Gansbaai, Cape Overberg
The unpretentious village of Gansbaai - named after a flock of wild Egyptian geese that are alleged to have congregated at the freshwater fountain next to the harbour - has a large reputation.
Both Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks frequent the Atlantic waters of the Danger Point Peninsula and are a major draw card for the town. Situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in Walker Bay at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains with a magnificent coastline rich in fynbos vegetation.
Dyer Island, just off Gansbaai, is the breeding ground of the african penguin, cormorants and other sea birds and a second island in the vicinity of the village is Geyser Island, home to some 60 000 Cape fur seals. It is the passage between these islands that, for obvious reasons, attracts the Great White and has become known as ‘shark alley’.
The entire Walker Bay area, between Gansbaai and Hermanus, is a whale sanctuary and the gentle giants of the southern ocean, the Southern Right Whale, can be sighted within metres of the shoreline where they come annually to mate and calve. These remarkable beasts spend summer feeding around Antarctica and then migrate thousands of miles to our waters, where sheltered bays, such as Gansbaai and nearby De Kelders, offer perfect refuge.
There are footpaths along the coastline that provide ample opportunity to view these intelligent mammals and a number of licensed whale watching boats get ‘up close and personal’ with the annual visitors to our waters. Whale watching by boat viewing is monitored; stipulated approach distances are maintained and there are limited permit holders, which all goes towards protecting the whales whilst in our safekeeping.
Gansbaai remains a fishing village at heart, despite its growing reputation and rising popularity. Every local in the town, no matter what his profession, is also a fisherman and it is this tradition, and the fact that the town revolves around the harbour and the catch of the day, that makes it so unique and such a wonderful place to visit.
Additional Reading
For more info about Gansbaai see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: • 5 Nature Reserves in Gansbaai • Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
BEST shark-diving, whale-watching and fishing in all of SA at Gansbaai! If you love a good adventure then try shark cage diving in Gansbaai, because its a ONCE in a lifetime experience!! Thrill seekers, you won't be sorry!.
Simon (Jeffreys Bay)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Wild Ocean Self Catering
Wild Ocean Self-Catering offers comfortable accommodation in Danger Point, just 3.7km outside the town centre of Gansbaai. The Main House has thr...

Guppy Huys
Guppy Huys is situated in De Kelders in the Cape Overberg and offers accommodation in a quiet upmarket neighbourhood. The town of Gansbaai is jus...

Saxon Lodge
Saxon Lodge is a boutique hotel situated in Gansbaai, the world’s Great White Shark capital, in the Western Cape, a short, beautiful, 2 hour driv...

Whale Huys Luxury Oceanfront Villa
Where two oceans meet and about as close to paradise as you can get. Perched on the oceans edge, Whale Huys has beautiful unobstructed sea views ...

Black Barn
The Black Barn is set in lush Fynbos on an exclusive and private Beach Estate. It is located 400m from a white sandy beach. The Black Barn offers...

After 8 B&B
After 8 B&B offers accommodation only 60 metres from the Kleinbaai harbour. The guest house is situated within easy walking distance of rock pool...

Amazing Grace B&B
Amazing Grace B&B is a comfortable unit with a separate entrance to the main house. The unit is located in De Kelders, just 5km away from Gansbaa...

Ons C-Huis
Situated overlooking Walker Bay, Ons C-Huis provides accommodation for six guests. The house has a spacious, elevated deck that boasts wonderful ...

Cliff Lodge
Set on the cliffs, right above the sea with breathtaking views across Walker Bay, Cliff Lodge is 25 minutes from Hermanus in the village of De Ke...

Villa View
Situated close to Gansbaai in the Cape Overberg, Villa Vue is a tastefully decorated holiday home for 10 guests. The triple story home boasts bea...


Albatross House De Kelders
The Albatross House is a stunning three bedroom self-catering house in De Kelders. The house has three bedrooms which can be arranged into two ki...

Sea Star Lodge
The lodge is located in de Kelders - a small village at the Atlantic Ocean between Stanford and Gansbaai. Originally designed as a private home f...

Romans Villa Boutique Guest House
Situated on the Cape Whale Coast, Romans Villa Boutique Guest House is a beachfront guest house within the secure gated Romansbaai Beach & Fynbos...

La Luna House
La Luna is a cosy, wooden home that provides accommodation for six guests. Situated in Walker Bay, this is one of the most astonishing places in ...


Sharky Holiday Home
Sharky is a modern self catering holiday home in close vicinity of Kleinbaai shark viewing and cage diving facilities. Boats also depart from Kle...

Nell's B&B
Nell’s B&B is situated in Kleinbaai, in the Cape Whale Coast. Kleinbaai is known world wide for shark cage diving and boat based whale viewing tr...


