St Helena Bay

Found in Weskus, South Africa

A brief history of the area St Helena Bay, also locally known as “Die Agterbaai”, was founded by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama in 1497, during his pioneer voyage from Europe to India. He named the bay after Saint Helena, a devout, influential Christian and mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

Why is Saint Helena Bay so special?

Saint Helena Bay is the only area along the South African West Coast where the sun rises across the bay. The reason for this is its unique location, where the town itself faces northeast and almost north. It is described as “calm and tranquil” as quoted from the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama.
The region of Saint Helena Bay is sub-divided into various suburbs, namely (from east to west): Laingville, West Point, Steenberg’s Cove, Hannasbaai, Britannica Heights, Harbour Lights, Sandy Point, Blueberry Hill, Columbine, Mid-West and it incorporates the neighboring towns of Stompneusbaai and Britannia Bay.
Southern Right Whales also visit in Winter and Spring, to calve. Humpback and Killer Whales are frequently seen here to. Saint Helena Bay, is at the Southern most point of the whale’s migratory route, from Northern Europe. Saint Helena Bay is also on the Cape Birding migration Route.

St Helena Bay – stretching from Dwarskersbos in the North past Shelley Point Peninsula, to Cape St Martin in the West. It actually comprises a total of 18 small Bays with intriguing names such as: ‘Hannasbaai and Vioolbaai’. It also incorporates the neighboring Towns of Stompneusbaai and Britannia Bay.
Preferred by yachtsmen and canoeists, each Bay has its own attractions, stunning sea views and sparkling surf. The Bay is an all-year-round destination for outdoor and nature lovers and offers an ideal base for exploring the outlying Areas.

The main Harbour is at Sandy Point, with a second Port at Laaiplek. Fed by the nutrient-rich cold Benguela Current along the Coast, the waters here boast abundant fish – including snoek – and crayfish (rock lobster), providing a livelihood to many locals, with fish often sold straight off the boats. The Area is home to a number of fish-processing factories and much of South Africa’s fish processing is done here.

Several navigators tried seeking a sea route from Europe to Asia, in the 15th Century but the Portuguese explorer; Vasco da Gama landed in St Helena Bay in 1497, originally naming it ‘Bahia de Santa Elena’.

Imposing granite boulders provide a stunning backdrop to the Town and unspoilt white Beaches hug the long shoreline. It is a favourite destination for walkers, who will often spot various species of Dolphins. Southern Right Whales also visit in Winter and Spring, to calve. Humpback and Killer Whales are frequently seen here to. Saint Helena Bay, is at the Southern most point of the whale’s migratory route, from Northern Europe.

Saint Helena Bay is also on the Cape Birding migration Route. Keen birders should keep an eye out for roosting Cormorants and the African Black Oystercatcher nesting along the rocky shoreline. Yachtsmen, canoeists, and surfers love the waters here! This makes the Area a birder’s paradise!

Best Destinations in St Helena Bay

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