Things to Do in Bloubergstrand
Bloubergstrand | Cape Town

Things to Do in Bloubergstrand

December 29, 2017

Bloubergstrand is a quiet residential suburb about 30 minutes’ drive from the Cape Town city center. It is a popular location for a classic view of Table Mountain across the bay. The name Bloubergstrand is derived from a nearby mountain called Blaauwberg.  Bloubergstrand literally means “blue mountain beach” in Afrikaans. It is also known as a gateway to the seafood Mecca of the Cape West Coast. Bloubergstrand is also popular for water sports like surfing, kite surfing and stand up paddleboarding.

The Bloubergstrand area falls within a marine nature reserve and the extraction of species is prohibited. A license is required in order to catch well-known local varieties of seafood. Seafood is popular in the area and includes the local white mussels. The humpback dolphins, southern right whales, killer whales, Cape fur seals, and Haviside’s dolphin are commonly seen in Bloubergstrand.

Beaches

Bloubergstrand has a long white sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, with a few rocky outcrops where black mussels are found. Big Bay Beach and Small Bay are the two beaches of Bloubergstrand which are divided by a rocky point.

Things to Do in Bloubergstrand

Big Bay

The main beach in Bloubergstrand is called Big Bay. It is a favorite surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing spot which draws international enthusiasts to annual competitions. It boasts long sandy stretches and uninterrupted views of the ocean and Table Mountain in the distance, making it a perfect family beach. Big Bay Beach is also perfect for sun tanning, walking, flying kites and just vegging out. Big Bay beach is also well known for the ease with which white mussels can be extracted from the sand by a process locally known as ‘jiving’.

This beachfront is equipped with dining options and is known for its spectacular sunset displays. Big Bay also has a variety of shopping centers where you can window shop or buy few beautiful things from clothes to souvenirs to bring back home.

Small Bay

Small Bay Beach which is also called Little Bay is the beach located alongside the Big Bay. Just like the Big Bay, Small Bay also offers stunning panoramic views of both Robben Island and Table Mountain. But Small Bay is much quieter than Big Bay and is suitable for sunbathers. It offers a quieter place to relax, suntan, and enjoy some family fun. Small Bay is also a favorite spot for surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, and flying, and swimming. This beach can get very windy and is best visited on a calm day. Just remember to bring along your picnic lunch or stop off at one of the nearby cafes for some supplies before heading down to the water’s edge.

Bloubergstrand

Other Activities in Bloubergstrand

Aside from the beautiful beaches and spectacular views, Bloubergstrand also offers the visitors a number of attractions and activities. Among the activities offered is hiking in the Koeberg Nature Reserve with views of its pristine strandveld, dune veld and a 2km walk along the beach. Visitors can also enjoy the popular birding activity at Rietvlei Nature Reserve where you can view some endemic species from the bird hide. Day tours can also be taken to the Cape Winelands, Table Mountain & Cape Point, townships and for whale watching and seasonal flowers along the West Coast. Visitors can also try golfing at Atlantic Beach Golf Club. Families with kids can spend time at Ratanga Junction theme park to keep the kids entertained for hours. In addition, a visit the second largest military aviation museum in South Africa, the South African Air Force Museum at Ysterplaat, is also worthwhile.

The unforgettable adventures and picturesque scenery in Bloubergstrand will definitely give you memories worthy to remember.

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