5 Amazing Things to Do in Fish Hoek, Cape Town
Heading to Cape Town for the holidays? Forget braving the crowds on the Atlantic Seaboard this holiday season, Cape Town’s lesser-known seaside suburbs on the south are where you’ll find rest and relaxation this holiday season. Sandwiched between Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, the sleepy seaside suburb of Fish Hoek offers locals and visitors a charming mix of old traditions and 21st-century living, with small-town vibes that are hard to come by in the Mother City. For those holidaying in the Cape, Fish Hoek provides a heavenly mix of sun, sea, sand, and majestic mountains and is the perfect place to base yourself when enjoying a family holiday in the Cape. Wondering what to get up to while you’re there? Here are 5 Amazing Things to Do in Fish Hoek.
1. Hit the beach
Fish Hoek beach offers a wide variety of activities for holidaymakers to enjoy. Frolic in the waves and enjoy Fish Hoek’s warm waters or take a stroll along Jager’ Walk to ‘Skellies’ rock pool for a more relaxed swimming experience. If it’s something active you want, then you can’t go wrong with hiring a SUP board from Great White Sport & Surf (R150 for half-day rental | R250 full day) or a kayak from Aqua Trails (R400 per day).
2. Go whale and shark spotting
Why trek all the way to Hermanus to see the whales when you can greet them right here in Cape Town? Fish Hoek is a whale watcher’s paradise with Southern Right and Humpback whales being seen in the bay from June to November each year. The rest of the year also offers prime shark spotting opportunities. Visibility into the water from the shark-spotters’ hut, found just off Contour Way, is quite remarkable, but fear not – there’s no danger of running into these sharp-toothed critters in the water thanks to the shark-exclusion net that was put up in 2015.
3. Eat, drink, and be merry
With plenty of owner-run restaurants, Fish Hoek is a foodie paradise. Local favourites include C’est La Vie, for a morning coffee and freshly baked pastries that fly off the shelves, and Fish Hoek Fisheries, for super fresh seafood delights straight off the boats. If it’s a quiet lunch you’re after then make sure you pop into The Beachcomber Bistro. Located right on the beach, this much-loved spot offers both takeaways and sit-down options starting from just R30! And, for a quick bite to eat or a deliciously creamy soft serve ice cream, you can’t go wrong with The Drifters Takeaway.
4. Explore the mountain
There’s also plenty to keep nature lovers and adventure seekers busy in Fish Hoek. While you’re there, why not lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails? Take a hike up Elsie’s Peak and take in the breathtaking views of the bay from the top. This stunning viewpoint also offers uninterrupted views of Seal Island, the Hottentots Holland Mountains and Hangklip, making it a must-visit for some rather epic landscape shots. Another favourite is the walk to Peers Cave — this National Monument is rich in history and mystery. When the cave was first re-discovered by Bertie Peers and his father in 1927, it was found to house an ancient burial site with nine 12,000-year-old skeletons as well as Khoisan rock art and stone tools. For more insight into the cave and the Peers’ findings, make sure you also visit the Fish Hoek Valley Museum, which offers a display of the stone tools found in the cave as well as further insight into the history of the cave and Fish Hoek as a whole.
5. Live like a local
Why stay in an over-priced hotel in Cape Town’s city centre when you can live like a local at A Whale of a Time guest apartments in Fish Hoek? Each of the 6 luxury apartments at A Whale of a Time have oceans views and are beautifully decorated, offering everything you need to make the most of your stay in Cape Town. With life’s little luxuries, such as satellite TV and WiFi, included in every suite, you’ll feel right at home at this cosy spot. What’s more, the unique holiday accommodation spot also caters for groups of all sizes. From couples looking for a cosy 2-sleeper, families of 4, there’s a suite to suit your needs at A Whale of a Time.
- Penguin – luxurious, spacious 1 bedroom apartment with magnificent sea view – sleeps two.
- Orca – a second elegant 1 bedroom apartment with an incredible view of the ocean – sleeps two.
- Dolphin – open plan studio apartment with a second bedroom. Ideal for two adults and two children.
- Beluga –A suite in a class all its own! Featuring stunning views overlooking the sea, two bedrooms, one adult bedroom and children’s room, and a large open-plan sun-lounge with fitted kitchen.
- Stone –The Stone Cottage is a fully self-contained stone-built getaway, with a well-fitted kitchen and cosy lounge. It sleeps four adults.
- Neptune – This spacious Seaview garden apartment, being completely self-contained, is perfect for a family or a group of travelling friends.
Check out the room rates and availability here.
Guests looking for a quiet escape from Cape Town’s busy beaches can also enjoy the on-site garden and cool off in the sparkling, salt-water swimming pool with views of the ocean on the horizon. Fish Hoek is also home to a variety of idyllic rock pools, which can be found just a stone’s throw away from A Whale of a Time.
So, make Fish Hoek, and A Whale of a Time, your home base for your next stay in Cape Town and experience the joys of seaside living at a fraction of the price!
For more information and to book your stay now visit the A Whale of a Time website. Keep up to date with news and special offers on the A Whale of a Time Facebook page and Instagram.