West Coast Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Jacobsbaai is a charming little fishing village halfway between Paternoster and Langebaan on the West Coast. The perfect getaway for some peace and tranquility, close enough but well removed from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. Stretching along the ocean for over 2 km with secluded bays and rocky outcrops, it's often referred to as Namaqualand by the Sea. Spring flowering time is particularly special, as is the world class kitesurfing on offer at Langebaan during the summer.
The natural fynbos surrounding Jacobsbaai supports a variety of wildlife. Birding is popular here too – for buzzards, kites, and eagles, while southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted along the coast.
Jacobsbaai’s seven individual bays are Kwaaibaai, Jacobsbaai, Smalbaai and Moerie se baai which are great for launching boats from and Bamboesbaai and Toothrock are used for diving, and fishing. Kwaaibaai is popular amongst surfers, while Toothrock and Bamboesbaai are renowned for diving, and fishing. Smalbaai is where you will find Oystercatchers and cormorants sunning on the rocks and Mauritzbaai can be awash with hundreds of terns roosting on the rocks in the shallow waters. The sandy beach of Hospital Bay is ideal for swimming and sunning.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jacobs Bay
Jacobsbaai is a charming little fishing village halfway between Paternoster and Langebaan on the West Coast. The perfect getaway for some peace and tranquility, close enough but well removed from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. Stretching along the ocean for over 2 km with secluded bays and rocky outcrops, it's often referred to as Namaqualand by the Sea. Spring flowering time is particularly special, as is the world class kitesurfing on offer at Langebaan during the summer.
The natural fynbos surrounding Jacobsbaai supports a variety of wildlife. Birding is popular here too – for buzzards, kites, and eagles, while southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted along the coast.
Jacobsbaai’s seven individual bays are Kwaaibaai, Jacobsbaai, Smalbaai and Moerie se baai which are great for launching boats from and Bamboesbaai and Toothrock are used for diving, and fishing. Kwaaibaai is popular amongst surfers, while Toothrock and Bamboesbaai are renowned for diving, and fishing. Smalbaai is where you will find Oystercatchers and cormorants sunning on the rocks and Mauritzbaai can be awash with hundreds of terns roosting on the rocks in the shallow waters. The sandy beach of Hospital Bay is ideal for swimming and sunning.
Kiteboarding & Windsurfing
Kite Lab
8 Bree StLessons and rentals
Lessons and rentals
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kitesurfing Langebaan - Constantly Kiting
1 St Croix ClLessons and rentals
Kite school Windtown Langebaan
9 Bree StLessons and rentals
Activities & Sightseeing
Our favorite place, an awesome concept and fantastic cultural experience on offer. There are also hikes, game drives, cycle trails and they have a lovely restaurant serving great breakfast and lunch!
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
!Khwa ttu
R27Our favorite place, an awesome concept and fantastic cultural experience on offer. There are also hikes, game drives, cycle trails and they have a lovely restaurant serving great breakfast and lunch!
A beautifully scenic spot located on the edge of the West Coast National Park Marine Protected Area. Great for walking, swimming, kiting and picnics.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shark Bay
A beautifully scenic spot located on the edge of the West Coast National Park Marine Protected Area. Great for walking, swimming, kiting and picnics.
Cape Columbine stands on a massive outcrop of rock known as Castle Rock, it rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve. A good site to combine with visiting Seekombuis.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cape Columbine Lighthouse
Cape Columbine stands on a massive outcrop of rock known as Castle Rock, it rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve. A good site to combine with visiting Seekombuis.
Fabulous tours of either the beach and dunes at Paternoster or the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
WOW eBikes
Fabulous tours of either the beach and dunes at Paternoster or the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve.
Wild game! Situated in the heart of the West Coast 40 minutes south of Jacobs bay, enjoy a game drive in this relaxed setting. Their 1600 ha family owned reserve is home to some of Africa’s greats such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino and Giraffe.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve
Wild game! Situated in the heart of the West Coast 40 minutes south of Jacobs bay, enjoy a game drive in this relaxed setting. Their 1600 ha family owned reserve is home to some of Africa’s greats such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino and Giraffe.
Now situated in Paternoster under the ownership and personal management of Mark Truter, retired professional South African Jockey and Master Farrier. Mark now does guided beach rides as well as schooling lessons adjacent to Paternoster Brewery.
West Coast Beach Rides
Concorde DriveNow situated in Paternoster under the ownership and personal management of Mark Truter, retired professional South African Jockey and Master Farrier. Mark now does guided beach rides as well as schooling lessons adjacent to Paternoster Brewery.
Fantastic spot set within the nature reserve, head here for some dirt roads! Spend the day with your own braai, have a lovely walk and maybe even a swim in the cove!
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tietiesbaai Rest Camp
Fantastic spot set within the nature reserve, head here for some dirt roads! Spend the day with your own braai, have a lovely walk and maybe even a swim in the cove!
