About Kelpbaai Beach
Kelpbaai (Kelp Bay) is another of the smaller beaches found along the City of Cape Town’s West Coast. It is found within the Blaauwberg Conservation Area between Kreeftebaai and Haakgat. Kelpbaai gets it’s name from the Kelp Bed (Kelp Forests) that are found just beyond the rocks offshore.
Kelpbaai beach is easily accessible from the sandy parking lot, found off Otto Du Plessis Drive between Big Bay & Melkbosstrand. From the parking lot, you can enjoy the views from the wooden viewing deck, which also has steps leading down to the beach.
There are also a few sandy pathways leading to the beach from the parking area, but it is recommended that you use the steps so as not to disturb the sensitive Dune’s, which the conservationists are trying to rehabilitate.
This beach is rarely busy, except on hot sunny weekends or during peak season, when the more popular beaches are crowded. It is frequented mostly by families walking their dogs or bringing their children to explore the rock-pools at low tide.
Fishermen (Anglers) sometime try their luck at Kelpbaai, but this really depends on the seasons, tides & weather conditions. The Kelp Beds can make for difficult fishing, unless the conditions are absolutely perfect. Fish species that can be caught here include: Galjoen, Stumpnose, Steenbras & Kob.
Like most of the beaches on this stretch of coastline, this one can also be unpleasant when it’s windy. There is very little protection from the wind and the sand has a violent sting to it. I have also been to this beach when the Kelp is rotting on the rocks, which creates a very unpleasant smell; it hasn’t happened often, but I have experienced this.
Beach Features
- Parking Lot
- Viewing Deck
- Rocky Coastline
- Kelp Beds
Beach Activities
- Rock Pool Exploration
- Beach Walks/Run
- Fishing (permits required)
Additional Information
Parking can sometimes be a problem as the Kelpbaai Beach parking area is relatively small, but since most visitors don’t stay long parking spots do open up frequently. Alternatively, you could park along the verge of Otto du Plessis drive, although I personally don’t like doing this as this road can get very busy.
There are no ablution facilities and no vendors selling food & drink, so it’s best to bring your own, if you intend a longer stay. The nearest Shops, Restaurants and Accommodation can be found in Melkbosstrand approximately 2.4Km North or Big Bay approx. 4Km South.
