About Stilbaai Marine Protected Area
One of the youngest of the Marine Protected Areas in South Africa Stilbaai, just west of Mossel Bay, was declared a marine protected area only in 2008 to urgently protect the Goukou River estuary and the sandy bays both east and west of Still Bay.
Did you know? Visitors enjoy access to the MPA particularly the blue flag status Preekstoel Beach, called such for its unusual rock formation, whilst between June and November it is a good whale and dolphin watching destination.
The Marine Protected Area includes 13.5 km of the coast between Noordkapperspunt (Bokbokduin) and Rietvleivywers, as well as 15.7 km of the Goukou estuary.
Only 0.5 per cent of our oceans are formally protected. If you consider that 10 percent of South Africa's land is protected, our ocean protection lags way behind.
Still Bay benefitted from its late inclusion in South Africa's list of Marine Protected Areas. It was the first of the Western Cape's MPAs to include a river estuary, placing restricted 'no take' zones on either side of the Goukou River mouth. Goukou's estuary is permanently open and highly productive, making it an important nursery area for coastal fish.
There are three restricted zones at Geelkrans, Skulpiesbaai and Goukou, including 15 km upstream of the river mouth. All of these areas were popular with fishers. No fishing is allowed at any of them.
Fishers are restricted as to where they can collect shellfish and bait as well - only in the controlled zone of the Goukou estuary's eastern bank. Whilst jetskis are forbidden anywhere in the Marine Protected Area.
The ocean around the estuary is important. The Stilbaai Marine Protected Area protects reef fish species, the southern right whale, two species of eel and ragged tooth sharks.
Stilbaai Marine Protected Area is also culturally and historically significant with one of only two surviving visvywers, or stone-age fish traps, and shell middens. These fish traps are living examples of ancient technology and now have national monument status. Together with Blombos cave and the shell middens found on the coast, they are a popular tourist attractions.
Visit the Blombos Museum of Archaeology in the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau for more information.
The aim of a marine protected area is to conserve marine life. They take the form of a collaboration between civil society, communities and government that promote conservation and safeguard threatened marine species and important habitats.
Need to Know
WhereStilbaai Marine Protected Area, Still Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape, Garden Route
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Still Bay Accommodation, Garden Route
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Still Bay

Osler Place
Osler Place offers comfortable accommodation in Still Bay. Accommodation is offered in six holiday apartments each sleeping six guests. Each apar...

Bydistrand
Bydistrand is a two-bedroom unit offering self-catering accommodation in Still Bay, just 80m from the main swimming beach and 200m from the river...

Karee Manor Guesthouse
Situated in the pretty town of Stilbaai, Karee Manor Guesthouse provides accommodation in a number of suites. All the suites boast magnificent vi...

Sealands View
Sealands View is the best kept secret on the Garden Route, offering arguably the best sea view in Jongensfontein, 10km West of Still Bay. The Sti...


Die Hawehuis
Situated within close proximity to Stilbaai harbour and the Stilbaai Golf Club, Die Hawehuis offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful seaf...

Little Rock Guest House
Little Rock Guest House offers Bed & breakfast accommodation just 10km away from Still Bay in a peaceful town called Jongensfontein. From here yo...


Still Bay Loft
Still Bay Loft is situated in Still Bay East and is a comfortably furnished apartment offering accommodation for six guests. The apartment is jus...

Grace Cottage at Botterkloof
Grace Cottage is a tranquil, luxurious cottage with loads of attention to detail. Set among the beauty of the floral kingdom and with endless hik...

Shore Thing
Shore Thing is a self-catering holiday home which can accommodate up to eight guests. Shore Thing is situated 2km from the lagoon, beach for fish...

Muir Holiday Flats
Muir Holiday Flats offers accommodation in Still Bay on the Garden Route. The flats sleep up to 42 guests in eight units. Skulpiesbaai nature res...

Mama Mia At Charlotte House
Mama Mia At Charlotte House borders the Skulpies Bay Nature Reserve in the seaside village of Still Bay and offers panoramic views across the bay...


2Palms Stilbaai
2Palms Stilbaai is a spacious and comfortable white double-storey holiday home with large windows and a covered balcony. 2Palms Stilbaai offers a...

Kleinbergskloof Olive Estate
Built in the 19th century and lovingly restored to its former glory, the spacious three bedroom cottage is fully furnished and is within close pr...

Lala Pansie
Lala Pansie is an open plan holiday apartment in Still Bay that can accommodate two guests in a double bed. The kitchenette is equipped for light...

Gull's Stilbaai
Gull's Stilbaai is a beautiful self catering holiday home located in the seaside town of Stilbaai. The house sleeps up to 10 guests in five rooms...

Riversong Farm
Riversong Farm is a 175 hectare farm situated on the banks of the tranquil and beautiful Goukou River. Still Bay is an excellent location for nat...
Things to do in the area

Go Surfing in Still Bay
Still Bay is famous as a surfing destination. The rocky Morris Point Cape above the Still Bay habour is a the preferred spot for advanced surfers...

Hiking Trails in Still Bay
A highlight of a visit to Still Bay (also known as Stilbaai) is the Noordkapper Hiking trail which follows the coastline to Jongensfontein, one o...

See the Pallingat Eels
Visit the Stilbaai Tourism Bureau housed in the Palinggat Homestead in Stilbaai where you will see the only tame eels in South Africa fed in the ...

Stilbaai Beach
Stilbaai Beach (or Still Bay as it is also known) is a peaceful, relaxing beach to visit yet has a fantastic atmosphere and always seems to be br...

Still Bay Fish Traps
If you’re looking for something truly unique to enjoy with your children, pencil in the Stilbaai Fish Traps to your itinerary. The ancient rock p...

Inverroche Distillery
INVERROCHE At the scenic confluence of the Goukou River and the vast Indian Ocean, a real gem lies in wait. Inverroche is an independent distille...

Anglo-Boer War Memorial
The Anglo-Boer War was a devastating one; one that took the lives of many Europeans and African soldiers and their families. But, it remains an i...

Blombos Museum of Archaeology
Stilbaai, about four hours away from Cape Town, is perched on the Southern Cape Coast of South Africa. It is popular for its excellent swimming a...

Lappiesbaai Beach
The Western Cape coastline of South Africa is peppered with stunning beaches that are secluded and serene, far away from the madding crowds of th...
Accommodation convenient to Stilbaai Marine Protected Area
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Garden Route Accommodation / Still Bay Accommodation