Paddle out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins and see Paternoster from a different angle with the awesome team at Kayak Paternoster.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kayak Paternoster
1 KreeftegangPaddle out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins and see Paternoster from a different angle with the awesome team at Kayak Paternoster.
Great for beach walks! Yachtsmen, canoeists, and surfers also love the waters here and, being at the southernmost point of the migratory route from Europe and the Steppes of Russia, the area is a birder’s paradise.
Fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current, St Helena Bay is one of the world’s prime fishing areas and its waters provide a valuable livelihood to many locals as well as an abundance of food for the dolphins and Southern Right Whales which enjoy the calm waters.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saint Helena Bay
Great for beach walks! Yachtsmen, canoeists, and surfers also love the waters here and, being at the southernmost point of the migratory route from Europe and the Steppes of Russia, the area is a birder’s paradise.
Fed by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current, St Helena Bay is one of the world’s prime fishing areas and its waters provide a valuable livelihood to many locals as well as an abundance of food for the dolphins and Southern Right Whales which enjoy the calm waters.
Come to visit the spectacular wildflowers in August and September, not to be missed this expansive area is a worthy day trip opportunity.
324 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
West Coast National Park
Come to visit the spectacular wildflowers in August and September, not to be missed this expansive area is a worthy day trip opportunity.
HOSPITAL BAY BEACH: The sandy beach of Hospital Bay is ideal for swimming and sun bathing. To get there, follow the coastal path north then head up and over the dune behind our village restaurant weskusplek. The bay’s unusual name is from the 1800s when ships dropped off their sick to be quarantined here before reaching Cape Town.
Gonnemanskraal
HOSPITAL BAY BEACH: The sandy beach of Hospital Bay is ideal for swimming and sun bathing. To get there, follow the coastal path north then head up and over the dune behind our village restaurant weskusplek. The bay’s unusual name is from the 1800s when ships dropped off their sick to be quarantined here before reaching Cape Town.
The Cape Gannet colony ranks as one of the birding highlights of the West Coast. Nearly 14,000 pairs breed on the bay’s Bird Island as well as small numbers of African Penguin too.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve
The Cape Gannet colony ranks as one of the birding highlights of the West Coast. Nearly 14,000 pairs breed on the bay’s Bird Island as well as small numbers of African Penguin too.
ELANDS BAY BEACH: Surf the Elands Bay left-hand pointbreak, the waves here are not only big, but consistent too. There are barrels & massive sections for turns & bashes, plus some very long waves going all the way into the beach break.
Elands Bay Surf Shack
14 Strand StreetELANDS BAY BEACH: Surf the Elands Bay left-hand pointbreak, the waves here are not only big, but consistent too. There are barrels & massive sections for turns & bashes, plus some very long waves going all the way into the beach break.
Food Scene
Leeto
Patterson SlotBest food on the west coast! Absolutely fantastic restaurant.
Shark Bay Shack (not the hotel). Amazing views and a great pit stop pre or post kiting!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shark Bay Hotel & Spa
8 Grysbok ClShark Bay Shack (not the hotel). Amazing views and a great pit stop pre or post kiting!
World class dining, winner worlds best restaurant 2019 in Paris.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wolfgat
10 Sampson StWorld class dining, winner worlds best restaurant 2019 in Paris.
Fantastic coffee, awesome homemade fudge and really great service!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Weskus Coffee Roastery
132 Oostewal StFantastic coffee, awesome homemade fudge and really great service!
Beachfront restaurant in the heart of the main strand at Paternoster.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Voorstrandt
Strandloper StreetBeachfront restaurant in the heart of the main strand at Paternoster.
Best place for an authentic West Coast foodie experience! Open on weekends, be sure to book ahead.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Die Strandloper
jan olfsen strBest place for an authentic West Coast foodie experience! Open on weekends, be sure to book ahead.
Worth a drive to Velddrif for very tasty, fantastic value takeaway fish, calamari and chips. Once you've got them you can walk across the road and down a path to eat them sitting on the jetty like sea wall heading out into the ocean.
Die Vis Vlekhuis
Worth a drive to Velddrif for very tasty, fantastic value takeaway fish, calamari and chips. Once you've got them you can walk across the road and down a path to eat them sitting on the jetty like sea wall heading out into the ocean.
Wonderful made to order home cooked meals! They can prepare dinner for your whole family and more, with sides and desserts as if it were made with love by your Mom at home. Highly recommended if you'd like to avoid cooking while on holiday, they just need notice a day or two in advance.
GRAZE eatery
Wonderful made to order home cooked meals! They can prepare dinner for your whole family and more, with sides and desserts as if it were made with love by your Mom at home. Highly recommended if you'd like to avoid cooking while on holiday, they just need notice a day or two in advance.
Great village pit stop for coffee, cake and good service :) lovely to keep it local too!
House of Bean & Leaf
Great village pit stop for coffee, cake and good service :) lovely to keep it local too!
