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 review
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 review
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)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Eden On The Bay 174B
174B Eden on the Bay is a charming one-bedroom self-catering apartment located in the vibrant Big Bay area of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. This apa...
Copper Studio @ Southeaster
Copper Studio offers comfortable accommodation with a private entrance. The restaurants and beaches of Bloubergstrand are a short stroll away. Th...
Eden On The Bay 250
This gorgeous apartment has two bedrooms; the main bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and has a full en-suite bathroom. The room opens vi...
Blaauwberg Beach Hotel
Blaauwberg Beach Hotel offers accommodation with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and Robben Island. Blaauwberg Beach Hotel ...
Big Bay Beach Club 22
Big Bay Beach Club 22 offers a comfortable and luxurious apartment with the legendary views of Table Mountain and the beaches of Bloubergstrand a...
Small Bay Guest House
Small Bay Guest House is located in Bloubergstrand and offers comfortable accommodation for up to four guests. Here guests are able to enjoy the ...
Dolphin Ridge 108
Dolphin Ridge 108 is the perfect balance between style and comfort, offering guests a prime location close to the action of Bloubergstrand. Boast...
Eden on the Bay 190
Eden on the Bay 190 offers sophisticated and modern accommodation, ideal for couples seeking a peaceful beach escape. Situated directly along the...
Seaside Village J11
Seaside Village offers a comfortably furnished self-catering apartment within a secure complex in Big Bay, Cape Town. Ideally situated near the v...
Eden On The Bay 167
Eden on the Bay 167 is a self catering apartment located in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand. The apartment can sleep up to six guests and is within walki...
Eden On The Bay 150
The open-plan interior is complimented by classy design and a cosy living environment. The living area is the perfect place to unwind after a lon...
Island View 28
Island View 28 is a chic, up-market holiday apartment in Bloubergstrand is located in the vibrant suburb of Big Bay. It has three cosy bedrooms a...
Bona View G36
Bona View G36 offers accommodation in a beautiful three bedroom apartment that is located in Big Bay, Bloubergstand, just a short five minute wal...
Seaside Village B24
Seaside Village B24 offers accommodation for six in a three bedroom holiday apartment (sleeps 6) located above the seaside shopping village in Bl...
Seaside Village Penthouse F23
Seaside Village Penthouse F23 is a majestic beachfront penthouse offering accommodation in Bloubergstrand with exceptional views of the deep blue...
Bradclin Beach
Bradclin Beach is simply a stone's throw away from Big Bay's beach, local amenities and main tourist attractions. There is a spectacular view of ...
Eden On The Bay 125
Situated in the lifestyle complex of Eden on the Bay, Apartment 125 offers self catering accommodation for two guests. The complex is within clos...
Big Bay Beach Club 21
This apartment blurs the lines between class and comfort, with a cool-white aesthetic to create an ambience not easily replicated. The kitchen ar...
Eden On The Bay 108
Situated just a two minute walk from the beach, Eden on the Bay 108 offers accommodation for four guests. The setting is perfect; there are a num...
Big Bay Beach Club 98
Big Bay Beach Club 98 is a beautiful two bedroom, ground floor apartment, perfect for a self catering holiday in Cape Town. Bloubergstrand attrac...
Dolphin Beach E5
Located within a secure complex in Bloubergstrand, Dolphin Beach E5 accommodates up to six guests in a three bedroom apartment. Here you are near...
Eden On The Bay 129
Eden on the Bay 129 offers self catering accommodation for four guests in a secure complex in Big Bay. The complex is within walking distance of ...
Seaside Village L11
Seaside Village L11 is a beautifully decorated apartment situated in Big Bay, Bloubergstrand. The apartment is within walking distance of the bea...
Eden On The Bay 172
Situated in the popular shopping and lifestyle complex, Eden on the Bay, Apartment 172 offers self catering accommodation for four guests. The co...
Eden On The Bay 118
Eden on the Bay 118 is a fully equipped, beautifully decorated one bedroom apartment in Big Bay. The apartment offers self catering accommodation...
Eden on the Bay 117
Eden on the Bay 117 is a one bedroom apartment situated in a complex on the Bloubergstrand promenade. This incredible apartment provides accommod...
4 Azul Terraces
Experience the captivating allure of Cape Town by reserving your accommodation in this exclusive-use, luxurious two-bedroom apartment, perfectly ...
Benguela Beach 24
Discover the allure of Benguela Beach 24, your exclusive coastal haven nestled in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. Immerse yourself in a fusion of cont...
Dennis Cottage @ Southeaster
Dennis Cottage in Bloubergstrand can sleep up to six guests. The main bedroom has a Queen-size bed and has an open plan adjoining room furnished ...
