Gansbaai is a peaceful seaside village in the Western Cape’s Overberg region that takes its name from a flock of wild Egyptian geese that used to congregate around a spring near the harbour. The area has a big reputation because of the Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks that frequent the waters just off the Danger Point Peninsula. These majestic marine creatures are a major drawcard for tourists and local holidaymakers, which is a key factor in the area’s growing economy.
Situated between the towns of Hermanus and Pearly Beach, Gansbaai lies in Walker Bay at the foot of the Dynefontein Mountains. Just off the coast is Dyer Island, which is a breeding ground for the jackass penguin and houses a number of other sea birds. Geyser Island is also found nearby and is home to thousands of Cape fur seals. It is the passage between these islands that has been termed ‘shark alley’, as it makes an excellent feeding ground for these ocean predators.
The presence of sharks around the islands near Gansbaai has inspired shark cage diving, which is carried out from the harbour at Kleinbaai. The area around Dyer Island has been declared a nature reserve and only boats with permits are allowed to enter the vicinity. Walker Bay is literally a whale sanctuary, as these gentle giants return to these waters annually to mate and calve. They spend the summer months feeding around Antarctica and then make their way to the sheltered bays off the South African coast, like Franskraal and De Kelders, which offer a perfect refuge. Buying property in Gansbaai is without a doubt one of the best investment decisions you could ever make, especially in light of the fact that it is one of the top whale watching and shark sighting locations in the world. |
