Doringbaai, Wes-Kaap

Gone Fishing

The small seaside town of Doringbaai can be found just south of Strandfontein and Papendorp along the Cape West Coast.

Doringbaai is the perfect spot to get away from it all and take long walks on a deserted beach. Time slows to a crawl here in Doringbaai, with peace and quiet at the heart of this sleeping little fishing village. Its’ biggest appeal are the outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, diving and whale watching. The marine mammals visit the shores of Doringbaai from late July to late November.

One of the towns’ most prominent features is the lighthouse, it is a particularly pretty lighthouse that has always been of interest to visitors. A world-renowned succulent nursery with access to the Namaqualand flowers during late winter and early spring is another reason for heading out there, up the deserted, wind-swept, but utterly gorgeous West Coast.

Doringbaai offers some quaint traditional West Coast hospitality in the way of B&B’s and Guesthouses. Caravan and camping enthusiasts are welcome all along the coastline.

Places to Visit

Things to do and see

• Doringbaai Beach
• Fryer’s Cove Vineyards
• Bird Island Nature Reserve
• West Coast National Park
• Doringbaai Lighthouse
• Papendorp Salt Pans
• Olifants River Estuary
• Seal Breeze Wines

Climate

Doringbaai receives approximately 126 mm of rain per year with most of its annual rainfall during winter.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 29˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 17˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport and Doringbaai is approximately 310 Km away on the N7. Car hire facilities are available at all Airports.

History

Doringbaai was previously known as Thornbay. In the past the bay was used as an anchorage for the trade industry and provisions were dropped here and then transported on to Vanrhynsdorp by camel. Today it is known as the bay where Southern Right whales enter to calve from May to November and can be seen breaching and swimming with their calves in the protected waters.

The people of Doringbaiy make a living from the packaging and export of crayfish and the town´s economy is closely linked to the operations of the crayfish factory.