Beautiful Hout Bay Beach
The beach of Hout Bay, a suburb of Cape Town, stretches across from the start of the Chapman's Peak Drive all along the coast to the lovely Hout Bay Harbor. First Discovered by settlers who came to explore what lay behind Table Mountain, it was named Houtbaai (“Wood Bay”) due to the wooded valley landscape between the mountains. Residents of the town refer to it as the Republic of Hout Bay, set apart from Cape Town. Offering the entire family a relaxing, fun day at the beach, a visit to Hout Bay is a must.
Hout Bay's beautiful white sand beach welcomes visitors to a day in the sun and surf. The beach attracts large numbers of tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy a swim in the cool waters, spend time sunbathing or playing a variety of beach games and sports. A vibrant atmosphere envelops the beach, with children laughing, dogs running across the sand and the cry of seabirds overhead. The section of the beach closest to Chapman's Peak is the best spot for swimming in gentle waves or for catching a tan. If the wind begins to blow, beach-goers can take shelter beside the dunes whilst the look out over the spectacular seaside panorama dotted with fishing and sailing boats. Perhaps you will even spot a whale or school of dolphins passing by. It is also a popular spot for sportsmen to push off on their sea kayaks and dinghies into the chilly waters. Horse riding along this expansive beach is a magical experience. However, riding beach is only permitted at certain times of the day, but certainly well worth it.
The town of Hout Bay itself is charming and truly creates a fantastic day outing. Along the beach-front there is also a bustling fishing port as well as a brilliant yacht club. The harbor is a hub of activity where crayfishing and tuna fishing boats gather. Just a few steps from the water are several restaurants offering delicious treats. The streets of Hout Bay are alive with people visiting the shops, strolling through the craft market or chatting in the coffee shops. From Hout Bay harbor you can join in on one of the boat tours which will take you to Duiker Island, where a Cape fur seal colony reside. There is much to do and see in Hout Bay, such as vising the museum or World of Birds, all of which simply add to your beautiful beach experience. A day or two at Hout Bay beach should be included on every tourist to Cape Town's itinerary.