BEACHES
There are many beaches and rocky coves in Betty’s Bay and it is fun just to explore and see what you find. Here are a few to tempt you
MAIN BEACH (0.5km)
Leave Jack’s onto Porter Drive and turn right. Just pass the large blue Welcome sign turn left into Anglers Way. Take the first right into Access Road. At the end of Access Road turn left into the beach car park. Walk over the dunes to get to the sea. From this beach you can walk left for several kilometers, but make sure you can easily find you exit route to the car park as soon all the dunes and houses behind them will look the same.
Turning right you can walk for about a kilometer before you have to do some rock scrabbling to stay on the sea edge.
Please be aware of the Oyster Catcher breeding signs on these beaches and avoid walking in the seaweed at the high water mark, which is where the birds lay their eggs and the young hide. They are an endangered bird.
You can swim on this beach and during the summer season a life guard will be on duty. The surf can be rough and the waves huge so care must be taken. This is the best beach for surfing.
SILVERSANDS (4km)
Leave Jack’s onto Porter Drive and turn right. Continue along Porter Drive for about 3.5km and turn left into Park Street. At the end of Park Street you will see a walkway from the car park through the fynbos onto the sand. This beach is a huge crescent that ends at Blesberg where you can dune board by arrangement. I would not recommend swimming on this beach due to the huge waves and depth of the surf, it is although a popular beach for fishermen.
JOCK’S BAY (2.5km)
A small rocky cove with the safest bathing spot.
Exit Jack’s onto the R44 and turn right towards Kleinmond. In approximately 2.5km after you have passed the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens you will see a small cluster of shops on the left and on right hand side of the road, take the first right after these shops – Cliff Road and where the road forks keep left. Half way down this road you will see a gap in the bushes on the right with a signpost indicating the path. Park and walk through to the bay.
SURFING
On Main Beach you will find (on most days) a host of surfers trying to ‘catch a wave’ – why not join them?
SAND BOARDING
Boards can be hired from the Centre Shop next to the Caltex Petrol Station.
BIRDS
Whether you are on the beach, on the mountain or just on your balcony at Jack’s you will have the opportunity to spot birds rare and birds familiar. The elusive Cape Rock Jumper can be found at Cape Hangklip but you better be up early…… Seriously though the area is renowned for its rich birdlife and any amateur or serious Twitcher is sure to have an exciting time, here we see the wonderful Black Oyster Catcher – such a treat.
PENGUINS
The Stony Point penguin colony is a few kilometers down the road. With over 2000 pairs of nesting African penguins it is one of the largest land based sites in Africa.
It is open from 09h00 to 17h00 and there is an entry fee.
Leave Jack’s onto Porter Drive and turn right. Continue along Porter Drive for approximately 3kms and then follow signs for Stony Point.
HIKING
We have some of the most wonderful hiking trails accessible from this area. Have a chat with Laura.
HAROLD PORTER BOTANICAL GARDENS
Only 2kms from Jack’s, visit the world famous gardens with their uniquely different indigenous plants. Take one of several walks and hikes up into the mountains depending on how energetic you feel.
There is an entrance fee to the garden, shop and restaurant.
Open weekdays from 08h00am to 16h30pm
Weekends & Public Holidays from 08h00am to 17h00pm
Once in the Garden, you can stay there until 19h00 when the exit closes.
WILD HORSES OF KLEINMOND
The bird hide at Rooisand is a good bet if you want to try and catch a glimpse of this herd.
Approx 3kms out of Kleinmond turn right down a gravel road signposted ‘Rooisand’. Do not turn off this road and after 1.5km you will come to a parking area on the edge of the Botrivier Estuary, from there you can walk along the board walk to the bird hide marveling at the fish eagles, flamingos and pelicans whilst trying to spy the horses, which currently number around 20. Don’t forget your binoculars.
WHITE WATER RAFTING ON THE PALMIET RIVER
Only a short drive from Jack’s is the beautiful Palmiet River that flows from high in the Kogelberg Mountains meeting the sea just outside Betty’s Bay. Gravity Adventures arrange regular rafting and tubing excursions when water levels permit. The best way to see the Kogelberg in all its splendor – with a little adrenaline thrown in as well!