Discover Betty’s Bay: A Coastal Gem near Cape Town

The Western Cape’s wealth of pristine coastal towns makes choosing the perfect seaside escape overwhelming. We’re simplifying that for you. Though towns like Kleinmond and Hermanus often overshadow Betty’s Bay, this coastal gem, only an hour from Cape Town, is a seaside haven you shouldn’t miss. 

How to Get to Betty’s Bay? 🚗

Take the N2 out of town towards Somerset-West when travelling from Cape Town. After exiting Somerset-West, turn right onto Sir Lowry’s Pass road just before the Hottentots-Holland mountain range, heading towards Gordon’s Bay. Then, take a left onto the R44 and drive up the mountainside. Enjoy stunning views along the way as the crystal blue ocean unfolds, revealing more of the mountain’s beauty with every curve and bend. After driving for approximately 40 minutes on this road, you will arrive in Betty’s Bay.

Scenic Route via Clarence Drive

Clarence Drive spans 48km from Gordon’s Bay, hugging the Cape Whale coastline until it reaches the seaside village of Rooi Els. The route abruptly turns inland, climbing steeply to the coastal plateau before curving toward Pringle Bay, about 5 kilometres from Rooi Els. It then reconnects with the coast at Betty’s Bay. 

Beyond the spectacular ocean and mountain views, the route delivers an exhilarating experience. Drivers navigate 77 bends and corners, including four that exceed 150 degrees. The narrow road and frequent twists keep speeds at 60 kilometres an hour or less, adding to the thrill of the journey. Stop along the way at the many parking viewing spots and admire the magnificent views.

Map reference: R44 Clarence Drive, Betty’s Bay

Stony Point Nature Reserve

Calling all penguin lovers!

Plan your trip to Stony Point Nature Reserve and witness African (or Jackass) Penguins breeding in their natural habitat. You can stroll along the reserve’s boardwalks and observe these charming birds nesting, feeding, and socializing.

Stony Point Nature Reserve offers a captivating visual experience; seeing playful penguins swimming and sunbathing among rocky outcrops on one side, while on the other, discover vibrant shrubbery teeming with nesting birds. To catch the penguins returning from their fishing expeditions, arrive early in the morning or late afternoon; you’ll then see them at their most active.

Beyond the penguins, birdwatchers can spot endangered Whitebreasted, Black, and Cape Cormorants. These cormorants build their nests along the rocky shoreline, allowing the penguins to dominate the land. For the best experience, bring your camera and binoculars.

Stony Point Nature Reserve Operating Hours: 08h00 – 16h30 (last permits issued at 15h45, gates close at 16h30 sharp)
The Reserve closing time:16h30
Boardwalk closing time:16:00 (Note that the last permit is issued at 15h45)
Reserve office phone number: 087 087 3001
Website: https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/stony-point-nature-reserve
Conservation fee: R40 for Adults and R25 for Children

Harold Porter Botanical Garden

Did you know that the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay is part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve?

This celebrated floral area, spanning nearly 200 hectares, is valuable for far more than its role as a monitored conservation project. It’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Take in breathtaking views of the Kogelberg Mountains, hike through dramatic gorges and waterfalls, and discover a rich diversity of indigenous plants and wildlife.

The garden is home to around 100 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can purchase a bird list at the entrance to help identify species like the Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, and Protea Canary. The well-maintained trails cater to all fitness levels, including a wheelchair-friendly path that ensures accessibility for all.

Beyond its floral beauty, the area features iridescent waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges, forests, flats, and dunes along the beach. The 10-hectare cultivated garden just past the entrance provides the perfect setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and photoshoots. Baboons like to play in the shrubs, so keep an eye out.

The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden also offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, bookshop, plant nursery, and venue hire facilities; making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and visitors of all ages.

Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/
Operational Hours: Mon-Fri: 08h00-16h30 | Weekends & Public Holidays: 08h00-17h00
Price: R55 – R60 for Adults and R20 – R35 for Learners
Address: Cnr Clarence Drive and Broadwith Road, Betty’s Bay
Contact Number: 087 260 9755

Sandboarding

Since it rarely snows in South Africa, sandboarding offers the perfect alternative to snowboarding. It demands the same skillset and delivers just as much adrenaline except when you fall, you’ll be eating sand instead of snow!

Sandboarding professionals rank Silver Sands in Betty’s Bay among the best dunes in Africa. With breathtaking views from the top, the experience feels almost otherworldly. The dune stands at an impressive 230 meters, creating an exhilarating downhill ride.

A standard sandboarding session lasts about two hours, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the dune heats up quickly. 

Website: https://walkerbayadventures.co.za/sand-boarding/
Address: Watsonia St, Betty’s Bay, 7141
Price: R 600 pp for 2 hours
Contact Number: 082 739 0159

Hiking Trails

With mountains and the ocean creating a spectacular natural setting, Betty’s Bay offers the perfect backdrop for a scenic hike. Several marked trails wind through the area, but even a simple coastal stroll promises breathtaking views.

Most of Betty’s Bay’s hiking trails start at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. Other popular routes include the Palmiet River Trail in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Silversands Beach, and the Betty’s Bay Penguin Boardwalk. Before heading out, check the gate times for your chosen hiking trail.

Contact Number: 028 271-5138

Whale Watching

Betty’s Bay offers world-class whale-watching opportunities. Though various whale species frequent this stretch of the Atlantic Ocean, visitors most often spot the southern right whale. 

These gentle giants display curiosity and venture close to shore, seeking glimpses of the fans who travel from around the world. Whales begin their season in June, journeying from the Antarctic to mate and calve in our warmer waters. You can choose a boat tour or watch from the shore, but you won’t regret waking up early to observe them.

Pottery

For a relaxing activity, explore the pottery scene in Betty’s Bay. Shops and galleries hide among the fynbos thickets on the beach side of the main road, ready for you to explore. 

Inside, shelves burst with dinnerware, salad bowls, tiles, huge raku pots, and detailed sculptures. You can browse for fun or grab something to spice up your home.

Address: Clarence Drive, Bettys Bay, 7141

As you wander through Betty’s Bay, you’ll discover its unique charm in every corner from windswept beaches to hidden artistic treasures. Why not take a break from the ordinary and immerse yourself in this coastal gem? Whether you’re exploring the fynbos-covered trails, meeting local artisans, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, there’s always something waiting to be uncovered. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sense of adventure and experience Betty’s Bay for yourself!