Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay at Sunset. Photo By Zenith4237 – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts About Kalk Bay   

Kalk Bay is a fishing village on the coast of False Bay, South Africa. This suburb in Cape Town was voted one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world by Forbes Magazine in 2018. 

The lovely and rustic little town is popular for its raw beauty, interesting shops, a vast selection of restaurants, and stunning views. There is a direct train to and from Kalk Bay to Cape Town.

Interesting activities in this town include hiking, biking, sightseeing drives, surfing, shark cage diving, and watching seals and whales among other things to do.

Here are the top 10 unbelievable facts about Kalk Bay. 

1. The Dalebrook Tidal Pool is a Popular Chill Spot 

Kalk Bay is home to one of the Cape’s most famous tidal pools, which is perfect for a cool swim and relaxation. Nestled between St James and Kalk Bay is Dalebrook tidal pool, one of the most beautiful pools along the coast.

The large boulders in the pool invite bathers to stay longer while contemplating the horizon. The pool has a low wall meaning that the water is kept clean with a constant flow of new, freshwater breaking over the wall’s edge.

Most locals go there at sunrise mostly to worship the rising sun plus the pool loses a lot of the afternoon sun behind the mountains. It is a fabulous whale-watching spot.

2. The Harbour is Home To The Famous Light House 

Kalk Bay. Photo by Tanya Paquet on Unsplash

The Kalk Bay harbour is not just a bustling landmark but it has a rich history too. Its famous lighthouse, which is coloured red on the upper part and white at the bottom, is situated at the tip of the bustling pier. 

In winter, it sheds its laidback vibe, giving new meaning to the phrase ‘Cape of Storms’. Large waves come hurtling into the bay, crashing against the jetty and lighthouse with an impact that is beautiful and scary at the same time. 

There are colourful fishing boats with fishermen that come in with their catch. They off-load and sell their hard-earned produce at the harbour.

The fresh fish makes delicious and healthy meals, particularly when grilled over hot coal. It’s the freshest fish you will find anywhere in Kalk Bay. 

The lighthouse area is the perfect spot for sunset photos or a relaxed evening stroll.

3. There is a Surf Spot Named Kalk Bay Reef 

Kalk Bay is also home to the tiny but locally famous surf spot commonly known as “Kalk Bay Reef”. It is known for heavy barrels and the associated shallow reef. 

It is best surfed on a big south-easterly swell or northwest wind. In smaller swells, the low tide makes for better barrels. Surfers enjoy it here and they take advantage of the crashing waves and bohemian atmosphere. 

Southern right whales come here during whale watching seasons and are often seen playing or resting very close to surfers or piers.  

4. There are many Antique Shops in Kalk Bay  

Kalk Bay. Photo By Bernard – Wikimedia Commons

Kalk Bay is a popular destination for shoppers, thanks largely to the number of shops and especially antique shops lining the main road and hiding around the corners.  

What they say about one man’s trash being another man’s treasure rings true in these shops. These hunters’ paradises have collectible antique gifts and arts &crafts at reasonable prices.  

There is so much to see that time flies by so fast. Well worth browsing through because of the surprising array of bits and pieces if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. 

5. There Are Caves That One Can Hike To 

There are the Boomslang Caves in Kalk Bay that are two hours hike away from the town. From the caves, one can experience the incredible views of the harbour below.  

At the caves, you will learn about the fynbos, birdlife, and ecosphere. It is best to take a few outdoors’ lovers to hike with you for the company and also as a safety measure. You are safer in a group than while walking alone. 

A flashlight or torch is important if you want to explore inside the caves. Without it, one can’t go further than the mouth of the caves. 

6. There is a 78-Seater Theatre 

Kalk Bay. Photo By Carosaun – Wikimedia Commons

The Kalk Bay Theatre is a 78-seater theatre and restaurant located in the old Kalk Bay DR church. It was built in 1876 and is a heritage-protected building. 

The building has been lovingly converted into an intimate theatre with a restaurant on the upper floor. Kalk Bay Theatre offers a unique night of entertainment. Dinner, theatre, and quality time alone or with friends are all under the same roof. 

7. There is a Modern Gallery in Kalk Bay 

Artvark is contemporary arts and crafts gallery that supports local talent and is a shining star on the Kalk Bay cultural scene. 

It mainly focuses on community development. The gallery’s guests can browse many wonderful works on display here, that range from San Bushmen art to a variety of photography, textiles, and homemade jewelry.  

There’s hardly a better representation of the free and creative spirit that flows throughout the quirky seaside town than this hidden gem. 

8. Kalk Bay Books is a Must Visit 

Kalk Bay Books is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, who browse and buy books, share a glass of wine or two with visiting authors, and gather for new book launches or discussions. 

It is a bookshop with the best view in the world, with a leather sofa that is so inviting to customers they can’t resist. Spend some time here considering the books on offer, and catching up on international book news. 

9. Enjoy Meals at the Many Beautiful Eateries 

Seals basking in the sun at Kalk Bay Harbour. Photo By Nkansahrexford – Wikimedia Commons

Kalk Bay restaurants and coffee shops have nice meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of these Joints have the best views of the ocean and live music. 

Santori, Cape to Cuba, Lekker, Ohana, Harbour House, Polana, and The Brass Bell are some of the awesome places with lovely views where you can have your meals while in Kalk Bay. 

10. The Park Is Another Spot You Can Explore 

There is a sea-facing park that is a wonderful pitstop especially if you have kids. They will build up an appetite after running around the grass and taking turns on the swings and roundabouts. 

Kalk Bay’s eclectic mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, bohemian bric-a-brac shops, vintage bookstores, art, and antique galleries, ocean and mountain views, quaint cafés and restaurants, colourful fishing vessels, and creative locals is what makes this town so charming.