Big Bay Beach Club 37
Big Bay Beach Club 37 is a two bedroom apartment offering self catering accommodation in Cape Town's Bloubergstrand suburb, where the excitement ...
Eden On The Bay 277
Eden on the Bay 277 offers accommodation for four guests in popular Big Bay, Cape Town. The secure complex is within walking distance of some fin...
Eden on the Bay 231
Eden on the Bay 231 is the perfect balance between style and comfort situated at a prime location along the iconic Blouberg shores. This modern a...
Daisy Studio @ Southeaster
Daisy Studio offers comfortable accommodation with a private entrance. The beaches and restaurants of Blouberg are a short stroll away. Daisy Stu...
Big Bay Beach Club J32
Big Bay Beach Club J32 is a holiday home in Big Bay offering comfortable Blougergstrand self catering. You will be met with an ambiance of oceanf...
35 Island View
35 Island View offers accommodation just a short walk from the beachfront in Big Bay, The area is equipped with everything guests could require f...
Eden on the Bay 166
Eden on the Bay 166 – your gateway to coastal living and modern luxury. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment is thoughtfully designed fo...
Eden On The Bay 187
Eden on the Bay 187 is a self-catering apartment situated within a secure complex in Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. This complex enjoys a prime locat...
Eden On The Bay 256
Eden On The Bay 256 is a Bloubergstrand holiday apartment with two bedrooms in the sunny suburb of Big Bay. Leading out from the living area is a...
Sunset On Hill 3
Sunset On Hill 3 is a self catering apartment perfectly situated between the excitement of the City Centre and the tranquil beauty of the charmin...
304 The Waves
Experience sophisticated coastal accommodation in this 2-bedroom apartment located on the 3rd floor of a secure building in Bloubergstrand. Here,...
Things to do in the area
Bloubergstrand Beach
Exfoliate your feet as you dig your toes into the white washed sand of Bloubergstrand (Blue Mountain Beach). Look out across the sweeping blue At...
Cape Town Fish Market Big Bay
Cape Town Fish Market is a vibrant restaurant, fish bar, teppanyaki, and sushi bar with contempory decor and a vast menu of freshly prepared seaf...
Aomori Japanese Restaurant
Located in Eden Bay shopping centre, Aomori Japanese Restaurant is rated by some as offering the very best sushi in Cape Town. The menu offers an...
Big Bay Beach
Big Bay Beach and its contemporary, Little Bay, are the two beaches of Bloubergstrand in Cape Town. These beaches are divided by a rocky point. T...
Small Bay Beach
Small Bay Beach is the little sister to the next door Big Bay beach which is popular with both locals and tourists. As with Big Bay, Small Bay be...
Canal Walk Shopping Centre
When you are staying in Cape Town and its time for serious shopping, then its time for Canal Walk. An array of 400 shops dazzle with a choice of ...
The Paddocks Shopping Centre
The Paddocks Shopping Centre is situated in the growth-belt of Milnerton in Cape Town and is ideally positioned to serve the expanding upmarket r...
Big Bay Café
In the Seaside Village Centre, with views of Table Mountain in the distance and the salty scent of the sea spray, lies the Big Bay Café. This par...
Table Bay Mall
Known for its picture-perfect views of the iconic Table Mountain, Table Bay is now also the proud home of the convenient, well-equipped Table Bay...
Noteworthy attractions
Cape Town Beaches
The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one ...
Table Mountain
Since the first person laid eyes on Table Mountain, it has exerted its powerful and charismatic pull, enchanting and drawing any and all who fall...
Atlantic Beach Golf Club
The Atlantic Beach Golf Course is an 18 hole Links-style course that lies only 700m off the Ocean and provides keen Golfers with exciting challen...
Ratanga Junction Theme Park - CLOSED
Ratanga Junction features over 30 attractions, the most exciting being the Cobra roller coaster. There are also plenty of tamer rides for childre...
Milnerton Golf Club
A regular host to PGA events including the South African Open, the course boasts picture postcard views of Table Mountain across the bay from alm...
The Paddocks
The Paddocks is superbly characterised by its high shop fronts and arched colonnades to allow for fantastic views of Table Bay, Table Mountain, T...
Cape Town Shopping
For the international Tourist, shopping in Cape Town is relatively inexpensive due to the favourable exchange rate and comparatively low producti...
Intaka Island
A green lung in the midst of built up Century City, Intaka Island is a series of natural wetlands and manmade islands that emerged as a result of...
Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
There is a large freshwater wetland on the floodplain of the Diep River where it flows into the Milnerton Lagoon and, subsequently, into Table Ba...
Find accommodation in Big Bay
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Blaauwberg Accommodation / Big Bay Accommodation