Table Bay
Table Bay
Although the Cape was first explored by Bartolomeu Dias in the late 1400's it was on in 1652 that Cape Town was founded by the Dutch explorer, Jan Van Riebeek. And during this period the natural bay on the west coast of South Africa, just north of the Cape Peninsula, was named Table Bay. The bay was named after one of the country's most well know landmarks, Table Mountain.
Table Bay was one of the few places along the west coast that could harbour ships, but during the 17th and 18th many of the ships that were anchored in the bay were driven ashore by storms. The bay offers, little if any protection from the gale force winds which batter the coastline from both the South East and the North West. The Dutch however continued to use the bay as the other options were not viable at the time. Saldanha Bay which was much further up the West Coast was a good option but had no fresh water, and closer to Table Bay the other two options, Simon's Bay and Houtbaai were harder to access at the time and only slightly more protected than Table Bay itself.
In 1858 a serious storm blew 30 ships ashore, completely wrecking them and killing many sailors. It reached a point where the British company, Lloyd's of London, refused to insure any ships in Table Bay during the winter months. It was this move that almost forced the British Colonial Government to start construction of the first breakwater in 1860. This over the years became the Victoria and Alfred Basin, Table Bay's first safe harbour. Today the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront preserves parts of the harbours history.
Table Bay also has a very important feature, especially to South African History. Robben Island can be found in the waters of Table Bay, the island where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades. The Island is visible from shore or can be visited using the Robben Island Museum Tour.
Here are five interesting facts about Table Bay in Cape Town:
1. Historical Significance: Table Bay has played a crucial role in maritime history since the 15th century. It served as a vital stopover point for European ships traveling to the East Indies. The Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station here in 1652, which later grew into the city of Cape Town.
2. Iconic Backdrop: The bay is framed by the stunning Table Mountain, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The flat-topped mountain provides a dramatic backdrop to the bay and the city.
3. Robben Island: Located in Table Bay, Robben Island is famous for being the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum, attracting numerous visitors annually.
4. V&A Waterfront: The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, situated in Table Bay, is one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, along with scenic views of the harbor and Table Mountain.
5. Diverse Marine Life: The waters of Table Bay are rich in marine biodiversity. It is a common sight to see dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales in the bay. The area is also popular for recreational activities such as sailing, kite surfing, and fishing.
Accommodation Near Table Bay
Beach Villa
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mouille Point
5.2km from Table BayBeach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Witsand 103
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant
5.5km from Table BayThis spacious two-bedroom apartment accommodates four persons and is situated on the first floor of a nine-floor apartment block with easy access by elevator or stairs. It offers un-obstructed and superb views of Table Bay, Table Mountain and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea Breeze
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant
5.5km from Table BaySea Breeze (sleeps 4) apartment provides self catering accommodation in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. From the lounge, main bedroom and balcony you have the most spectacular views of the Bloubergrant beach, ocean, Table Mountain, Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aandvari Zeezicht
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
5.6km from Table BayAandvari Zeezicht right on the beach offering self catering accommodation (sleeps 5) in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. Aandvari Zeezicht - an elegant, two bedroomed apartment, in the heart of Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea View Zeezicht
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
5.6km from Table BayThis beachfront self-catering apartment is located in Bloubergstrand on the beautiful Atlantic Coast, with stunning sea and mountain views. The beach is famous for water sports on its endless white sand, and is situated between Dolphin Beach... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aandvari Ocean View
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant
5.6km from Table BayLocated on Blouberg's beautiful beachfront is Aandvari Ocean View, a modern and luxurious sea-facing studio apartment, perfectly suited to honeymoon accommodation, special getaways, up market business accommodation or for a fun seaside holiday... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aandvari Sunset Court
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant
5.7km from Table BayNestling merely a stroll away from the beachfront in Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg is Aandvari, a hidden gem. This elegantly furnished and tastefully decorated penthouse apartment enjoys magnificent views of Table Mountain and the sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Blue Robin
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
5.8km from Table BayThe Blue Robin is a totally refurbished self catering seaside holiday home in Bloubergstrand. We offer a relaxed stress free environment for the business executive or tourist. Entertain associates or friends on our deck which looks out on one of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Nick's Seaside Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
5.9km from Table BaySituated in Bloubergstrand village, in Cape Town, a stone's throw away from one of the most beautiful beaches on the South African coast line, you will find this holiday retreat. Ideal for the discerning traveler, Nick's Seaside Rest.... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Rockpool 1208
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand
5.9km from Table BaySelf Catering Accommodation, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa A home away from home! Our clients just keep coming back to our unique apartments! Rockpool 1208 is situated on the beach front and upon entering the apartment... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Granger Bay Harbour (4.97km)
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market (5.16km)
- Port of Cape Town (5.20km)
- Aqua Festival (5.25km)
- Metropolitan Golf Club (5.25km)
- Cape Town Stadium (5.40km)
- New Somerset Hospital (5.41km)
- Bloubergstrand Beach (5.42km)
- Cape Town Diamond Museum (5.44km)
- Cape Medical Museum (5.51km)
- International Oriental Dance Festival (5.53km)
- Two Oceans Aquarium (5.62km)
- Green Point Market (5.63km)
- Green Point Lighthouse (5.76km)
- Cape Town Flea Markets (5.80km)
- Green Point Park (5.92km)
- Cape Town Carnival (6.13km)
- FNB Whisky Live Festival (6.19km)
- Creative Week Cape Town (6.20km)
- Intervitis Interfructa (6.20km)
