Aire Del Mar Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Gansbaai in the Overberg / Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Aire del Mar is ideally situated in Kleinbaai (sometimes referred to as Van Dyks Bay) for the viewing of the Great Whi …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast in the Western Cape. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Whale Cove A104 offers self catering apartment accommodation on the beachfront at De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region in the Western Cape. Whale Cove A104 (sleeps 6) is a four-star rated, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom luxury apartment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sea Star Cliff is a luxury lodge providing guest house accommodation in De Kelders, Gansbaai in the Overberg and Whale Coast region of the Western Cape. The luxuriously appointed guesthouse was designed and decorated with luxury in mind to create a... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pearly Beach house is a spacious self catering home, sleeping up to 12 guests on the Pearly Beach seafront, near Gansbaai, with 180 degree sea views and easy access to rock pools in front of house and two nearby beaches. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon View offers self catering accommodation in Hermanus in the Western Cape's Overberg and Whale Coast region. Looking for a quiet self catering getaway with fantastic views. This large stylish home (sleeps 7) overlooks the Hermanus Lagoon and is ideal …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
House on Westcliff provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. A stone's throw from the cliff paths overlooking Walker Bay is House on Westcliff. This boutique Bed and Breakfast comprises six... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Anchor's Rest offers the option of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated in the quaint seaside village of Hermanus, 120Km from Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
On The Cliff Guest House offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis in Hermanus Central on the Whale Coast, Western Cape. Situated on the famous cliff paths of Hermanus and is also walking distance to the old harbour in the town's centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pacem offers visitors self catering accommodation in Hermanus on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Located in the Hermanus suburb of Voelklip it has a magnificent view on the mountain as well as sea views. Pacem is situated in a quiet area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Norfolk Guest House offers accommodation on a limited self catering or room-only basis in Hermanus, and is ideally situated within easy walking distance to all the amenities and a stones throw from the cliff path, famous for unforgettable whale viewing. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 104 is a spacious self catering apartment situated near the water’s edge in Hermanus, on the Western Cape's Whale Coast and can accommodate 4 guests comfortably and is a stone’s throw away from the water. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview 303 offers luxury self catering apartment accommodation in Hermanus Central in the Overberg / Whale Coast region, Western Cape. Our seafront apartment is centrally situated between the swimming beaches and the Hermanus town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Potting Shed offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Hermanus Central on the Overberg / Whale Coast, Western Cape. Annamarie and David welcome you to our bed and breakfast accommodation. Enjoy personal service at this owner-run establishment. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Brown Jug provides visitors to Hermanus with self catering accommodation. Centrally situated in sought after Eastcliff, a quiet leafy suburb, is a mere two minute stroll to the shops, restaurants and seafront where you can enjoy the famous whale watching. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Van Dyks Bay is a small coastal settlement near Kleinbaai on the Overberg’s Whale Coast, best known as one of the gateways to the rich marine environment of Walker Bay. Its sheltered position, rocky shoreline and proximity to Dyer Island have made the area particularly famous for marine wildlife encounters. Although the village itself is relatively quiet, it is an important base for visitors wanting to experience the sea and the dramatic coastline.
The biggest attraction is marine wildlife. Van Dyks Bay is closely associated with boat-based wildlife excursions, particularly trips to the waters around Dyer Island and nearby Geyser Rock. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may encounter Cape fur seals, African penguins, dolphins, whales and a variety of seabirds. The waters are also famous for their great white shark population, although sightings of these sharks are naturally dependent on environmental conditions and their movements. Shark-cage diving has historically been one of the area's best-known activities, attracting adventurous visitors from around the world.
Whale watching is another major reason to visit. Southern right whales migrate into the sheltered waters of Walker Bay during the winter and spring months, generally from around June into November. Boat trips can provide spectacular views of these enormous animals, while the coastline around Gansbaai offers opportunities for land-based sightings.
Dyer Island itself has an interesting conservation history. The island and surrounding waters support important colonies of seabirds and marine mammals, while conservation initiatives in the area have increasingly focused on protecting the broader marine ecosystem. The nearby African penguin population is of particular conservation interest.
On land, visitors can explore the rugged coastline, enjoy walks and photography, or use Van Dyks Bay as a base for discovering Gansbaai, De Kelders and the surrounding Overberg countryside. The nearby Walker Bay coastline combines beaches, cliffs, tidal pools and rocky coves, while inland roads lead towards vineyards, farms and mountain scenery.
Van Dyks Bay is therefore less about conventional sightseeing and more about getting close to the natural environment. Its combination of marine wildlife, whale watching, shark-diving history, conservation and rugged coastal scenery makes it an appealing stop for travellers exploring the Whale Coast.