Gansbaai Historical Events & Places

7 kilometres from Gansbaai the rocky Danger Point peninsula juts 8 km into the sea. The lighthouse at the point bears testimony to the danger that it is to passing ships. It is the scene of one of the most famous shipwrecks in history, that of the HM Transport Birkenhead.

After the subsequent loss of more than 20 ships the lighthouse was commissioned in 1895. It is today one of very few working light houses, and a declared national monument. The lonely light which is thrown over the perilous waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean has for more than a century warned many a ship of the danger hidden along the coast line, and saved many lives in doing so. The light can be seen for 5 nautical miles ( 11 km ). The lighthouse has over the years been manned by many dedicated men. They tirelessly watched over the safety of passing ships, to ensure that they and their cargoes reach their distant destination safely.

6 kilometres off the Gansbaai coast, near Franskraal/Kleinbaai, Dyer's Island can be seen looming on the horizon. It was named after Samson Dyers, who was employed to collect guano for an American company. It was said that Samson Dyers stayed in a "pondokkie" in Franskraal around 1806. The building was restored and become the Strandveld Museum.

This Island is a breeding colony for jackass penguins. Seals breed on nearby Geyser Island, which is separated from Dyer Island by a narrow channel. The sea around these Islands teems with an abundance of life and it has become a feeding ground of the endangered Great White Shark. Boat charters and shark safaris leave from Kleinbaai Harbour.

As the village grew and developed, so did the needs and aspirations of the local residents. Although there was fish in abundance, very low prices caused much concern and hardship amongst fishermen. They were often paid very low prices for their catches. After some thought and careful deliberation the Gansbaai Fishing Co-op was formed in 1952. This was the first co-op of its kind in South Africa, and even exists today, though in a transformed manner. The establishment of the fishing co-op guaranteed a market for all fish caught, and put an end to much of the hardship suffered until that time.

As a further development in the fishing industry, the local fishing factory, Gansbaai Marine, was erected as a joint venture between the local fishermen (through Gansbaai Fishing Co-op) and the Cape Town based Marine Products. The new factory was called Gansbaai Marine, and even today is regarded as the main industry and creator of employment in Gansbaai. The canning division is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

SHARK CAGE DIVING
Shark diving in South Africa is very popular with adventure travellers and cage diving as well as surface viewing trips can be arranged with local shark diving tour operators.

WHALE WATCHING
The awesome cliffs of De Kelders (meaning the cellars) attract visitors and professional photographers every year from June to January for undoubtedly the best land based viewing of our magnificent Southern Right Whales. Local boat-based whale watching tours are available for those who would like to have a more intimate experience with these magnificent animals and other marine life.

HIKING / WALKS
Hikes on the mountain among the Fynbos are magical and spectacular.
A walk in the harbour at sunset with the nostalgic cries of seagulls and slow moving fishing trawlers on the horizon is a soothing cure for stress. There are a variety of trails in the Gansbaai area that vary from 5,5 km to 14 km on inland farms, and 7 km along Coastal trails with endless views of the Atlantic over Walker Bay.