The small fishing community of Hout Bay, which is located 20 kilometres away from Cape Town’s CBD, has grown into a well-known tourist destination. Even so, the town continues to exude the same rustic charm and unspoiled beauty that made it such a popular vacation spot in the first place.
This guide will find some of the best things to do in Hout Bay.
Hout Bay has it all whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, the best restaurants, accommodation, or things to do with kids, couples or alone.
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Here are some of the best things to do in Hout Bay:
1. Visit the World of Birds
With over 3000 birds (400 different species) and other small creatures, Africa’s largest bird park is a genuine Eden for kids and nature lovers. You may get close to the birds on more than 100 trails through beautifully manicured aviaries. Because the birds are accustomed to people, you may see certain species that you would not typically see in the wild. We advise getting there early enough to catch the various feedings, which start with penguins at 11.30 am and end with birds of prey at 4.15 pm.
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm)
Cost: R120 (adults), R75 (pensioners and students with student cards), R45 (children)
Contact: 021 790 2730
Location: World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary, Valley Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
2. Bay Harbour Market
Experience the great spirit of diversity and culture at one of the many markets in Cape Town, such as the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. This market offers a distinctly South African shopping and dining experience, with a wide variety of foods, works of art, crafts, clothes, and home furnishings available. Families from the neighbourhood frequently visit this market on the weekends, and plenty of safe parking is available.
Opening times: Friday, 5 pm – 9 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 am – 4 pm
Contact: 083 275 5586
Location: 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
3. Fall in love with the world of art at Hout Bay Gallery
Opening times: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Contact: 021 790 3618
Location: 71 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay, Cape Town
4. Take a scenic route through Chapmans Peak
Designed by Sir Frederic De Waal, it was built during the First World War as an amazing feat of road construction. This 9 km section of coastal road was first made accessible through rock blasting, which allowed for the creation of the world’s best marine drive. This coastal thoroughfare connects Noordhoek’s rural beachfront with the historic fishing community of Hout Bay.
Location: Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town, Western Cape
5. Explore Hout Bay on horseback
Experienced rider Nola Muller and her dedicated team of instructors will take you on a scenic ride through Oranjekloof, Cecilia Forest, or to Disa River from their Whispering Pines Riding Studio in the Oranjekloof Nature Reserve, teaching you the best techniques and giving you individualised attention along the way.
Contact: 082 409 9699
Location: Whispering Pines, Boskykloof Road, Longkloof, Hout Bay, Cape Town
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6. Enjoy an E-Bike experience
A bicycle tour on Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone passionate about the majestic scenery of Cape Town. With electric pedal assistance, this spectacular route can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of fitness level or experience.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am — 8 pm
Duration: 3 hrs
Cost: R900
Location: E-lectric Ventures, Unit 29k Gray Street, Paarden Eiland, 7405, Cape Town
7. Hout Bay Beach
Stretching almost a kilometre along the Atlantic Ocean, salty Cape waters meet a sandy stretch of beach ranging in width from 200m to 400m on the mountainside. The beach is a lovely area to walk about with the kids and dogs in tow, especially in the mornings.
Location: Hout Bay Beach, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806
8. Go Kayaking
On a fun-filled tour with Kayak Adventures, discover one of Cape Town’s most famous (and busy) shorelines. A short training session, a life jacket, and a dry bag for small items and you are ready for a beautiful experience.
Once the kayaks are in the water, you will be guided past the seal sanctuary and in the direction of Chapman’s Peak. Keep a watch out for sunfish, dolphins, penguins, seals, and other marine life.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: R350 (weekend) R250 (weekday)
Location: Harbour Rd, Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town, 7806
9. Hout Bay Lions Craft Market
Every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, this lovely Craft Market is held on the Hout Bay Common. With a broad selection of African art and curios, including pottery and wire crafts, ethnic clothing, and food, it has earned a reputation as one of the best markets in the Western Cape. Although it is a small market, its vendors travel significant distances to display their goods at this popular Sunday gathering.
Times: Every Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm
Contact: 082 850 9752
Location: Hout Bay Common, Hout Bay, Cape Town
10. Take a boat ride with Drumbeat Charters
Offering daily cruises to Duiker Island to view thousands of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment, the cruise also includes a special cruise to the Shipwreck in Maori Bay. Upon entering the charter, you will find bar facilities onboard, ample sitting space and an outside area.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: 021 791 4441
Location: Drumbeat Charters, Hout Bay Harbour, Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
11. Orange Kloof Hike
On the southern end of Table Mountain, Orange Kloof is a lovely protected area located above Hout Bay. One needs a permit with the entrance to the trail on the left bottom of the Constantia Nek parking lot to access it.
The Afromontane forest serves as the justification for this area’s protection. Therefore, the exploration of Orange Kloof’s lovely forest is merited.
Location: Constantia Nek parking area in Constantia, Cape Town.
12. Atlantic Seaboard Helicopter Tour
This scenic flight with NAC starts at the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s top tourist attractions. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Seaboard from a different perspective with its sheer cliffs and the nine-kilometre-long Chapman’s Peak Drive that snakes its way along the coastline extending from Hout Bay through to Noordhoek.
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Times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 6 pm
Duration: 12 minutes
Address: E Pier Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001
13. Go Snorkelling with the Seals
Take the dive boat to Duiker Island where there are 4000 Cape Fur seals, for a quick and breathtakingly beautiful journey. Be prepared to enter the ocean after a wonderful seal sighting experience on the island.
Enter the chilly waters, and you’ll find yourself face to face with hundreds of curious and playful Cape Fur seals. Everyone enjoys this incredible half-day expedition, which requires no prior expertise. The sole requirement is being able to swim.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: 021 791 4441
Location: 8 Albert Road, Houtbay, Cape Town
14. Have a picnic on Chapman’s Peak Drive
Along this famous pass, there are many breathtaking vantage places ideal for rest stops. Come with your favourite blankets, cushions and themed accessories for a one-of-a-kind picnic experience for free!
Location: Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Town, Western Cape
15. Enjoy the best of Hout Bay with Fish & Chips
To finish the list of things to do in Hout Bay, it would be criminal not to get your hands on some fish & chips, which has become a traditional dish in Cape culture. For the best fish & chips spot in Hout bay, head to Fish on the Rocks for generous portions made from fresh ingredients.
Times: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 7:30 pm
Contact: 021 790 0001
Location: 1 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806
Frequently Asked Questions about Hout Bay
What is Hout Bay known for?
Why is it called Hout Bay?
The name dates back to 1653 and relates to the quantity of excellent timber from the existing Yellow wood trees that early Dutch settlers found growing in its ravines.