Casey's Landing
Casey’s Landing is a holiday home offering self catering in De Kelders with beautiful sea views. Each room is unique and has luxurious finishing ...

Fairhill Nature Reserve
Fairhill is a self catering guest house that sleeps 10 people and is rented out as a unit. Treat yourself to a unique fynbos experience in the he...

La Petite Baleine Seaside Villa
Located in the seaside town of De Kelders and boasting sweeping, uninterrupted views is La Petite Baleine. Offering self catering accommodation, ...


Twin Cabins at Romansbaai
Twin Cabins at Romansbaai offers two separate cabins, the one with lounge, kitchen and entertainment area, the other two en-suite luxury bedrooms...

Sea Star Cliff
Sea Star Cliff offers bed & breakfast accommodation in De Kelders. The Gansbaai area is popular for Whale watching and shark cage diving. All roo...

Royal Albatros
Royal Albatros consists of two self catering apartments. There are unrestricted views, even from every bed, of Walker Bay. There is only fynbos a...

White Shark Backpackers
White Shark Backpackers offers comfortable accommodation in double or twin rooms in Gansbaai. This popular area is the Great White shark capital ...

Marine 5 Guesthouse
Marine 5 Guesthouse overlooks the Walker Bay Marine Conservation Area. From here you are surrounded by fynbos and have a fabulous view from where...

28 Kolgans
The apartment sleeps five guests in three bedrooms. The main bedroom had a double bed, the second room has two single beds and the third room has...

Cliff Lodge Cottage
Cliff Lodge Cottage is a stunning cottage located in De Kelders, Gansbaai. This tranquil beach house is ideal for honeymooners or small groups lo...

Villa The Cherry
Villa the Cherry is a luxury seafront retreat on a unique location and an architectural delight. It is located right on the cliff with unspoilt v...


Whale Cove A104
Whale Cove A104 is a three bedroom, two bathroom luxury apartment in De Kelders, Gansbaai, with secure on site parking. The apartment is a modern...

White Shark Guesthouse
Featuring views of the Atlantic Ocean, White Shark Guest House is located 400m from the harbour in Kleinbaai. Activities on our doorstep include ...

Whale Sea Cottage
Whale Sea Cottage is a seafront holiday house offering Cape Overberg self catering with a view of Walker Bay. Enjoy uninterrupted sea views and b...

The Bay Lodge Gansbaai
Situated close to the secluded little beach called Standfords Cove in De Kelders, approximately 3 kms from Gansbaai. View the whales and dolphins...

Franskraal B&B
Franskraal Bed and Breakfast is situated in the secluded seaside village of Franskraal, neighbour to Gansbaai and Kleinbaai, on the water's edge....

Aire del Mar Guest House
Aire del Mar is ideally situated in the quiet seaside resort of Kleinbaai, world known for viewing of the Great White Sharks. Friendly personal s...

Sunset View at Whale Cove
Boasting stunning sea views, Sunset View Apartment is a luxury self catering apartment for 6 people. De Kelders offers the best shark cage diving...

Abalone Cottage
The Abalone Cottage is a six sleeper, pet friendly cottage offering comfortable self-catering accommodation for families and groups. The cottage ...

Bellamente Sirene
Bellamente Sirene is a Mediterranean style guesthouse, nestled in Fynbos in De Kelders, Gansbaai. Overlooking the sea and the mountains we offer...

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Grootbos is a 5 star private nature reserve that celebrates the wonders of the dramatic landscape of South Africa. Exclusive and secluded, guests...

Casterly Rock
Casterly Rock offers accommodation in five apartments in De Kelders, just off the R43 in the Cape Overberg. From here you can enjoy beautiful sea...

Blougans B&B
A warm welcome awaits you at the four-star Blougans B&B in Perlemoenbaai, near Gansbaai. The accommodation overlooks Walker Bay, the only Whale N...

Platbos Forest Cabins
Platbos Forest offers self catering accommodation in an indigenous forest found on the Baviaanspoort Hills in Gansbaai. This ancient forest has t...

Happy Family House
Situated on the Golden Mile, Happy Family House offers accommodation in a cosy, stylish residence for 10 guests. This is the perfect holiday acc...


Uylenvlei Retreat
Uylenvlei Retreat offers accommodation in picturesque surroundings and a green, well developed garden. The retreat is located between Gansbaai an...

Farm 215 Nature Retreat
The reserve of Farm 215 is located mid-way on the gravel-road from Gansbaai to Baardskeerdersbos and onwards to Cape Agulhas. A 2 hour drive from...

Fort Wiltshire
Fort Wiltshire is a wonderful place to get away to - whether you a group of friends, a couple of families or just a family on your own. Located n...