Lovely local coffee shop, cake shop and breakfast pitstop. Very close to Paternoster Brewery.
31 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mondvol Coffee Shop
15 Seemeeu CresLovely local coffee shop, cake shop and breakfast pitstop. Very close to Paternoster Brewery.
La Petite Maison
Lovely Langebaan restaurant with great views
A traditional open air Weskus eatery serving up some of the West Coast's most sought after seafood dishes. Reservations essential.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muisbosskerm Open-Air Restaurant
R365A traditional open air Weskus eatery serving up some of the West Coast's most sought after seafood dishes. Reservations essential.
Wine and Craft Brews
Paternoster Brewery & Restaurant is an independent family business located in Paternoster. They have a good simple food menu and some great beers, well worth a visit (especially for any brewing aficionados) during your stay.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paternoster Brewery
2 Seemeeu CresPaternoster Brewery & Restaurant is an independent family business located in Paternoster. They have a good simple food menu and some great beers, well worth a visit (especially for any brewing aficionados) during your stay.
Our closest winery, 7km down a dirt road you'll find this gem at the end.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Groote Post Winery Restaurant
Our closest winery, 7km down a dirt road you'll find this gem at the end.
A good stop off on the way to or back from Groot Post. They have a huge amount of wine on offer for tasting at a very reasonable price.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darling Cellars (Pty) Ltd
A good stop off on the way to or back from Groot Post. They have a huge amount of wine on offer for tasting at a very reasonable price.
A great place to pick up some decent priced brews for your stay.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darling Brew Tasteroom
48 Caledon StA great place to pick up some decent priced brews for your stay.
A lovely original Olive Farm located down a dirt road, selling great Olive Oil, Wine and much more.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Darling Olives CC
A lovely original Olive Farm located down a dirt road, selling great Olive Oil, Wine and much more.
Shopping
The only place to buy your Crayfish (legally) in the area, they will provide you a stamped receipt incase you are stopped by authorities. Crayfish are a must for the Braai - they also sell fresh oysters, mussels and other seasonal seafood.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muelle de langosta de Paternoster
Kreefte StreetThe only place to buy your Crayfish (legally) in the area, they will provide you a stamped receipt incase you are stopped by authorities. Crayfish are a must for the Braai - they also sell fresh oysters, mussels and other seasonal seafood.
The mall has four anchor tenants, Game, Woolworths, Edgars, and Checkers. Free parking and ample offerings including; electronics, banking facilities, gifts, stationery, clothing, department stores, optometrists, food, footwear, health and beauty, home décor, furniture, jewellery, accessories, entertainment, pet shops, services, and sports gear. Services also include a carwash facility and post office.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
West Coast Mall
110 Saldanha RdThe mall has four anchor tenants, Game, Woolworths, Edgars, and Checkers. Free parking and ample offerings including; electronics, banking facilities, gifts, stationery, clothing, department stores, optometrists, food, footwear, health and beauty, home décor, furniture, jewellery, accessories, entertainment, pet shops, services, and sports gear. Services also include a carwash facility and post office.
The 'Oep vir Koep' shop in Paternoster is a well known landmark in this area. You won't miss it as it sits right on the corner as you enter the town. Here you can buy local delicacies such as fig preserve, snoek, bokkoms, koeksusters (a sweet pastry) and local brands. Stop off for a while, buy the local newspaper "Die Paternoster Koster" and enjoy Tee or Coffee at Oep vir Koep's coffee shop whilst you read the local news.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oep ve Koep
1 Saint Augustine RoadThe 'Oep vir Koep' shop in Paternoster is a well known landmark in this area. You won't miss it as it sits right on the corner as you enter the town. Here you can buy local delicacies such as fig preserve, snoek, bokkoms, koeksusters (a sweet pastry) and local brands. Stop off for a while, buy the local newspaper "Die Paternoster Koster" and enjoy Tee or Coffee at Oep vir Koep's coffee shop whilst you read the local news.
Local corner shop in Jacobs Bay village selling baked goods, local preserves and household essentials.
Kontrei KuierZ
Main RoadLocal corner shop in Jacobs Bay village selling baked goods, local preserves and household essentials.
First Sunday of every month - lovely market , this tongue-in-cheek eatery, farmstall, nursery, petting zoo, and pub, promotes a healthy, organic lifestyle & has something for all the family. Our favorite stall is Anne-Marie's!
Die Plaasmol Padstal
5 R45First Sunday of every month - lovely market , this tongue-in-cheek eatery, farmstall, nursery, petting zoo, and pub, promotes a healthy, organic lifestyle & has something for all the family. Our favorite stall is Anne-Marie's!
Last Sunday of every month is Paternoster Waterfront Market. Definitely worth checking out Anne-Marie's stall here too, a very popular pit-stop!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Muelle de langosta de Paternoster
Kreefte StreetLast Sunday of every month is Paternoster Waterfront Market. Definitely worth checking out Anne-Marie's stall here too, a very popular pit-stop!