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Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

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Cape Town and Table Bay © Brian Snelson, License

Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Although the Cape was first explored by Bartolomeu Dias in the late 1400's it was on in 1652 that Cape Town was founded by the Dutch explorer, Jan Van Riebeek. And during this period the natural bay on the west coast of South Africa, just north of the Cape Peninsula, was named Table Bay. The bay was named after one of the country's most well know landmarks, Table Mountain.

Table Bay was one of the few places along the west coast that could harbour ships, but during the 17th and 18th many of the ships that were anchored in the bay were driven ashore by storms. The bay offers, little if any protection from the gale force winds which batter the coastline from both the South East and the North West. The Dutch however continued to use the bay as the other options were not viable at the time. Saldanha Bay which was much further up the West Coast was a good option but had no fresh water, and closer to Table Bay the other two options, Simon's Town and Hout Bay were harder to access at the time and only slightly more protected than Table Bay itself.

In 1858 a serious storm blew 30 ships ashore, completely wrecking them and killing many sailors. It reached a point where the British company, Lloyd's of London, refused to insure any ships in Table Bay during the winter months. It was this move that almost forced the British Colonial Government to start construction of the first breakwater in 1860. This over the years became the Victoria and Alfred Basin, Table Bay's first safe harbour. Today the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront preserves parts of the harbours history.

Table Bay also has a very important feature, especially to South African History. Robben Island can be found in the waters of Table Bay, the island where former president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades. The Island is visible from shore or can be visited using the Robben Island Museum Tour.

Here are five interesting facts about Table Bay in Cape Town:

1. Historical Significance: Table Bay has played a crucial role in maritime history since the 15th century. It served as a vital stopover point for European ships traveling to the East Indies. The Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station here in 1652, which later grew into the city of Cape Town.

2. Iconic Backdrop: The bay is framed by the stunning Table Mountain, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The flat-topped mountain provides a dramatic backdrop to the bay and the city.

3. Robben Island: Located in Table Bay, Robben Island is famous for being the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. The island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and museum, attracting numerous visitors annually.

4. V&A Waterfront: The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, situated in Table Bay, is one of South Africa's most visited tourist attractions. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences, along with scenic views of the harbor and Table Mountain.

5. Diverse Marine Life: The waters of Table Bay are rich in marine biodiversity. It is a common sight to see dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales in the bay. The area is also popular for recreational activities such as sailing, kite surfing, and fishing.


Accommodation Near Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results
8 Neptune's Isle
Sleeps 13 in 3 units
From R 1300
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

8 Neptune's Isle

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Milnerton

 4.6km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Neptune's Isle cabana (sleeps 4) is a great getaway for pleasure seeking tourists, or for a weekend break. Self-catering - Cabana is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with views of Table Mountain & Robben Island across the bay, and from where...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Beach VillaSpecial
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1700
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Beach Villa

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mouille Point

 4.7km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Beach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Witsand 103
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1200
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Witsand 103

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant

 5.9km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

This spacious two-bedroom apartment accommodates four persons and is situated on the first floor of a nine-floor apartment block with easy access by elevator or stairs. It offers un-obstructed and superb views of Table Bay, Table Mountain and...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sea Breeze
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1300
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Sea Breeze

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant

 6km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Sea Breeze (sleeps 4) apartment provides self catering accommodation in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. From the lounge, main bedroom and balcony you have the most spectacular views of the Bloubergrant beach, ocean, Table Mountain, Cape Town...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Green Point Self Catering Studio
Sleeps 6 in 2 units
From R 750
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Green Point Self Catering Studio

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town

 6km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Green Point Self Catering Studio provides visitors with self catering accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town City Bowl. We offer 2 self catering studios. Green Point Self Catering Studio 1 (sleeps max two) is a tastefully renovated self-catering studio..   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Aandvari Zeezicht
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1360
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Aandvari Zeezicht

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand

 6km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Aandvari Zeezicht right on the beach offering self catering accommodation (sleeps 5) in Bloubergrant, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town. Aandvari Zeezicht - an elegant, two bedroomed apartment, in the heart of Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Sea View Zeezicht
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 890
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Sea View Zeezicht

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergstrand

 6km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

This beachfront self-catering apartment is located in Bloubergstrand on the beautiful Atlantic Coast, with stunning sea and mountain views. The beach is famous for water sports on its endless white sand, and is situated between Dolphin Beach...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Aandvari Ocean View
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 2 in 1 unit
From R 840
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Aandvari Ocean View

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant

 6.1km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Located on Blouberg's beautiful beachfront is Aandvari Ocean View, a modern and luxurious sea-facing studio apartment, perfectly suited to honeymoon accommodation, special getaways, up market business accommodation or for a fun seaside holiday...   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Aandvari Sunset Court
Sleeps 4 in 1 unit
From R 1000
Per unit, per night
* Rates may vary according to season

Aandvari Sunset Court

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Bloubergrant

 6.1km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Nestling merely a stroll away from the beachfront in Cape Town's beautiful Blouberg is Aandvari, a hidden gem. This elegantly furnished and tastefully decorated penthouse apartment enjoys magnificent views of Table Mountain and the sea.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

Blue Flamingo B&B
Guest Rating: 10
Sleeps 8 in 4 units
From R 330
Per person, per night sharing
* Rates may vary according to season

Blue Flamingo B&B

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Table View

 6.5km from Table Bay - Cape Town, Western Cape

Blue Flamingo Bed & Breakfast offers peaceful, comfortable accommodation in the quiet, safe northern coastal suburb of Table View, in Cape Town, the mother city of South Africa.   …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.

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