Things to Do in Bloubergstrand
Bloubergstrand | Cape Town

Things to Do in Bloubergstrand

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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african penguins
Cape Town

Meet The African Penguins at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach, commonly known as Boulders Bay, is located in the Cape Peninsula, near Simon’s Town towards Cape Point, near Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park. Cape Town definitely has no shortage of amazing beaches, but Boulders Beach offers something extra special – it is home to a colony of thousands of African penguins. Boulders Beach is a tourist attraction, for the beach, swimming and the African penguins. The beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins.

boulders beach

African Penguins

African penguins are formerly known as jackass penguins because of their distinctive donkey-like braying sounds to communicate. These penguins are the only penguins found on the continent. Like all extant penguins, they are flightless, with a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat. They have distinctive pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. The pink gland above their eyes helps them to cope with changing temperatures.  Their body upperparts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts, which are spotted and marked with a black band.  They are covered in dense, waterproof feathers which keep dry and insulated in cold water. These penguins are pursuit divers and feed primarily on fish and squid. And they usually breed during the African winter when temperatures are lower.

african penguins

African Penguins at Boulders Beach

The story of this penguin colony in Cape Town started in 1983 when a pair was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders. They came to False Bay from Dyer Island. False Bay at that time was closed to commercial fishing so they had abundant food and breeding sites. Their population then grew.

In Boulders Beach, you should be able to see the African penguins throughout the year. However, the birds do spend much of September and October feeding out at sea, so the number of penguins on the beach at this time of year is lower. On summer months you can see them preening and sunning themselves. You can also enjoy the sight of penguins guarding a nest or of penguins waddling along the sand like an old married couple and then transforming into sleek black-and-white torpedoes as soon as they enter the water.

The Penguins allow people to approach them as close as a meter. In fact, the Penguins almost seem to pose for pictures. But be warned, they may look cute but they can be grouchy and their beaks are razor sharp.

Three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks were constructed a couple of years ago to accommodate the visitors that visit the beach. These boardwalks wind their way through the dunes and vegetation and not only provides great viewing spots but also protects nesting penguins and their chicks

Every year, over 60 000 visitors flock to Simon’s Town to photograph and watch the famous Boulders Beach Penguins. This leads to more money to help boost our penguin conservation efforts through South African National Parks (SANParks).

If you’d like to learn more about the area’s famous inhabitants, you’ll find information at the Boulders Visitors Centre.

Alternate Travel Ideas: After your trip to Cape Town one of the most destinations in Africa is the Victoria Falls. Plan your trip by checking out some of the great Victoria Falls Accommodation options.

Other Things You Can Do In Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is not just a great place to see the world famous penguin colony. It is also a popular family-friendly swimming beach. The kids can climb over the boulders, explore the rock pools, or swim in the cool, clear False Bay water. Boulders is a safe beach, with rangers on patrol each day.  So it is a great place for a leisurely picnic. If you go to Boulders Beach, bring some cash because there’s a conservation fee of around R65 per person.

On summer, bring an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen if you plan on spending the day on the beach. It is also advised to come early during peak summer because parking is limited. During the winter season, the weather can be quite unpredictable so bring an umbrella or a raincoat. No vessels are allowed on the beach, including canoes and kayaks. Alcohol and smoking are also prohibited. And because it’s part of the Marine Protected Area, it is a no-take zone, which means no marine life may be removed.

Indeed, Boulders Beach is a perfect place to enjoy a day with your family and friends.

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Cape Town | Sup Paddling | Sup Paddling In Cape Town

Why You Should Consider Sup Paddling In Cape Town

When you are planning a trip to Cape Town, there are many great things that you will want to enjoy. However, to make the most of your time in the area, you will want to plan your visit before traveling. There are several options for planning a trip to Cape Town and by reading the following article, you can find the best possible experiences for yourself and those you are traveling with.

One of the first things that you should do is research the different activities that are popular in the area. For instance, you will find that Sup Lessons in Cape Town is something that many people enjoy. If this looks like something that you would like to experience, it is a good idea to research the paddling options and schedule this for yourself and those you are traveling with.

