Shark Cage Diving And Whale Watching In Gansbaai
Looking for a break from the busy city life? Head to Gansbaai, where you will find an array of outdoor activities to do like viewing southern right whales from some of the best whale watching spots in the Western Cape and partake in the adrenalin fuelled shark cage diving!
A Break From The City…
From the white beaches of De Kelders to beautiful Pearly Beach, you will find the most amazing land-based whale-watching spots in the world, those that even rival the whale-watching spots in Hermanus. Dyer Island is home to thousands of Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins, two of the main food sources of the great white shark. There are plenty of great whites in Gansbaai and the town has become known as the great white shark capital of the world!
The little town offers some of the best land based and boat based whale watching in South Africa along with the best shark cage diving in the Overberg. The best fynbos areas are found here and you can spot these plants from along the beach to on top of the mountains that encircle Walker Bay.
At De Kelders there are wonderful caves to explore, pack a picnic and don your swimsuit for a day out in the sun. Visit the 
Klipgat Caves that where occupied by our ancestors 80 000 years ago. De Kelders is the premier whale watching site in the Overberg.
For those looking to hike in the Overberg, Gansbaai has a collection of hikes ranging from beach walks to mountain hikes. Platbos Forest Trail is a indigenous forest that is privately owned and is South Africa’s most southern forest. There are 
guided or self guided tours on offer and the hike suites all ages and every fitness level. The duration ranges from 1 to 2 hours. There are bathrooms on site and picnic facilities, great for relaxing afterwards.
The Duiwelsgat Hiking Trail is a 3 hour, easy going 7 KM hike that follows the coast to De Kelders. The historical hike takes you along key sites before reaching a stone age site in a cave. 
Both trails offer spectacular views of Walker Bay and the surrounding fynbos. Klipgat Cave trail is one of the most important historical aspects of the Western Cape and Walker Bay area. During the excavation of the caves from 1969 till 1995, archaeologists uncovered stone artefacts and bone tools. Join the Eco Adventure Team and delve even deeper into the caves along the coast.
Flower Valley Farm Conservation Trust Hike is a hike that will take you through unspoilt, protected fauna and flora sites of the Overberg region. The farm has 5 various hikes on offer ranging from a 2.9 KM to a 6.8 KM trail. Along the hike you will spot birds and beautiful flowers. Relax alongside the dam once you have completed your hike. Picnic baskets can be pre-arranged and enjoyed as a special treat. For those looking to quicken the pace the Flower Valley Farm also has a 
mountain biking route, so bring your bike along!
There are 4×4 trails for those looking for a challenge. The views are striking from the various vantage points. Quad biking can be arranged, there are 2 hour guided tours on offer that will transport you through fields of fynbos and coastline.
During the summer months Gansbaai is on of the best places to visit as the area has many protected beaches to enjoy. 
Stanford’s Bay, De Kleders is a secluded piece of beach and perfect for a swim. Die Plaat is an endless beach, no permits are required to fish, swim and hike. The Walker Bay Nature Reserve stretches from the Hermanus Lagoon along the coast to De Kelders, Gansbaai. There is a 24 KM hiking trail to tackle. Various wildlife can be spotted from the shore such as the Cape clawless otter, duiker, bushbuck, steenbok, dolphins, whales and numerous bird life. The operating hours of the 
reserve are from 7am till 7pm, you will require a permit that can be purchased at the gatehouse at De Kelders or Uilskraalmond.
Water babies can enjoy the Gansbaai Tidal Pool found along Kus Weg. For the adventurous pack your goggles and snorkels and explore the edges of the bay. Kleinbaai Tidal Pool is a safe place for your little ones to enjoy. There is also a large lawn for your kiddies to run about on and the added bonus of a jungle gym.
If you love horses why not enjoy the scenery from horse back. Horse riding in the Overbeg has never been better! There are trails for the advanced and trails for beginners. Guests can go horse riding on the beach or in the mountains in Gansbaai. There are 1 to 6 hour outrides and 2 to 10 days overnight trails too!
Amongst other popular attractions a visit to the Danger Point Lighthouse is a must. Over 20 ships have been wrecked along the coast due to hidden reefs and rocky outcrops. Climb the 
stairs till the revolving light and peer out over the bay, here you can spot the remains of the Birkenhead wreck. The Strandveld Museum is a privately owned establishment and contains many relics from the Birkenhead shipwreck. The museum has had to be restored quite often due to the big, Cape storms that batter the coastline. The Farm Garden started by husband and wife team Coenie and Christa Van Dyk displays miniature scenes out of rock, please note that booking is required!
Weather you are visiting to fish, hike or go shark cage diving there is plenty to discover and do in Gansbaai!
For more information contact Gansbaai Tourism: +27 (0) 28 3841439
| More info on the town of Hermanus |
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