Gordon’s Bay is a beautiful seaside village in a spectacular position on the slopes of Helderberg Mountains overlooking False Bay. It is a small harbour town near the Strand with exquisite beaches.The old village of the town developed around the harbour and new modern houses have been built up the slopes of the Hottentot Holland mountains.
Gordon’s Bay has panoramic views over False Bay, and the view extends across the bay to Table Mountain in Cape Town. The 18000 ha Kogelberg Nature Reserve on the mountains behind Gordon’s Bay is one of the Cape’s most beautiful Nature Reserves and the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
It is part of the Helderberg area, along with Somerset West, Strand and Sir Lowry’s Pass.
Gordon’s Bay is a perfect choice for a Cape destination, as it is near the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek. Stellenbosch and Hermanus, as well as being a place with a stunning scenic situation with gorgeous sea views.
The climate is mediterranean, with dry warm summers. Winters are moderate though chilly in the evenings.
What to Do
Gordon’s Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cape. There are 2 main beaches for you to choose from. With pure white sand, shallow sea, and rock pools, it is a perfect place for you to take children paddling and swimming. Bikini beach near the old harbour is a tiny beach with Blue Flag status.The serene turquoise sea here is unique, with transparent clear water, due to the sheltered bay. It is safe for swimming, canoeing, surfing, fishing and kayaking.
The quaint small boat harbour in the old village is used for fishing and the maintenance of boats and yachts. The Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, a Sea Rescue Institute Station and a SA Navy Base are stationed here.
The protected kogelberg Nature Reserve is pristine and wild, and South Africa’s first biosphere reserve. ou can choose from adventure activities like skydiving, hiking, mountain biking and there are bontebok as well as rich birdlife.There are several hiking trails through the mountains with breathtaking views.
The Crystal Springs Hike follows the stream through a gully between the mountains with many crystal clear pools.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve, only 30 minutes away, is a 400ha wild flower garden with species of mountain fynbos only found here and also has hiking trails.
The scenic drive along Clarence Drive on the R44 from Gordon’s Bay to Pringle Bay is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in South Africa, with the enormous expanse of ocean on one side and the towering mountains with the nature reserves and fynbos on the other side, There are several view sites along the road. It is also part of the whale route, with a penguin colony and baboons.
Steenbras Dam provides the water supply for the town and is above Gordon’s bay in the Hottentot Holland mountains. There are are picnic sites here overlooking False bay with spectacular views.
Monkey Town has 40 species of monkeys and chimpanzees, and more amusements for children.
The Helderberg Wine Route has over 30 wine estates. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are not far, about 40 minutes away.
The National Treasures of Cape Dutch architecture can be visited at Vergelegen and Lourensford Estates also on the wine route.
Where To Eat
There are many restaurants, pubs and bars on the main road. The Strand is 10kms away, also with many beachfront restaurants. Gordon’s bay is spoilt for choice. Among them are Da Brasserie, Antonio’s Pizza Place on the harbour island and the Garden Kitchen at the Mountain Streams Nursery. There are also internationally famous restaurants on the Wineland Route.
Accommodation
There is superb beachfront accommodation available overlooking the bay. There are luxury lodges, villas, holiday beach houses, self catering apartments and penthouses with magnificent views.
Transport
Gordon’s Bay is only 50 kms from Cape Town on the N2, and only 30 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport.