at our local Township.
It is an exciting experience to hop on and off at these various Red bus stops to explore Cape Town.
A red bus ticket allows you to hop on and hop off on all their tours. Tickets can be bought at their tour offices, online at a discounted rate or from the bus driver.
FOR TIMETABLES, ROUTES AND MORE INFO: www.citysightseeing.co.za/
Swim and snorkel with the Seals!
Hout Bay is renowned for its seals. On an average day while walking around the Harbour you will be able to spot many of these adorable, playful creatures lazing about on the jetty’s or playing around in the water giving a quick wave to curious onlookers. Tourists and locals alike are able to put on a wetsuit and snorkel with these playfully adorable mammals. The main companies taking visitors for a seal snorkel experience are Animal Ocean, Cape Town Bucket list and Captain Jacks.
Cape Fur seals are present in Hout Bay and in their colony on Dyer island throughout the year but the best time to go is in the summer months, April, in particular, is great as this is when the seal pups start to learn to swim.
E-bike rentals and tours
Explore Hout Bay in a fun and Eco-Friendly way on an electrical bicycle!
Rent a GoNow Bike and at a press of a button riding uphill became easy.
For more information on the e-bikes contact the Hout Bay Tourism
Watersports
There are guided kayak tours with Sea kayak adventures, or one can rent a kayak from Cape Town Surfing, situated around the corner from Hout Bay Beach Cottage. Cape Town Surfing rents wetsuits, surfboards, SUP’s, body boards, epoxy boards, trainer boards, mini-mals, shortboards and fins. You can also sign up to learn to surf, or learn to SUP. Great fun. Photo credit: @megfisher__
Whale and Dolphin watching
Did you know you do not have to travel to Hermanus to see whales? Take a thrilling rubber duck tour with Captain Jacks, the only licensed Whale and Dolphin operator in Hout Bay. Weather permitting. It truly is an amazing experience you’ll never forget.
Dolphins regularly visit Hout Bay to feed and play. Between June and November of each year, the Southern Right Whale passes through our waters, journeying from the Cold Antarctica to calve in the warm waters around Cape Town.
The Humpback Whale also passes through, en-route to breed and calve in Mozambique and Madagascar and occasionally Bryde Whales make an appearance too.
The climate
Hout Bay accommodation in a self-catering cottage climate is the Mediterranean. In the summer months (Nov-Mar) it is sunny, warm and generally dry with temperatures averaging around 20-35 degrees. Winter is known as the secret season in the Cape. Temperatures cool considerably (especially at night), with a greater chance of rain and storms. However, during the day, winter temperatures can easily rise to 20-25 degrees with blue skies and emerald green landscapes, giving Cape winters generally a better climate than the UK and Dutch summers! Spring and autumn are wonderful times for a visit, though always bring a warm top for the evenings. The best time for watching the Southern Right whales in South African waters is from June to October. Peak calving season is July and August, but whales can be seen throughout September and October, frolicking in the bay – on your doorstep.