Betty’s Bay – Top Five Things to Do

Betty’s Bay owes its existence to three business partners who developed the Cape Whale Coast stretch from Rooi Els to Betty’s Bay. Arthur Youldon, Jack Clarence and Harold Porter formed the Hangklip Beach Estates and bought the land from entrepreneur John Walsh. Today, different Cape Whale Coast landmarks bear relation to the three developers.

Clarence Drive is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world,
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens is a fynbos haven and will soon boast a biodiversity institute while
Arthur Youldon’s daughter, Betty, is THE Betty who will always be remembered through the village named in her honour.

Before the three gentlemen arrived the only significant activity was at Stony Point where a whaling station was established in 1913. This was the operational hub for the hunting and processing of Southern Right Whales until 1930.

Enough history? Let’s move on to what to do in Betty’s Bay…

Make the Stony Point penguins your first stop. You don’t have to walk far to see the confident black and white animals. These are African or Jackass penguins. Nicknamed for their braying sound similar to that of a donkey. CapeNature manages the tourism facility and entrance is R10 per person to stroll along the boardwalk and observe the penguins in their natural habitat. Buy a cool-drink or a bite to eat at On The Edge Restaurant right next to the car-park.
Next up and only a short distance from the penguins is GaBoli Chocolates. Situated in Delport Road this small home-based business is on the Pringle Bay side of Betty’s Bay. Gaspard Bossut is a Master Chocolatier and has perfected his craft with the assistance of the best – European Chocolatier Edward Wohlmuth. Buy and taste a wide range of quality products and listen to Gaspard’s interesting stories.
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens is open 7 days a week every single day of the year. There is an onsite restaurant for those wanting to appreciate nature at a distance for the comfort of a chair. Positioned in the UNESCO awarded Kogelberg Bioshere this garden consists of 200 hectares of fynbos of which 10 is cultivated. This biodiversity gem of the Overberg provides many kilometers of nature trails and panoramic views of the mountains, vegetation and coastline.
Swim, surf or paddle at the Main Beach. You don’t just visit the sea to stare at the Atlantic Ocean. Grab a towel and head for the waves. Main Beach is a favourite spot for holidaymakers and those loving the sun. Stretches of white sand makes for a good walk.
Really REALLY adventurous? Take your board and sand board down the slopes of Silversands dune.

Betty’s Bay is an Overberg village where you find peace and calm in the scenery and the relaxed pace. A place to recharge and gain inspiration for new projects and a new year.