Stilbaai

About Stilbaai

Situated on the estuary of the Goukou River, that spills into the Indian Ocean, the town is characterized by long stretches of sandy beaches – boasting the prestigious Blue Flag Status. The river is navigable for 15km’s, making it quite the hotspot for water-sports such as canoeing and kayaking. Stilbaai is also home to rich historical- and archaeological sites and is always mentioned when speaking of Fynbos Gin and The Cradle of Humankind. The coastal town of Stilbaai is a space where the magic of personal reinvention occurs.

STAY near Stilbaai
EAT near Stilbaai
PLAY near Stilbaai
SERVICES near Stilbaai
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Stilbaai
06:12, January 18, 2025
temperature icon 19°C
clear sky
Humidity 83 %
Wind 8 Km/h
Wind Gust: 8 Km/h
Sunrise: 05:40
Sunset: 19:48

Emergency Numbers

Police:
+27 (0)28 754 6100
National Sea Rescue:
+27 (0)82 990 5978
Ambulance:
10177
Doctor:
+27 (0)28 754 1100
Fire:
+27 (0)83 941 1653

Don't Miss Out

  • Tuin-op-die-Brak Botanical Garden
  • Feeding of Tame Eels at the tourism office
  • Pauline Bohnen and Skulpiesbaai Nature Reserves
  • Inverroche Gin Distillery
  • Ancient Fish Traps (during low tide)
  • Stilbaai Museum of Archaeology 
  • Kasselshoop Cheese
  • Swimming and Kite-Surfing
  • Stilbaai Kelders
  • Olive Tasting at Oudewerfskloof Olive Farm
  • Goukou River 
  • Preekstoel and Ellensrust Camping Parks 
  • Namo Health Centre 
  • Alikreukel Trail 
  • Hessequa Art Route
  • Stilbaai Adventure

Break away to a seaside playground that is a treasure trove of gem experiences. Choose your exploring themes from arts and crafts, archaeology and history , gourmet experiences or the feeding of tame eels. It is an area that radiates bygone days and is gently held by nature. Stilbaai is situated on the estuary of the Goukou River that spills into the warm Indian Ocean and one of the most popular and lively resorts in the Hessequa region. The picturesque coastal village is affectionately known as the Bay of Sleeping Beauty, due to its close proximity to the landmark Sleeping Beauty Mountain. It is characterized by long stretches of sandy white beaches, boasting with Blue Flag Status, mild weather and a river that is navigable for 15-kilometers – there is also a small fishing harbour and landing strip for small aircrafts. In the summer season, Stilbaai is a mecca for all watersport activities, ranging from Kite-surfing, rubber duck boats and surfing to canoeing, snorkeling and Stand-up Paddle Boarding. The Stilbaai Harbour features in most holiday photographs! Close to the harbour, is a shell kitchen which houses a great collection of shells and holds magnificent views of the harbour. An added bonus is that there is a Geocache within the area! 

The natural surroundings of this towns also feature a pristine floral kingdom with many unique species of Fynbos. The world renowned Fynbos is even used to create Gin at Inverroche Distillery! The town is also the hosting venue for the annual Stilbaai Fynbos Festival. 

Excavations hint at this area preserving some of the secrets of the origins of man and give an insight into the lives of the early Khoisan people and you can view some findings from the Blombos Caves at the Palinggat Homestead and Archaeology Museum. Their intricately hand-built Fish Traps give a fascinating view of their simple ingenuity and serves as proof that the Hessequa area plays an important part in the Cradle of Humankind. The Blombos Caves and Fish Traps form part of the greater Cradle of Human Culture Coastal Route

The visitor facilities in Stilbaai suites all traveler profiles and for those looking for more sophisticated experiences, the town offers Kasselshoop Cheese (tasting and sales), Namo Health CentreKontrei Winkel, Coffee & CreamHessequa Art RouteSalon Na’avaStilbaai Golf ClubAllegaartjie Coffee Shop, Thyme To Relish and Die Inkommer Coffee Shop

The Tuin-Op-Die-Brak Fynbos Park is a Fynbos garden which includes many rare and endangered Fynbos species, a nursery, sundial and mini labyrinth. The venue also offers business travellers a limited conference venue which can accommodate approximately 15 guests. 

The Stilbaai Tourism office is located within the historical Palinggat Homestead, which is also where visitors can experience the hand-feeding of tame Eels. The Palinggat Homestead is the only venue within South Africa, where visitors can get this experience. 

Stilbaai is also home to award-winning olive farms namely Oudewerfskloof Olive FarmKransfontein Olives and Kleinbergskloof Olive Farm and Wedding Venue. Olive tasting can be arranged at these venues.

Travellers with a sense of adventure can explore the many Mountain Bike routes or hike the infamous Southern Right TrailPauline Bohnen Nature ReserveSkulpiesbaai Nature Reserve and Geelkrans Nature Reserve. The experienced traveller can also participate in the popular Alikreukel Trail which can be done in groups. 

The Sterrehemel Cafe and Restobar is a unique venue where travelers can enjoy delicious meals, drinks and also participate in wine and gin tasting sessions. The venue is also a friend of the Hessequa Art Route and houses an angel wings selfie spot. 

The Stilbaai Brugmark is a phenomenal market, accommodating local products. This market is home a variety of food, art, craft, refreshments and produce stalls.  The market is operational every Saturday from 09h00 until 13h00. 

The
Stilbaai-West Beach Park Run offers a rather scenic yet challenging Park Run opportunity for Park Run enthusiasts. This Park Run is a popular weekly event,  which draws runners from all corners of the Western Cape. 

The addition of travellers services like Ellensrust and Preekstoel Municipal Caravan & Camping ParksDuinekroon Holiday FarmOn The Rocks RestaurantDie Blou Seekat Liquors, Lilliput Coffee ShopStables Eatery & BarStilbaai Adventure Hire, Straat Kafee Restaurant, Stilbaai Kelders, GouKou Restaurant & Deli, Fresh Lemon, Scoops Ice Cream Shop, Stilbaai Adventures and Outdoor Store, Southeaster Restaurant and Dave’s Kitchen to the town, makes Stilbaai one of the most visited coastal destination within South Africa