Spectacular nature, sweeping beaches, world famous drives, colourful markets, fine dining, ocean adventures, private wine tasting, retail therapy, and even craft breweries and distilleries…when it comes to Hout Bay, there is absolutely no shortage of exciting activities and experiences to keep visitors busy. Here are 10 of our recommended activities in Hout Bay:

Retail therapy at the Bay Harbour Market

T: +27 (0) 83 275 5586

From Friday to Sunday every weekend, the refurbished fish factory in the old part of Hout Bay’s historic harbour comes to life with scores of craft stalls and food and beverage vendors. Peruse the extensive collections of boutique clothing, local art, handmade jewellery, quirky trinkets, and other crafts before sitting down to a delicious meal of freshly made, multi-national dishes from the various food stalls, which you can wash down with wine, craft beer, a cocktail, or healthy fruit smoothie. The Hout Bay Harbour Market is a firm favourite of Capetonians!

Lunch at Fish on the Rocks, a Hout Bay institution

T: +27 (0) 21 790 0001

For decades, this tiny ramshackle fish and chips shop perched on a jettison of rocks at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean has served delicious, steaming takeaway and eat-in seafood caught fresh that very morning. Today, the aptly named Fish on the Rocks is a veritable institution and no visit to Hout Bay is complete without hake and chips or calamari ordered here and enjoyed in the brisk sea air with sweeping views of Chapman’s Peak and the entirety of the bay. Fish on the Rocks is open 365 days a year, from 09:00 to 20:00 (in winter) and 21:00 (in summer).

Take a scenic meander along Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive hardly needs an introduction. Regarded as one of the most dramatically beautiful drives in the world, the road winds its way around the steep cliff faces of Chapman’s Peak with spectacular, panoramic views of Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. There are plenty of places to stop off to admire the view or even enjoy a picnic.

Go for a private wine tasting at Hout Bay Vineyards

T: +27 (0) 83 790 3303

Located right next door to the world-famous Constantia wine region, Hout Bay boasts a cool, maritime climate perfect for the cultivation of classic Bordeaux grape varietals. Perched high atop the northwest-facing slopes of Bokkemanskloof, Hout Bay Vineyards make full use of the valley’s favourable terroir to produce a delicious boutique range of wines, which can be sampled in an intimate tasting setting in the cellar. Winemaker and owner Cathy Roeloffze hosts the private tastings (by appointment only) and guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of their favourite wine afterwards. Tastings cost R50 per person with a minimum charge of R300.

Visit Hout Bay’s Cape fur seal colony

T: +27 (0) 21 791 4441

Right around the corner – the Sentinel Mountain - from Hout Bay Harbour is a large, noisy, and rather odorous colony of Cape fur seals, a visit to which makes for a lovely 1-hour boat outing! Drumbeat Charters South Africa offers daily scenic cruises to Duiker Island’s seal colony, where visitors can watch the mammals basking in the sun, frolicking in the waves, and honking at each other. Drumbeat Charters also do a variety of other cruises in and around the bay, including a one-hour trip to see the shipwrecks along the Kabonkelberg mountain range. More information here.

Go snorkelling with seals

T: +27 (0) 72 296 9132

If you’re a bit of an adrenalin addict and want to get closer – much closer – to the seals, then how about climbing into the water with them? Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling takes visitors on an unforgettable half-day, eco-friendly adventure to Duiker Island, where you’ll actually jump ship to snorkel with the seals. You can even hire waterproof go-pros to record the experience of swimming with curious seals and the kelp forests and colourful ocean life that swishes in the currents beneath your flippered feet.

Eat out in style at one of Hout Bay’s top restaurants

While a little more rustic and casual in its dining scene, Hout Bay has its share of popular, lauded restaurants. Quentin at Oakhurst serves a mix of traditional and modern cuisine in one of Hout Bay’s original farmsteads. Cheyne’s is all about Pacific Rim dining (and they’ve just launched their spring specials!) Considered one of the top restaurants in the world, La Colombe delivers a multi-sensory, multi-course fine dining experience you’ll never forget. For something a little more casual yet still sophisticated, there’s Dunes Restaurant right on the beach; Chapman’s Peak Hotel with its stunning views and great vibe; the Lookout Deck in the harbour area; Massimo’s for Italian cuisine; and a bevvy of others.

Walk on the beach to Mariner’s Wharf

T: +27 (0) 21 790 1100

Conceptualised and built during the 1980s by Hout Bay’s very own Stanley Dorman, Mariner’s Wharf Harbourside Emporium boasts restaurants, shops, and markets steeped in a beguiling maritime ambience. In other words, it’s the perfect place to end up for a meal or an ice cream after a walk along Hout Bay beach.

Go on a Boozy Tour in the Historic Harbour

Hout Bay Harbour Distillery: +27 (0) 82 443 9360

Urban Brewing Co.: +27 (0) 21 791 1130 or +27 (0) 82 474 9745

Located in the heart of the historic harbour, the Hout Bay Harbour Distillery offers visitors a combined tour of their gin distillery and Urban Brewing Co.’s craft beer operation, which is right next door. The tour includes a gin and beer tasting, a complimentary beer of your choice, a tour of both facilities, and a short talk on the process of gin and craft beer production.