A historic Cape West Coast village in the middle of Saldanha Bay and Vredenburg, Jacobsbaai is about an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town along the picturesque R27. The town’s stunning two kilometres of coastline, which features seven distinct bays and lime-washed homes against an azure sea, has been preserved because of tight building regulations.
The majority of the town’s roads are gravel, which slows down traffic and creates a tranquil resort community perfect for a weekend trip or restful vacation. The West Coast paradise of Jacobsbaai is well known for its profusion of fish and the stunning display of wildflowers that annually transform the landscape from late winter to spring. June to September.
There are seven distinct bays in Jacobsbaai: Kwaaibaai, a favourite among surfers; Jacobsbaai; Smalbaai; Moerie Se baai; Bamboesbaai; and Toothrock, a famous spot for diving, fishing, and crayfishing.
Boating, fishing, and diving are the main pursuits for fans of water sports. There are trails along the coast for hikers, while more daring visitors enjoy dune riding. For those who are less courageous, whale watching is a favourite activity in Jacobsbaai, and this pristine resort town is home to a variety of birds.
Jacobsbaai Map
Things To Do In Jacobsbaai
Jacobsbaai Beach
Even if you just have a short window of time, you must stop at Jacobsbaai on your way up the Cape West Coast since it is so breathtaking. Two kilometres of the area’s coastline have been magnificently maintained due to building limitations.
One of the seven bays is Jacobsbaai Beach, which offers a variety of sports and the chance to explore rock pools. You’ll appreciate the tranquillity of the almost empty beach. Take a dive or look into renting a boat to travel to the ocean if you’re looking for a little excitement. Keep in mind that the safety of both you and the marine creatures depends on you exercising caution and not acting carelessly in the water. Please be aware that crayfish diving requires permission, and doing so will result in a large fine if you are caught without one.
Five Bay Trail
The Five Bay Trail, one of five constructed routes in the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, explores the coastline between the fishing communities of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai. This trail’s theme is tracing human sea harvesting, and it passes by various shell middens and modern fishing settlements.
The route begins with a stroll along Paternoster’s beaches in the late afternoon until you reach “Tweede Mosselbank” (so named by neighbourhood fisherman), and then you continue on to a local restaurant for dinner. On day two, one travels via the fishing community of Paternoster and down the shore to Tietiesbaai and Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. The summer crayfish season brings a riot of celebration and an influx of campers, but neither of these things will prevent you from crossing the rocks and sand. In the winter, this stretch is peaceful and wild.
You spend most of both days walking along the rocky shoreline, swimming in lovely tide pools, and, in the spring, admiring the abundance of wildflowers, some of which can still be seen in November. On day two, lunch is served on the rocks with a view of the sea just beyond Tietiesbaai. Make your way to the Trekoskraal headland by circling Noordwesbaai. Trekoskraal is where your day finishes and day three starts.
On day three, the trails continue past Trekoskraal’s headland and toward the dunes and wave-lashed beaches of Wesbaai. Swales use the cliff-faced sand dunes as their nesting grounds. The little Hospitaalbaai is the last harbour before Jacobsbaai, where ships used to discharge the ill before arriving in quarantined Cape Town. You eat lunch in Jacobsbaai at the trail’s end.
Best Accommodation Option In Jacobsbaai
Klokkiebosch Guest House
Walking along the seashore is possible because the guest home is only 100 meters from the beach. Enjoy sitting on the verandah and watching the waves pound the cliffs. There are formal and informal seating spots in the visitor area.
The Mediterranean-style garden is adorned with an abundance of birds, and there may even be little bucks and tortoises there. Even while whales don’t frequently visit the area, when they do, they put on a show to remember. Klokkiebosch offers luxury suites and loft rooms with sea views and en-suite bathrooms. If the weather permits, delicious breakfasts are served on the veranda. Delicious lunches and dinners can be ordered.
Togryersvlei Guest House
Togryersvlei Guest House in Jacobs Bay provides lodging at Jacobsbaai (also known as Jacob’s Bay), which is located halfway between Vredenburg and Saldanha Bay. It is a small, typical Cape West Coast village that is adjacent to both the beach and the Bird Island Nature Reserve.
Four self-catering flats are available at Togryersvlei Guest House, and each one has a desk, a flat-screen TV with DStv, FREE Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. Meals are available for our guests, by prior arrangement only.
Abalone Guesthouse
You can stay at Abalone Guesthouse, which has some of the best lodging options in Jacobsbaai. All of the amenities you require are in our rooms.
The water lies directly in front of the Abalone Guesthouse, and every room offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the most magnificent sunsets. Each of the well-appointed rooms has a separate double door leading to a stoep with a view of the ocean. A cosy lounge with a blazing fireplace is available to all visitors and is especially comforting in the colder months. For those who want to stay on top of their emails, there is Wi-Fi in the lounge. There is also a built-in outside barbecue with wood.
Whispering Whale Guest House
Our three luxurious apartments, each with its own entrance and entertainment space to assure solitude, are tastefully furnished and feature wonderful sea views. The Southern Right Apartment sleeps two people, while the Bryde’s Whale and Humpback Apartments each sleep four people (regrettably only children over age 16). Each apartment has its own cosy living room, dining area, and fully furnished kitchen with contemporary amenities, including a dishwasher. All apartments are roomy and beautifully furnished and designed.
Depending on the apartment of choice, the bedrooms are exquisitely furnished with either King-size, Queen-size, or Twin beds (all with 100% pure cotton percale linen, down pillows, and duvets).
The Bryde’s Whale Apartment offers two bathrooms, each with en-suite, heated towel rails, a pentagonal shower, a contemporary bath, a toilet, and double washbasins with vanities. One bathroom, including a modern bath, a pentagonal shower, a toilet, and heated towel rails, is available in the Humpback Whale Apartment. The pentagonal shower, vanity, heated towel rails, and solely a toilet are all included in the Southern Right Apartment.
