Outdoor Adventures in Gansbaai
They say time flies when you’re having fun... and with the number of outdoor adventures in Gansbaai, you will always be smiling!
Gansbaai is becoming increasingly popular with adventure-hungry travellers eager to explore the activities the land and sea have to offer. The stunning landscape is dotted with milkwood forests and is hugged by a rugged coastline, home to a wide variety of wildlife ranging from curious dassies to majestic whales.
Though many travellers visit Gansbaai because it has been tagged as a quiet fishing village away from the hustle and bustle of city life, have we got news for you? The thrills are closer than you think.
Take a scenic flight to survey the area and let your gaze follow the outstretched beaches, rocky coastline and jagged Danger Point peninsula where the historic HMS Birkenhead floundered. Slightly out to sea, Dyer Island’s Shark Alley and Geyser Rock are home to lively seals and penguins. You could be lucky, and see the entire Marine Big 5 from up there! If you prefer meeting them close up in the ocean, try one of the tour operators in Kleinbaai offering ocean safaris, whale watching tours and shark cage diving trips.
Gansbaai owes its existence to the rich bounty of the sea. The abundance of fish in the area was a key factor in why the original settlers first chose this region as their home. Today, the town is renowned for its angling, with local fishermen being some of the best in the country. Why not take the plunge and challenge yourself to catch your next meal, the ocean is teeming with yellowtail, elf, mackerel, cob, and Cape salmon. You might even meet a local and discover a few secret fishing spots. Alternatively, you can trust the expertise of local fishing charters and spend the day on the water with friends and family.
Birdwatching in Gansbaai is a popular pastime. The rich vegetation and natural environment provide the perfect habitat for various species of birds, big and small. Along the beaches, you can spot endangered black oystercatchers, giant petrels and gulls, going about their daily business. While inland, the diversity of the protected fynbos creates a wonderland for sunbirds, sugarbirds, buzzards, blue cranes and the majestic African fish eagle.
Grab your hiking boots and follow us into the bush if exercise is what you are after. From guided and unguided hikes to MTB excursions, every nook and cranny of the area has hiking trails waiting to be explored.
For a slightly more intimate experience, by horse riding in Gansbaai, you can discover the beauty of nature on horseback! Follow in the (hoof) steps of previous explorers and play in the shallow waves of the big blue. Then, take a steady walk through the fields, over the dunes or simply enjoy your chance to ride off into the sunset!
Remember, although large parts of the Overstrand fall in a conservation area and remain virtually untouched, educational exploration is encouraged.
Oceans deep or mountain-high, Gansbaai has an outdoor adventure for everyone. So what are you waiting for - get out there and see what the buzz is all about!
