Bloubergstrand

Bloubergstrand is a coastal town in the Western Cape just north of Cape Town. It attracts large numbers of visitors especially kitesurf enthusiasts. The beach at Bloubergstrand is a popular location for a classic view of Table Mountain across the bay and is one of the world's top kitesurf destinations.

Understand

Blue Peter Hotel, Bloubergstrand

The name Bloubergstrand literally means "blue mountain beach" in Afrikaans, and is derived from Blaauwberg (231 metres (758 ft)), a nearby hill.

Bloubergstrand is mainly a residential area. Robben Island is located 6.9 km (4.3 mi) west of the coast of Bloubergstrand.

Do

The Bloubergstrand area falls within a marine nature reserve and the extraction of species such as Cape rock lobster and abalone is prohibited. A licence is required in order to catch previously well-known local varieties of galjoen and Hottentot. In season southern right whales, occasionally killer whales, humpback dolphins, Haviside's dolphin and Cape fur seals are commonly seen in the bay. The great white shark is also known to live off the coast.

Bloubergstrand has a long white sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, with a few rocky outcrops where black mussels are found. The water is cold due to the Benguela current but the beach is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers. The bay on the west side of Bloubergstrand, known as 'Big Bay' has become a very popular windsurfing and kitesurfing spot due to the constant trade winds bringing a 1–3 m surf for a majority of the year.

Big Bay beach is also well known for the ease with which white mussels (a species of the genus Donax) can be extracted from the sand by a process locally known as 'jiving'.

Buy

• 1 Bayside Centre, cnr Blaauwberg Road and Otto Du Plessis Drive, Tableview, ☏ +27 21 557-4350, info@baysidecentre.com. M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 10:00-14:00. 

Eat

Seafood is popular in the area, and includes the local white mussels.

Drink

• 1 The Royal Oak, 2 Harvan Centre, Marine Circle, Table View, ☏ +27 21 557-0354. A friendly traditional British pub, frequented by British expatriates. Sunday lunch: roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. (updated Aug 2017)
• Harvan Centre Marine Circle, ☏ +27 21 5570-354. 

Sleep

• Secret Garden, 33 Gull Road, ☏ +27 21 554-4789, relax@secretgarden-capetown.com. Five apartments close to the beach. From R450 for two. 
• Sunset Lodge, 41 Gull Road, ☏ +27 21 554-1818, sunsetlodge@iafrica.com. Offers luxurious suites in this popular suburb, famous for its spectacular views on Table Mountain and long white beaches. R480-760 per unit. 
• 1 Birkenhead Manor Boutique Guest House, 23 Birkenhead Road, Blouberg, ☏ +27 21 556-3072, info@birkenheadmanor.com. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Lovely warm guest house boasting excellent service and beautifully clean rooms. Close to the beach with stunning views of Table Mountain. Rates include breakfast. Free wi-fi. R450 for a single room, R300 pps for a double.