Activities in and around

Neighbouring Gansbaai is known throughout the world as the top shark diving spot, and most of the Shark Tour operators make use of the Kleinbaai harbour to launch, as it is just 12km away from "Shark Alley", the open stretch of water between the mainland and Dyer and Geyser Islands, with one of the worlds densest Great White Shark populations.

The great thing is that you do not have to be a qualified diver to swim with the Sharks, as the cages are positioned next to the boat, and float on the surface, making it easy for inexperienced divers to safely hop in and observe these magnificent creatures. A shark tour should be at the top of your "To do List", and is probably the greatest thrill you will ever experience.

From May until November, the Southern Right whale makes the warm waters of Walker Bay its home. Hermanus, the world's famous town known for its land based Whale watching, celebrates their return every year with its annual whale festival.

If it's whale watching without the crowds, Kleinbaai offers its visitors some fantastic land based whale watching spots, one of which is De Kelders, and for those wanting to get a bit closer to the action, there are plenty of companies offering boat based trips.

For the fishing enthusiast the rocky Kleinbaai coast is home to many species, including Galjoen and Mussel Cracker.

Boat based fishing charters that leave from the Kleinbaai harbour can be easily organised. Just don’t forget your angling licence!

Kleinbaai and its surrounds have plenty of natural beauty on offer, and whether it's a stroll along the coast past the harbour, exploring the abundant life in the many rock pools, or one of the more strenuous local walks, Kleinbaai has it all. If you would rather explore the rugged wilderness in comfort, there are great 4 x 4 and quad bike routes nearby.

Some great hikes include:

Duiwelsgat Trail: This trail runs along the coastline from Gansbaai, through to De Kelders to the Plaat, Walker Bay's unspoiled stunning coastal nature reserve. The fresh water caves form part of this trail.

Klipgat trail: Which starts at the Gansbaai harbour, and stretches 7km along the coast to the Klipgat Cave. On this hike you will pass many rock pools, a diverse variety of fynbos and various other Caves. The Klipgat cave is one of the Western Capes most valuable cultural site, as it was the home to Middle Stone Age people. Remains have been found here that are over 65 000 years old.

Fynbos Trail: These trails vary from 5,5m to 14km on inland farms and 7km on the coastal trails. The Grootmelkhoutbos Hiking Trail, in Franskraal, is in a conservation area where an ancient Milkwood forest can be seen. The best months for viewing fynbos is from August to October.

The Danger Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1895, to guide ships safely through this particularly treacherous stretch of coast, dotted with uncharted rocks and strong currents. There are approximately 140 shipwrecks littering the coast between Cape Infanta and Danger Point, and 7 surrounding the Danger Point peninsula, including the wreck of the famous HM Troopship Birkenhead in 1852. The infamous Birkenhead rock, can be seen from Danger Point lighthouse at low tide.

Tours of the light house can be arranged, and after climbing the many steps to the top, you will be rewarded with an amazing 360 degree view over the ocean and peninsula. Who knows, maybe you will catch a glimpse of the famous ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, which was spotted off Danger Point for the first time.

The surrounding towns have an abundance of activities that cater for all ages and tastes, whether it is Wine, Cheese or Beer tasting in Stanford, or Putt-Putt and watersports with the whole family in Uilenkraalsmond. You will be amazed at what you will find...