West Coast Walk

View this unique coast and experience life in the fishing villages between Shelley Point (St Helena Bay) and Jacobsbaai. You will walk along gorgeous beaches and at least 30 bays, each with their own unique characteristics. Enjoy long stretches of unspoilt white sand and little coves of alternating rock and sand. The seafood from the West Coast is legendary, and the Shelley Bay-Jacobsbaai area has no shortage of excellent cray fishing, fishing and diving spots.

A number of different species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) move through the nutrient-rich waters of the West Coast, fed by the Benguela current. On your route you might spot seals, dolphins and whales. Obviously sightings can not be guaranteed, but southern right whales are regular visitors to the west coast from middle winter onwards with the most sightings in December. The presence of dolphins is less predictable being ultimately dependant on the availability of food. Probably Heavisides dolphins will be sighted in Britannia Bay when the northwester picks up.

Good viewing points are at Shelley Point and Paternoster. On land every spring, from August to September/October, the apparently barren soil of the West Coast, from the mountains to the ocean, bursts forth in a kaleidoscopic carpet of flowers. Many tourists are drawn to this glorious and world famous annual display. The seafood from the West Coast is legendary and other activities in the West coast area can be added to the walking package.

Unique coast

Gorgeous beaches and at least 30 bays, each with its own unique characteristics. Enjoy long stretches of unspoilt white sand and little coves of alternating rock and sand.

Dolphins and Whales

A number of different species of cetaceans (dolphins and whales) move through the nutrient-rich waters of the West Coast, fed by the Benguela current. On your route you might spot seals, dolphins and whales.

Wild flowers

Every spring, from August to September/October, the apparently barren soil of the West Coast, from the mountains to the ocean, bursts forth in a kaleidoscopic carpet of flowers.

Nature Reserve

The reserve at Cape Columbine is on a peninsula and covers 263 hectares of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline. The huge round rocks just inside the bays are ideal for the sightings of dolphins and whales- in season. The Cape Columbine lighthouse is the only brick and mortar in the reserve. Built in 1936, it was the first South African lighthouse to receive all navigational safety featuresIt is usually the first lighthouse sighted by ships coming from South America or Europe.

Fishing villages

Fishing villages Shelley Point, Paternoster and Jacobsbaai

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Accommodation: 4 star standard hotel or guesthouse.