Jacobsbaai at a glance
Unspoiled and embraced unapologetically by nature, the Cape West Coast town of Jacobsbaai is one of those rare coastal gems that remains largely untouched by urbanisation. Surrounded by the Jacobsbaai Beach, it lies just 90-minutes from Cape Town, in a region comprising of six other coastal towns, including Jakkalsfontein, Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, Brittania Bay and Shelley Point. It forms part of the West Coast District Municipality in the Western Cape and is situated halfway between Vredenburg and Saldanha Bay
Just over 2 km's of crystal blue beach stretches out along the Jacobsbaai border, with Fiserman’s Cottage style homes seated on its doorstep. Since the town’s residential properties kiss the ocean shores, this has resulted in an insatiable homebuyer demand among those who seek to be immersed in nature, away from busy city life. The natural fynbos surrounding Jacobsbaai supports a variety of wildlife. Birding is popular here too – for buzzards, kites and eagles, while southern right whales and dolphins can often be spotted along the coast.
The coastal town consists of 7 individual bays, including Kwaaibaai, Jacobsbaai, Smalbaai, Moerie se baai, Bamboesbaai, Toothrock and Mauritzbaai. Each bay supports a myriad of coastal fynbos which attracts wildlife such as; jackal, duiker, tortoise and steenbok. These bays are not only a haven for wildlife and plantlife, as residents and holidaymakers of Jacobsbaai are privileged with beaches that offer a selection of water activities including; diving, fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Mauritzbaai is particularly popular among residents who flock here to enjoy rock pools, and calm and shallow waters.
History
The town's early beginnings is modest as it was originally a small farmland under the name of 109 Jacobsbaai. In the 1980’s, the seafront portion of Jacobsbaai was acquired by Kiron Holdings and owners Deon Meyer and Shaun Keegan kept the land for later development. It was not until Nic and Marie Tredoux bought the rest of Jacobsbaai in the company Forellendam that development in the area was galvanised. The Tredoux’s and Meyer worked together to nurture Jacobsbaai into the residential and tourist attraction it is today, by infusing charm and character in the area. Vernacular architecture is one of the most noticeable features in the homes of the coastal town and these echoes of the past are protected by strict building and architectural guidelines.
The town’s meticulous planning consists of a spacious layout in the village streets and green belt planning to maintain the town’s natural fauna and flora.
Activities in Jacobsbaai
Hiking trails - Five Bay Trail
Hiking trails in this part of the Cape West Coast are a firm favourite among locals and tourists alike, as the activity is not only ideal exercise, but the sheer beauty of the outdoors allows for an experience parallel to none. Developed by the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, the Five Bay Trail immerses enthusiasts in the coast as it explores the villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai over five days. The trail traces human harvesting of sea, as well as modern life in fishing villages. Each day, the trail meanders through rocky shorelines, swim in tidal pools, and during spring wild flowers scatter over the landscape in beautiful shades. Sightings of whales, dolphins and seals is also a common occurrence. At the end of each day, enthusiasts can stay in a choice of guest houses in Paternoster.
Water Activities
Jacobsbaai encapsulates everything authentic about the West Coast, from its fishing culture and cape cuisines, to its Fisherman’s Cottage architecture and everyday ocean lifestyle. Many individuals move here to experience the daily adventures of living by the ocean including; bay cruises, fishing charters, water-sports (whale watching and horse riding.
West Coast National Park
With the Saldanha Bay Harbour Town of Langebaan lying just 34 km away from Jacobsbaai, residents of the coastal town are privileged to an array of activities from the town, with the most pronounced and beautiful attraction being the West Coast National Park. This registered wetland is one of the richest masses of water in South Africa, and here visitors can take easy strolls or hikes, mountain bike on one of the many cycling routes in the park, kayak and kite-board in Langebaan Lagoon, bird and whale watch, and picnic and braai with family and friends. Visitors are also treated to a wondrous display of flowers between August and September, known as the West Coast Flower Season, it is the perfect time for holidaymakers to visit the town.
Seated at the heart of the park is the Langebaan Lagoon, which is home to 60 000 birds from over 200 species. The sheer volume of birdlife means that visitors can spot an array of birds including; flamingos, pelicans, sandpipers and cormorants to name a few. The Lagoon is also home to a variety of game life including zebra, gemsbok, kudu and eland.
Amenities in Jacobsbaai
Schools
With the neighbouring towns of Saldanha and Vredenburg a few minutes away, families with school-going children are close-by to select schools that place premium education at the forefront. These include:
• Diazville Primary School
• Saldanha Primary School
• Diazville Senior Secondary School
• Curro Langebaan Independent School
For tertiary education options, the closet universities include; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Stellenbosch and the University of Cape Town.
Shopping Centres
Weskus Mall
Offering west coast residents the best and most premium shopping experience in the region is Weskus Mall. Anchor tenants include; Checkers, Game, Edgars and Woolworths. With over 70 shops, all shoppers’ needs are met from; food and groceries to fashion and decor. The mall is supremely modern and spans over 34 000 sqm, comprising of five entrances with 24 hour security.
Restaurants
Weskusplek
One of the most highly recommended restaurants in Jacobsbaai, set amid stunning views of Jacobsbaai is the 80-seater, Weskusplek. The menu is said to be an exquisite blend between home-cooking and gourmet cuisine, making for a memorable and tantalizing experience. Accompanying the dishes is a list of fine wines, affordably priced.
Surrounding Jacobsbaai is a host of additional restaurants that are exceptional in taste and atmosphere, these include:
• Beaches Restaurant
• The Marmalade Cat
• Boesmanland Plaaskombuis
• Breeze Restaurant & Lounge Bar
• Feast on Seafood at The Noisy Oyster
This coastal town has incredible personality defined by picturesque bays and an ideal positioning close to world-class restaurants, shopping malls and schools. For those interested in moving into the area, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty has the most beautiful homes in Jacobsbaai that are seated on the banks of the ocean-side. To find out more about our properties, contact our expert agents today.
16 Residential Homes For Sale in Jacobsbaai
FROM R1,390,000 to R4,150,000
R2,075,000
21,207m² Farm For Sale in Jacobsbaai
22 Erf 520 Tredoux Crescent
This coastal smallholding, nestled within 2km of Jacobsbaai's unspoiled Western Cape shoreline,...
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