After you look at the activities that are available in Cape Town and decided what you want to do, it is a good idea to schedule them for your trip. Some of these options will require you to book them quite a bit in advance if you want to take part in them. So, when you choose to take time before your trip to do so, you will be able to experience all it is that you want to do in Cape Town.

As you near time for your trip, it is important to double check your reservations and booking times. For instance, if certain activities require you to bring along special equipment or clothing, it is important to pack it for your travels. Also, some activities may want you to verify your reservation. Another thing that may occur is that there may be special instructions you need to follow to take part in the experience. It is important to know all of this so you are best prepared for your time in Cape Town where you enjoy all that there is to offer.

When the time comes to enjoy the activities that you have signed up for, you will want to look over your reservations yet again. By doing this, you can make sure you bring along anything that you need. It will also ensure that you show up at the proper time and at the proper place. The more you know about what is expected of you, the better you can enjoy this time and experience, such as SUP Paddling in Cape Town.

In conclusion, when you want to enjoy a great time in Cape Town, you can do so when you take time to research your options and learn about all the fun experiences that you can take part in. By doing so, you are able to learn about these activities and all that they have to offer. Use the tips that are shared here to help you find these activities, reserve the ones that interest you, and then have the knowledge necessary to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

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Best Table Mountain Tours | Cape Town | Table Mountain | Table Mountain Tours

How To Find The Best Table Mountain Tours

As you consider traveling and taking Table Mountain Tours, there is no doubt that you want to find the best one for your needs. However, what is best for you and your travel party may not always be the best for another group of travelers. For this reason, it is important to consider your unique needs as you and your fellow travelers look for the best Table Mountain Tours. Continue reading for some of the things that you want to consider in your search.

First of all, you should think about the dates that you will be visiting Table Mountain. Do you have solid dates set or are they flexible? Knowing the time frame where you will be in the area and possibly the day that you want to tour Table Mountain can be helpful as you look for the best tour for your needs.

Similar to the date, another thing to think about is the amount of time you want to commit to the tour. How much time are you willing to spend on the Table Mountain tour? If this is something that is important to you, make sure to pay close attention the time that each tour you are interested in will take.

Then, you should consider the abilities of those in your group. How physically fit are you and those you will be traveling with? This can also play a part in the type of tour that is best for you and your family or friends as you tour Table Mountain. So, when you are looking at the tours, be sure to consider the physical assertion that will be required for the specific tours that interest you.

Another thing that is similar to this would be the type of equipment that you may need. Depending on the activities that you want to take part in, you may need special equipment. Another option is renting equipment if necessary. Not every tour will require this, but you may find that your tour is one that needs certain things that you may need to bring along or rent to make the most of your tour.

Also, you may want to consider the price of the tour. Do you have a budget for how much you want to spend for the tour? If you don’t, you won’t need to worry about the costs associated with the best tour of Table Mountain. However, if you want to stay under a certain amount, don’t forget to look at the prices associated with the various tours that you find.

A great way to explore and see the mountain from a different perspective is to take part in the bike tours Cape Town has to offer. There are tours through the wine lands, around the city and along the entire peninsula including Cape Point and boulders beach to see the penguins.

In conclusion, you can find great Table Mountain Tours. However, if you want to make the most of the time you spend on the tour, you should take into consideration your own personal abilities, desires, budget, equipment, time frame, and other things that are important to you and your traveling party. Use the tips that have been shared here to help you find the best Table Mountain tour for your needs.

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Cape Town | Robben Island | Robben Island Tours

Learning All About Robben Island Tours

Are you interested in taking a tour of Robben Island? If you are, you’re going to want to try to learn about the options available to you. When can you go on a tour? Are there tour guides available to you? These are the kinds of questions that you need answers to.

Here’s how you can learn all about Robben Island tours.

Ask Your Hotel

What hotel are you staying at in Cape Town? Even if you haven’t arrived in South Africa, you should call the hotel and ask to speak to the concierge. Let them know that you would like to tour Robben Island while you are staying there.

