Discover Gordon’s Bay: The Seaside Resort of the Cape Winelands
Welcome to Gordon’s Bay, a charming coastal town in South Africa’s Western Cape. Described as the “Seaside Resort of the Winelands,” Gordon’s Bay boasts delightful sandy beaches, picturesque marinas, and a unique blend of coastal and wineland experiences. Here’s your guide to exploring this beautiful seaside haven.
Ideal Location for Cape Adventures
Central Location: Centrally located in the wider Cape Town area, Gordon’s Bay is often called the ‘Heart of the Cape,’ making it an ideal base for Cape adventures. It’s just 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and midway between Hermanus and Cape Town, allowing easy access to famous Cape tourist attractions.
Stunning Beaches
Main Beach: Main Beach offers wide stretches of sand and shallow waters, perfect for families to relax and enjoy beach sports or paddling. Children play in the warm, gentle waves, while historic milkwood trees at Milkwood Beach provide welcome shade and benches for picnics. Kids can also search for sea treasures in the shallow rock pools.
Bikini Beach: Bikini Beach, with its soft white sand, holds international Blue Flag status for excellent safety and cleanliness. Nestled in a protected cove, yachts often anchor here, and bathers dive into the crystal-clear water. On calm days, seals can be seen lazing in the water, while surfers entertain onlookers when the surf is up.
Iconic Landmarks
General Botha Naval Officers Academy: On the mountain behind the village, the letters GB are prominently displayed, representing the General Botha Naval Officers Academy rather than Gordon’s Bay itself.
Nuns Pool: Nuns Pool is a rock pool situated along the coastline. Its calm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for a refreshing swim. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and coastal vegetation, the pool provides a secluded and intimate environment.
Marinas and Harbors
Gordon’s Bay proudly features two marinas.
Harbour Island Marina: The harbor is home to both luxury yachts and working fishing boats. The Harbour Island Marina is surrounded by restaurants and pubs. Luxury yachts, cruisers, and catamarans rock gently at their berths, creating a lively and scenic atmosphere.
Old Harbour Marina: The Old Harbour is home to both working fishing boats and luxury yachts. Watching the boats come and go is a delightful activity, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the harbour. The mix of traditional and modern vessels adds to the harbour’s charm. Take a leisurely walk along the harbour, where you can enjoy the stunning views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains. The scenic promenade is perfect for a relaxing stroll, photography, and soaking in the coastal ambiance.
Beach Road: Along Beach Road, visitors can stop for an ice cream cone, browse quaint seaside shops, or enjoy a variety of tastes at well-priced seaside restaurants. As the sun sets behind the Table Mountain Range, creating spectacular sunsets, it’s the perfect moment to sip delightful Cape wines.
Wine Tours: Gordon’s Bay perfectly balances seaside relaxation with the sophisticated charm of the nearby Cape Winelands. Only 20 minutes from historic vineyards, you can book wine tours or enjoy wine tasting and dining in the historic villages of Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Adventure Activities: There are several local operators that offer kayak rentals and guided tours. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, you can find options to suit your skill level.
Clarence Drive, also known as Route R44, is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views. Cycling along this route offers stunning panoramas of the ocean, cliffs, and mountains. It’s considered one of the most scenic cycles in South Africa.
Nearby Elgin offers mountain biking, ziplining, and quad biking. The Elgin Railway Market provides music, delicious fare, and unique gifts. Scuba diving in marine reserves or hiking in surrounding nature reserves like the Danie Miller Trail and Steenbras River Walk (aka Crystal Pools) are also popular activities.
Scenic Drives: Having your own transport is ideal to enjoy the magnificent drives of the Gordon’s Route or along Clarence Drive – the Whale Route. This scenic route takes you through botanical gardens, a penguin colony, beautiful fynbos flora, and offers spectacular mountain and seascape views towards Hermanus, where, from July to November, you can view whales from land or boat.