St Helena Bay

St Helena Bay first focused on drying and salting fish. Over time, it developed into a profitable enterprise that exported fish to nations around the world. There are two active harbours on the bay, Sandy Point and Laaiplek, which are close to Velddrif at the mouth of the Berg River and produce almost half of South Africa's annual fish production, including the well-known Lucky Star brand of canned fish. The Tallie Marine boatyard, a renowned manufacturer of ocean-going fishing vessels, is also located near Sandy Point.

The town has two distinct characters, with older cottages in the historic section of St Helena Bay and its village way of life standing in contrast to the modern, spacious homes on the Golden Mile, Britannia Bay, Duyker Eiland, Cape St Martin, and Shelley Point - these developments offer stunning sea views, a real sense of exclusivity and elegance, combined with the calm and laid-back atmosphere of West Coast living.

A brief history of the area 

St Helena Bay, also locally known as "Die Agterbaai", was founded by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama in 1497, during his pioneer voyage from Europe to India. He named the bay after Saint Helena, a devout, influential Christian and mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The first contact between a European explorer and the local Khoikhoi (nomadic sheep and cattle herders) occurred on the shores of this bay.

St Helena Bay is currently one of the significant fishing hubs around the globe. The cold Benguela current sweeps up the coast here, bringing nutrient-rich waters to the bay that supports a plethora of marine life.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

If you are a resident of St Helena Bay, the closest international airport is Cape Town International Airport which is roughly two hours, covering a distance of about 163 km. Saldanha Airport, a regional airport, is closer - approximately 31 km away. A trip to Cape Town's CBD will take you a roughly two-hour scenic drive via the R27. 

Climate

Residents that call St Helena Bay their home can enjoy the area's best features of the Cape Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers are hot and dry in this area, with an average high during the summer season between 23℃ and 21℃. In winter, the weather will get significantly cooler. During January, March, April, May, October, November and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20℃ and 26℃.

Schools in the area

If you live in St Helena Bay, there are several excellent schools in and around the area. Local primary schools include H.P. Williams Primary School, Steenberg's Cove Primary School, and Laerskool Saldanha. When high school time comes, your child can go to schools like Hopefield High School is the school of choice and is one of the best schools on the West Coast. Another excellent high school, Curro Langebaan High School, empowers learners to acquire information and skills for the twenty-first century to become more confident. 

Healthcare in the area

A private hospital close to home for residents of St Helena Bay is Life West Coast Private Hospital, which offers quality care and an array of services, from a 24-hour Accident and Emergency department to providing medical care used by a wide range of experts and other healthcare professionals.

Shopping centres 

You won't have far to travel to go shopping if you reside in St Helena Bay. Regardless of what you're looking for such as groceries, clothing, or gifts, it's easy to cross off your shopping list. Within a few minutes, you can be at De Palm Lifestyle Centre or Saint Helena Bay Centre.

Restaurants

If you want to leave a restaurant joyous and cannot wait to head back, St Helena Nursery & Coffee Shop will give you that very experience. With spectacular views almost on the water's edge, while sipping on delicious coffee, how can life get any better?

If you are looking for a lovely little place on the beach with quality service and well-prepared fresh seafood that will melt in your mouth, Alegria Restaurant is the place for you. With romantic sea views, a peaceful environment, and live performances to suit any occasion, this is the place to make memories.

Special attractions

One of the most well-liked areas for whales to visit and calve is St Helena Bay. From August to November, the Southern Right Whales calve in the area, and you can see them from the coast all around the bay. There are also humpback whales in the region. One of the most well-liked areas for whales to visit and calve is St Helena Bay.

Shelley Point Golf Club, despite only having nine holes, guarantees golfers a tough game. Beautiful fairways and greens wind through the gorgeous greenery that so brilliantly decorates this area of the country. As a result, young bucks and numerous bird species are abundant here, giving the entire course a very unique air of natural abundance.

Make St Helena Bay your home. Let it be your story.

St Helena Bay is a remarkable year-round destination thanks to its breathtaking sea vistas, glistening surf, and lovely beaches. Residents also benefit from the area's proximity to shops and medical facilities. If you'd like to find out more, contact Seeff's team today to bring discover properties for sale and rent in the area.