Kalk Bay Harbour

Kalk Bay Harbour is a small working fishing harbour on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, about 30 km south of central Cape Town in South Africa's Western Cape. It sits beside Main Road in the village of Kalk Bay, which has retained a bohemian, seaside character, with antique shops, art galleries, bookshops and cafes clustered along the road above the harbour. The harbour itself is a short, picturesque pier where fishing boats unload their catch, mainly snoek, hake and calamari, and visitors can watch the fishermen and buy fresh fish directly from the stalls and market. Seals are a popular attraction, hauling out near the quay and often waiting beside the fish-cleaning tables, where staff throw scraps and the animals jostle for food. The harbour is also known for restaurants that serve fresh seafood and fish and chips with views of the boats, and several of these are right on the water. A walk along the pier, with the mountains rising behind, is a classic photograph, and the boats painted in bright colours, the harbour wall and the seals offer plenty of subjects. A visit takes one to two hours, longer with lunch or a browse of the shops. Mornings, when the boats arrive, are the liveliest and the best time to buy fish, while weekends are busy with locals and visitors. The harbour sits on the Southern Line railway, with a station nearby, and the route along the coast to Muizenberg and Simon's Town is scenic. Tidal pools nearby are a good place to swim. Visitors should keep a respectful distance from seals, which can bite, and be mindful of working areas on the quay.