Jacobs Bay: Coast with Seven Small Coves

Jacobs Bay and its coastline

Jacobs Bay lies on the coast between Saldanha and Paternoster. The hamlet of Jacobsbaai consists of seven small coves, each with its own character. There are also two kilometres of seafront. The number of coves describes the layout of the hamlet, while the seafront is another measure of the coastline’s extent. From Cape Town, take the R27 to Jacobs Bay; the drive takes about 90 minutes and may vary depending on conditions. The location between Saldanha and Paternoster pinpoints the village, while the approximate driving time from Cape Town helps with planning your journey. These provide an initial geographic and time reference for planning your trip.

History of the name

The bay’s unusual name dates back to the 19th century: ships put sick people ashore here so they could be quarantined before continuing on to Cape Town. The name’s history thus connects the bay with a specific episode in coastal shipping. Quarantine took place before the onward journey; this sequence of events is part of the explanation for the name.

Nature watching

There are two distinct focuses for observing nature. Birdwatching for buzzards, kites and eagles is popular in Jacobsbaai. Southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted along the coast; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Birdwatching is associated with the hamlet, while observing marine mammals is associated with the coast. If you are planning your stay around the possibility of seeing whales and dolphins, take their seasonal nature into account.

Getting around locally

The road surface is relevant when getting around the hamlet: the roads in Jacobsbaai are gravel roads. As the surface conditions may change, check the latest road conditions before travelling. There is also a restaurant in the hamlet. As its availability may change, check whether it is open before visiting. These two notes address different practical questions: the road surface in the village and a place to eat.

Activities nearby

A 17-kilometre hiking trail runs between Swartrietbaai and Tietiesbaai in the nearby area. This specifies a particular route, its length and its endpoints. Boardsailing and kayaking are popular along the nearby stretch of coast. Trekoskraal Beach is another nearby option. A municipal notice from December 2024 describes it as a publicly accessible recreational area for limited activities such as swimming and day hikes. Check the latest local information before visiting. The day hikes at Trekoskraal Beach should be distinguished from the separately mentioned hiking trail: they refer to limited beach activities, while the 17-kilometre trail is a separate route in the nearby area. The options thus differ in activity and location.

Discover more destinations: Albertinia, Die Barakke, Wittedrif, Mossel Bay, Reebok, Ladismith, Witsand and Herolds Bay.

View the main travel overview: Eden.