Big Bay, Blaauwberg

A little further north up the West Coast than Milnerton, and set in a bay of its own on the west side of Bloubergstrand (blue beach mountain), Big Bay is but twenty minutes from the centre of Cape Town, yet close enough to Melkbosstrand to call itself the start of the Cape West Coast.

It's a fiendishly popular spot for surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing with a beach that offers those typical, can't-get-enough-of views over Table Mountain and Robben Island. This whole beach area falls within a Marine Nature Reserve and is renowned for diving delicacies like Cape rock lobster, and perlemoen or abalone (although catching the latter is a no-no).

Whilst all of this draws one to the beaches, there is another major attraction for others just off the shore in the form of Big Bay's Eden on the Bay - a new 'mixed development' in the form of shops, restaurants and a series of residential and office space interspersed with pedestrian walkways, open spaces, courtyards and nothing between the development and the sea, other than the beach.

And Big Bay is rather 'famous' for having Blue Flag status, which was then revoked by the City whilst they sort out certain groundwater management problems, but that's another story.

Whilst this part of the coastline might once have been the site of little rowing boats casting their nets for mullet, today it's a modern metropolis that fairly hums over weekends, and is a fantastic place for those in Cape Town who want to live with 'that view'. There are downsides, believe it or not. Big Bay can be rather unpleasant when the wind escalates a couple of notches, and when it's busy here, it's busy.

But spend a tranquil sunset on the white sands, and you'll remember why it is that you love Cape Town.

Travellers' Reviews

2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewvery good

Big Bay has progressed in leaps and bounds in the years that we have been holidaying in this area. From the old braai/picnic area, it has become a trendy spot catering for people of all ages. Now we can sit at a choice of restaurants at Eden on the Bay looking out at the fantastic views of Table Mountain and Atlantic Ocean/Robben Island. Plenty of quick takeaway foods too for those who just want to spend their day in the water surfing, kitesurfing, standup paddling etc for which Big Bay has become quite famous. Parents can take their youngsters to Little Bay, a short beach walk from Big Bay, where there are rock pools and a play area. There is plenty of affordable accommodation within easy walking distance of Big Bay. Oh yes, Big Bay is on the MyCiti bus route too!

Hayley Botha (Gauteng)

Verified reviewexcellent

I LOVED the beaches on this side because the views toward Cape town are so spectacular! Very family orientated and there are plenty of restaurants. On a windy day the spectacle provide by all the kite surfers is really something!

Sue Steyn (Pretoria)

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