The population of the town numbers approximately 500 permanent residents. Swelling to plus - minus 2 000 during peak season. It is only 30 minutes away of the neighbouring town of Hermanus where there are junior schools and high schools, private and government, plus a private hospital.

Not only is Betty’s Bay renown for it’s magnificent floral kingdom, but it is also home to one of only three Penguin breeding colonies on the mainland of South Africa, the Jackass Penguin Colony. The Penguins can be viewed from a viewing platform at Stony Point, they are best view in the afternoon when they return from fishing. Betty’s Bay was formerly a whaling station and is now home to the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens situated within the UNESCO Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The remains of the Old Whaling Station, which was in operation from 1912 to 1930, can still be seen. Since whaling was banned in 1976 the big mammals are making a come back. Each year between May and December these gentle giants (both Southern Right and Humpback) provide unsurpassed whale watching opportunities.

There are a lot of outdoor activities which await you like, Sand boarding on Silversands Dune, Surfing and Swimming, Hiking the Leopard’s Gorge Trail or up to Disakloof Waterfall in the Botanical Gardens. Angling from the surf or on the rocks. White Water Rafting, Tubing and Canoeing on the Palmiet River or Mountain Biking through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.