The stunning West Coast region is a loosely connected chain of towns that hugs the rugged coastline to the northwest of Cape Town. In comparison to Velddrif, where the R27 appears to end and the R399 turns abruptly right inland, Port Owen is a little closer to the ocean. West of here is St Helena Bay, and a short distance up the coast is Dwarskersbos. Port Owen, St. Helena Bay, Laiplek, and Dwarskersbos are frequently mentioned together because they are so close to one another.
Port Owen is essentially a port with a marina and the associated lifestyle, as its name suggests. If it weren’t for the nearby wetlands and bird sanctuary, a collection of admittedly attractive cabanas and apartments would have little to recommend them but a resort-type feel. Instead, a vlei and a system of canals provide access to the river and the sea for boats, and since boats of various shapes and sizes are moored here, the marina exudes a genuine sense of calm and tranquillity. The 3.2 kilometres of private canals are almost like a small slice of heaven to row upon.
Between Velddrif and Laaiplek, just where the Berg River empties into the sea, the marina was built right on the vlei. This particular estuary is a significant bird location and a potential RAMSAR site. Immediately across from the Caltex gas station are a boardwalk and bird hide (the key is available from the Flamingo Koffiehuis).
From the hide, which overlooks intertidal mudflats and salt marshes home to migratory waders like pelicans, one can see more than 200 different bird species. The Hudsonian godwit, lesser yellowlegs, and little blue heron are among the uncommon waders that are known to congregate in large numbers in the lower Berg River, which is also overrun with birds.
Port Owen Map
Port Owen is a suburb In West Coast. Port Owen is situated nearby to Rooibaai, and south of Laaiplek.
Things To Do In Port Owen
Tolbossie Padstal
The gorgeous South African West Coast is home to the Tolbossie Padstal, sometimes known as a “farm stall.” It has won praise from residents and frequent visitors for its selection of locally created treats that are so typical of this region of the country. The flavours and snacks are all very real because all of the vendors are from the West Coast.
The Tolbossie menu has some delectable ingredients like wild watermelon, ginger jam, beetroot chutney, and curry pineapple atchar. The West Coast is renowned for its fresh seafood, so you must try the snoek pies, curry fish, roll mops, and mussel pies.
For travellers looking for souvenirs to bring home to friends and family, this place serves as a one-stop shop for gifts, trinkets, and home items. This location makes witblits, a powerful brandy that leaves you breathless but craving more of this South African favourite. It is only advisable to try Tolbossie’s distinctive witblits if you are not driving.
Best Accommodation Option In Port Owen
Skoenlapper
A vacation property near Port Owen called Skoenlapper is ideal for a family looking to get away and unwind in a serene setting with breathtaking views. The property is 2.4 kilometres from Laaiplek Spar Center and has views of the river.
Skoenlapper Holiday Home provides five guestrooms of lodging in Port Owen. Four of the bedrooms have double beds, while one of the bedrooms has two bunk beds. A bath, toilet, and sink are included in the en-suite bathrooms of two of the bedrooms. Two additional bathrooms each have a shower, toilet, and sink.
The dishwasher and washing machine are also included in the fully furnished kitchen, which allows for self-catering. Inside the house, there are two satellite-equipped TVs and two built-in braais. There is free WiFi throughout the entire house. A sizable dining room is present.
Doors that stack opens onto a terrace that descends to a private jetty. The neighbourhood yacht club is home to a launching place. There is parking available off-street.
Russells on the Port
Only 90 minutes north of Cape Hamlet, in the charming town of Port Owen, is where Russells on the Port is hidden away in the stunning Berg River Basin. Guests can enjoy views of the Port Owen Marina from the restaurant’s spacious terrace or idle away the hours until the breathtaking sunset next to the pool on a hot day. The restaurant is close to the Port Owen Yacht Club and Marina.
Russells on the Port offers luxurious en-suite bedrooms, each individually decorated and outfitted with all the essential creature comforts. Choose from our double rooms or our triple rooms, some with river views.
Mandoryn Nege
A vacation property called Mandoryn Nege can be found at Velddrif on the Cape West Coast. The two-story house has a private jetty that provides access to both the river and the sea, and it is situated on a canal.
World-renowned among sailors is Port Owen and Admiral Island. Few places allow you to board a yacht from your home and cruise on the pristine Atlantic Ocean, or head inward instead, in a matter of minutes.
There are four bedrooms in the home. The first bedroom has a queen-size bed, the second one has a double bed, and the final two bedrooms each feature three single beds. The home is completely furnished for self-catering and offers three and a half bathrooms.