Big Bay Beach

Big Bay BeachBig Bay Beach & Table Mountain with its "tablecloth" of clouds.

Big Bay Beach is a huge stretch of white sand. Out to sea the view of Robben Island (where Mandela was a prisoner) and Table Mountain, with its tablecloth of clouds, is always spectacular.

Dunes

Behind the beach there are some incredible sand dunes where the sand is powder soft. During late winter/early springtime the dunes are covered with flowers of every colour. People come from all over the world to see the free flower show that stretches all along the west coast from Big Bay to Langebaan and beyond.

Robben IslandView of Robben Island from the dunes of Big Bay Beach
Flowers on the dunesBig Bay Beach dunes

Rock Pools

Walk in the direction of Cape Town and you'll come to a rocky area. The rock pools here often have little fish and other sea creatures in them that will keep children amused for hours. There's also an island that can be reached on foot at low tide - just make sure you return again before the tide comes in or you'll be a castaway on your own little island.  

Right behind this beach is the wonderful Blue Peter (more further down the page). The Blue Peter is a local institution and a great place to enjoy a sundowner drink or a breakfast overlooking the ocean. It isn't the best place to stay in the area though - the Sir David Boutique Guest House is a much better choice.

Table MountainView from in front of the Blue Peter Hotel

Blue Peter

Dating back to the late 19th century this hotel is like a British colonial outpost. Paintings of British historical figures and 19th century sailing vessels line the walls, while flotsam and jetsam, used as decoration, adds character to the place.

In summer the lawn is packed with people enjoying a glass of wine, cocktails or a cold beer while watching the sunset. Children play on the beach in front of the hotel and the aroma of wood-fired pizza drifts away from the restaurant, across the lawns and out to sea. 

Upstairs from the pizza area and bar is a more formal restaurant where you can enjoy a great value breakfast, lunch or dinner with views you'll want to feast your eyes upon forever.

Blue PeterTable Mountain from Blue Peter
Dining al FrescoBlue Peter

Ons Huisie 

This little old house is one of the oldest building on the entire west coast of South Africa and is right on the water, about a ten minute walk from the Blue Peter in the direction of Cape Town. The setting is fabulously picturesque, with the beach and ocean lying before you and the thatched Ons Huise (our house in Afrikaans) behind you.  It's been turned into a restaurant but I wouldn't bother eating here - the waiters look like they'd rather be sleeping and service is appalling. The food pretty much matches the service levels. Rather eat at the Blue Peter.

Ons Huisie RestaurantOns Huisie Restaurant

Where is Big Bay Beach?

For your daily dose of ExquisiteCoasts: 

You might like these

  • Llandudno Cape Town is a little different from the original town in Wales. For example, it often gets so hot that on one of the beaches people take ALL their clothes off!

    Llandudno Cape Town

    Llandudno Cape Town is a little different from the original town in Wales. For example, it often gets so hot that on one of the beaches people take ALL their clothes off!

  • East London,South Africa's forgotten city. Should it stay forgotten or is there something that makes this a gem worth discovering. We investigate.

    East London, South Africa. Should I Visit?

    East London,South Africa's forgotten city. Should it stay forgotten or is there something that makes this a gem worth discovering. We investigate.

  • We love the Eastern Cape beaches. Completely different to those in the Cape Town area, they are wildly beautiful.

    Eastern Cape Beaches - Our Selection

    We love the Eastern Cape beaches. Completely different to those in the Cape Town area, they are wildly beautiful.

  • Suntan under the hot sun on a beach of tropical beauty ...with penguins everywhere! Unbelievable? Yet it is real – come share the sunshine and meet the penguins on the beach.

    Penguins on the Beach

    Suntan under the hot sun on a beach of tropical beauty ...with penguins everywhere! Unbelievable? Yet it is real – come share the sunshine and meet the penguins on the beach.

  • Each one of these 5 spectacular coastal drives should be on your bucket list. Add at least one to your plans for the next year... you'll be so glad you did.

    The 5 Most Spectacular Coastal Drives in the World

    Each one of these 5 spectacular coastal drives should be on your bucket list. Add at least one to your plans for the next year... you'll be so glad you did.

  • A beautiful coastline, known only to locals, where the magnificent traditions of British and Xhosa meet rolling waves and endless beaches. There's also Africa's oldest pub where new friendships are made every night over the excellent locally brewed beers.

    Port Alfred & Bathurst - Endless Summer of Care-Free Days

    A beautiful coastline, known only to locals, where the magnificent traditions of British and Xhosa meet rolling waves and endless beaches. There's also Africa's oldest pub where new friendships are made every night over the excellent locally brewed beers.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.