Rocky Shores
Rocky Shores is a luxury home located on the shores of Walker Bay in De Kelders. Some of the best land-based whale watching in the world is the m...

The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a three storey high, round building with a thatched roof, situated in the prime whale watching area. The house has a very moder...

Romans Villa Boutique Guest House
Situated on the Cape Whale Coast, Romans Villa Boutique Guest House is a beachfront guest house within the secure gated Romansbaai Beach & Fynbos...

Zeezicht Guest House
Zeezicht Guest House can accommodate up to eight guests and offers views of the sea and the mountains. The guest house is located in the pristine...

On the Rocks B&B
On the Rocks B&B allows you to enjoy a peaceful getaway, comfortable accommodation and splendid sunsets. All rooms are equipped with satellite TV...

Groeneweide
Treat your loved ones to a peaceful weekend or vacation in nature by booking accommodation in one of our beautiful and comfortable houses at Groe...

Whale Watch Accommodation
Situated in De Kelders, Whale Watch Accommodation is a comfortable holiday home ideal for a family break away. Standford Cove and De Kelders swim...


The Lookout at Whale Cove
The Lookout at Whale Cove is a beautifully appointed three bedroomed self-catering apartment situated directly on the seafront, with magnificent ...

Rots-en-See
Rots-en-See is a fully equipped self catering holiday home found on the shoreline in Franskraal, near Gansbaai. The house sleeps 12 guests in fiv...

Whale Waters Lodge
A warm welcome awaits you at Whale Waters' Guest Lodge situated on the De Kelders’ cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, well-known for its world renown...

Allie's Place
Allie's Place offers accommodation for up to twelve guests in a large house located in Franskraal, 6km from Gansbaai in the Western Cape. There a...

Whalesong Lodge
A small intimate guesthouse perched on top of the rugged De Kelders Cliffs overlooking the picturesque Walker Bay with the coastline stretching f...
Things to do in the area

Shark Cage Diving With Extreme Scene
Come to the Shark Capital of the World and meet the Great White Sharks! Cage Diving with these magnificent creatures is an exhilarating experienc...

Swim with Sharks
The definition of an opportunity of a lifetime? An opportunity that at most with present itself once in a person's entire lifespan. The definitio...

Visit the White Shark Embassy
Sea of the free and the home of the brave. Citizens of the world are welcome at the headquarters of the deep; the White Shark Embassy. The widely...

Dine at Grootbos
Executive chef, Duane Lewis, heads the restaurant at Grootbos, situated a few kilometers from Gansbaai, up. The menu is inspired by fresh and sea...

Dine at Benguela
Benguela is a fine dining restaurant located in the small fishing village of Gansbaai. Receiving rave reviews from tourists and locals, Benguela ...

Danger Point Lighthouse
It took roughly forty years after a major shipwreck on the coast at Gansbaai with a great loss of lives, for a lighthouse to finally emerge in 18...

Tuscany Coffee Shop & Bistro
Gansbaai, a small coastal town in the Western Cape, is famous for its excellent shark cage diving tours and its whale watching expeditions. It is...

Great White Shark Experience
In South Africa, we are privileged to have access to great white sharks… if you know where to go, and when.The general public, too, can enjoy gre...

Strandveld Museum
The Strandveld Museum is situated in Frikkiesbaai, Franskraal 5km south of Gansbaai.The quaint building dates back to the 1860s where it was orig...
Noteworthy attractions

Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Lying within the southern extension of the Hottentots Holland Mountain range about 90 kilometres south-east of Cape Town and 8 kilometres from Kl...

Harold Porter Botanical Gardens
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden lies in the epicentre (heart) of the Cape fynbos region - a dedication to this natural shrubland vege...

Hermanus Whale Crier
Hermanus on the Cape Whale Coast has its very own whale crier, and, what’s more, Hermanus lays claim to the only whale crier in the world. The po...

Hermanus Beaches
Where? +/-2 hours drive from Cape Town on the south coast of the Cape. Includes: Onrus Beach, Grotto Beach, Kammabaai and Langbaai Beach. Go ther...

Hermanus Hiking Trails
While most visitors to Hermanus have many things to do on their itinerary, most involving the whales that have made this town famous, there are m...

Hermanus Golf Club
The course doesn’t only challenge however, you are rewarded, hole after hole, with panoramic views that overlook the sparkling ocean and adding t...

Agulhas National Park
Lying in what is known as the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of Africa is the Agulhas National Park, just 45 kilometres from the popular v...

Marloth Nature Reserve
Lying just three kilometres from the pretty little town of Swellendam, the Marloth Nature Reserve conserves the central Langeberg Mountains that ...

De Hoop Nature Reserve
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is approximately 34 000 ha in size and one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature Conservation. It is a f...
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