Betty’s Bay is situated between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (containing 1 400 species of fynbos) which is the first Biosphere in South Africa to be proclaimed by United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Easily accessed via the N2 from Cape Town (one hours drive) or via the scenic coastal Clarence Drive route from Gordon’s Bay.

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 renowned 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 viewed 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. 

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Beaches

Beaches

Main Beach is popular with an expansive sandy beach. Silversands Beach is a popular beach with lots of white sand leading to the dune. Jock's Bay is a small and secluded little bay reached from Cliff Road near Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens. 

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities

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. The lovely rock pools that form during low tide at Tom se Klip is the ideal place for parents with toddlers. 

History

History

During Colonial times Betty's Bay was a favourite place for runaway slaves, but in 1912 Betty's Bay became a formal whaling station running up until the 1930s. Remains of the whaling station can still be seen at Stony Point. The area is named after Betty Youlden, daughter of the first developer of the area.

Tourism

Tourism

Tourism plays a large role in the town's economy due to its popularity with holiday makers from across the Western Cape and Cape Town in particular. Betty's Bay contains the well-known Harold Porter National Botanical Garden as well as a Jackass Penguin colony.

Living in Bettys Bay

Areas near to Bettys Bay

Arabella Country Estate, Arniston, Bredasdorp, Caledon, Cape Agulhas, Elgin, Gansbaai, Greyton, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Napier, Onrus, Pringle Bay, Rooi Els, Stanford, Struisbaai, Swellendam, Villiersdorp,

Education

The neighbouring town Kleinmond, only 15 minutes away, provides a primary and junior school and only 30 minutes away is the town of Hermanus where there are junior schools and high schools, private and government.

Healthcare

Kleinmond provides 2 pharmacists, doctors’ offices, optometry care and dentists as well as the Kleinmond clinic, and the frail care facility at Gerimed.

Shopping

Betty’s Bay has some basic shops but because its centrally situated it is an easy outing to Kleinmond, Hermanus or even Gordon’s bay or Strand.

Travel

Betty's Bay is located just over an hours drive to Cape Town International and is on the scenic ocean drive between Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. 

Outdoor activities

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. 

Most popular beaches in Betty's Bay 

Main Beach is popular with holiday makers in Betty's Bay and offers an expansive sandy beach. Bathing is safe and the beach is favoured by surfers and anglers. 

Silversands Beach is another popular beach with lots of white sand leading to the dunes located at the Western part of the beach. A much loved sandboarding and kite surfing venue. The lovely rock pools that form during low tide at Tom se Klip is the ideal place for parents with toddlers. Fishing is good from the rocks at both ends of the beach. The area near the point is favoured by surfers. 

Jock's Bay is a small and secluded little bay reached from Cliff Road near Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens. There is a fisherman's path leading to the beach. The bay provides protection against the breaking surf and allows for very safe and pleasant swimming. 

For example Camps Bay or Mauritius