Hout Bay is surrounded by spectacular mountains and sports a picturesque harbor for a small fishing fleet. It lies on the western coast of the Cape Peninsula, 15NM south of Cape Town harbor.
Only 30 minutes from Cape Town, it's a popular place for visiting yachts who want to spend some time in the area and rates are much lower than in the city.
Vessels approaching from the North should give the mainland a wide berth past “Oude Schip” due to many submerged rocks in this area.
All Vessels should note the presence of Vulcan Rock, a large semi-submerged rock in the Northern approach. This can not always be seen. Vulcan Rock is located at S34 03.967 E18 18.582
Vessels approaching from the South should give Kommetjie a wide berth due to large waves in this area at times.
In strong winds it is safe to enter the harbour and then drop sails, engine assistance however is required.
Hout Bay suffers from very strong Katabatic winds from the East, kicking up waves and spray. Visiting yachts should be sure to find as protected a berth as possible in the marina to avoid problems when the Katabatics strike.
Hout Bay Harbour does not maintain a dedicated radio watch. The HBYC Marina Manager might be contactable on VHF Channel 71 (Call sign Hout Bay Marina). Alternatively, you could try contacting yachts in the marina for any advice regarding your approach and mooring – try calling “Yachts in Hout Bay Marina” on VHF Channel 71. The Marina Manager can also be contacted on +27 82 577 7735
See the Hout Bay Yacht Club website for more detailed information.
Hout Bay is very scenic and the village has laundry service, rental cars, hardware shops, tool hire, spare parts, supermarkets, pharmacy and a great number of restaurants within easy walking distance of the yacht club. It is a 30 minute drive into central Cape Town. The village usually has several Uber drivers on standby and buses run frequently from Hout Bay to Cape Town.
Tradesmen will visit here from Cape Town.
34°03'03"S, 18°21'01E (harbor entrance).
Last updated: August 2023
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