Things to do around Kalk Bay and St James

Kalk Bay, a quaint fishing village and harbour is within walking distance where bartering with the colourful local fishermen for the catch of the day is a popular local custom. The village has a bohemian atmosphere and a morning spent exploring the various curio shops, antique dealers, restaurants, coffee shops and art dealers is a rewarding experience.

Convenient half-hourly train trips can be taken from Kalk Bay and St James railway stations, to Cape Town or Simon's Town. The tracks hug the False Bay coastline for much of the way and both trip can be fun family excursions if you include sight-seeing in Simon's Town or Cape Town.

Both the world-renowned Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve are located nearby, as is Chapmans Peak Drive and the Constantia Wine Route (all within 10 - 20km).

Whale-watching is a favourite pastime in the False Bay area from early August through to mid-October each year. Enjoy whale-viewing by taking a stroll along the coastline for intimate views of these fascinating, gigantic mammals frolicking in the sunshine.

Hiking in Table Mountain National Park is a popular activity where a myriad of trails and a labyrinth of caves can be explored.

Simons Town (historic head quarters of the South African Navy) is a short drive away and offers a naval museum, interesting toy museum, dockside restaurants, trips to Seal Island and penguin watching at Boulders Beach.

Central Cape Town, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island and The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront are all within a radius of 35 minutes by road.