A concierge is there to help hotel guests with things like this. If you are trying to find a great tour, they should be able to recommend something to you. Some hotels may actually be able to handle everything for you. The only thing you’ll have to do is show up at the right time.

Join Travel Sites

People travel to Cape Town every year, and a lot of people make a point of seeing Robben Island. Why not try to talk to some of those people? They should be able to tell you more about the tours that are available.

There are a lot of travel sites on the internet. Register at a few of them and look for information about Robben Island tours. You should be able to learn a lot about these tours. A lot of people love to help fellow travelers.

Call Or Email Companies That Offer Tours

If you’ve found a company that offers tours, you should reach out to them. Let them know that you are interested in seeing Robben Island. From there, you should ask questions and find out what their tours are like.

Since these companies rely on customers in order to make money, they should be more than willing to provide you with information. They should be able to talk to you about Robben Island, and they should be able to tell you all about their tours.

Plan Ahead

You don’t want to wait until the last minute to look into tours. Because you will have to take a boat to Robben Island, there is a limited amount of space available. If a boat is full, you won’t be able to go on that particular tour.

If you schedule things ahead of time, there will be a space — or spaces — reserved for you. You’ll be able to see everything that Robben Island has to offer. It’s always smart to plan ahead when you’re taking a trip. Make sure you book a spot on a Robben Island tour.

If you want to learn more about tours, you should be able to learn everything that you need to know. Robben Island is one of the more popular attractions in Cape Town, and it is definitely worth exploring. Learn about Robber Island tours so that you can check it out.

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4 Days In Cape Town | Cape Town | Table Mountain

Spending 4 Days In Cape Town

If you only have four days to spend in Cape Town, you’re going to want to make the most of your time there. You won’t want to have to waste time figuring out where to go or how to get there. You should try to plan out your trip ahead of time.

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Cape Town, keep reading. You should be able to do all of these things over the course of 4 days.

Table Mountain National Park

If you’re interested in mountain climbing or hiking, you’ll want to spend one of your four days in Table Mountain National Park. While you won’t be able to explore the entire park in a day, you will have the chance to walk many of the trails there.

This park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town, which means it is frequently crowded. With that said, it’s absolutely worth a visit. There are many scenic photo opportunities here, and there is a lot of wildlife living in the park.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

If you’d like to do some light hiking, you don’t necessarily have to head to the National Park. There are also some small trails that you can walk in this botanical garden.

This garden is absolutely stunning. It’s hope to a wide array of plants. If you have a few hours to spare, you should try to spend them at this park.

Boulders Beach

Some people head out to Cape Town because they want to spend time at the beach. If you’re hoping to spend one of your days at the beach, you should definitely visit Boulders beach. This beach has plenty of sand and a lovely boardwalk that you can walk across.

If you visit this beach at the right time, you’ll actually be able to see penguins there. If you are traveling with children, you’ll want to make a point of taking them here. Kids love to watch the penguins play.

The Constantia Wine Route

Do you love drinking wine? If you’re a fan of wine, you’ll want to make a point of exploring the Constantia wine route. There are a number of wineries here. A lot of them will allow you to sample some of their wines.

Some wineries require you to schedule wine tastings, while others will serve you in you walk in to the winery. It’s a good idea to plan ahead so that you know where you can do. If you do take the time to visit some of these wineries, you’ll probably wind up bring some wine back to the hotel with you.

Two Oceans Aquarium

If you run into bad weather during your trip, you’re going to want to find something that you can do indoors. You may want to head over to Two Oceans aquarium. This indoor aquarium is home to all kinds of marine life.

While you’re here, you’ll have the chance to get up close with creatures like penguins and sharks. This aquarium has a lot of fun activities for kids, but it has plenty for adults to do as well. If you have stormy weather, don’t feel bad. Head to the aquarium, and you’ll have a great time inside.

4 days may not seem like a lot of time to spend in a place like Cape Town. After all, there are so many things to see and do there. However, if you’re smart about how you spend your time, you’ll be able to accomplish a lot in those four days. You’ll wind up having an amazing experience in Cape Town.

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