Reasons why you should visit us in Kommetjie

Hike, dive, cycle, ride, surf, explore and more!

Are you aching for the chance to escape to a small piece of South African paradise for a few days away from your humdrum, every day life, doing things you’ve not done before and exploring new places? Then Fin Whale Beach House in the pretty coastal town of Kommetjie is the place to be! Here’s why…

When it comes to getting away from it all, you often don’t have to go that far. Remember the saying “a change is as good as a holiday”? Well for us at Fin Whale Beach House, a change IS a holiday, and changing your point of view to the incredible scenery of South Africa’s Western Cape and its magnificent coastline is as good as it gets!

So what is there to do here at our lovely little beach house overlooking Long Beach and the gorgeous blues of the Atlantic Ocean? Here are some suggestions… 

1. Take long walks on the beach

It’s called Long Beach for a reason and it’s just begging to be explored. Get up just as the sun is breaking over the horizon and head out onto the soft, white sand and breathe in that wonderful sea air as you just walk and feel your body and mind relax and keep time to the waves. Or head out in the late afternoon to watch the sun set and marvel at the incredible views. Don’t forget we welcome dogs at Fin Whale Beach House – so feel free to bring your fur babies along!

2. Explore the wreck of the Kakapo

While walking along the beach in the direction of Noordhoek and Chapman’s Peak which beckons on the horizon, stop to examine the mangled iron that forms the skeleton of the SS Kakapo – a 665-ton schooner-rigged steamship which floundered here on 25 May 1900. It’s a local legend and makes for great photo opportunities.

3. Discover the Cape Floral Kingdom on your doorstep

Take a casual hike into the foothills behind Kommetjie and marvel at the abundant fynbos plants and flowers that make up the Cape Floral Kingdom – one of the most biodiverse eco-systems in the world that includes rare and endemic species found only here. The best time for flowers is spring which starts officially in September, but many species bloom well into summer and autumn.

4. Surfs up!

Kommetjie is renowned the world over for its great surfing, so if you love getting out onto the ocean there’s no better way to do it than with a surfboard. If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry – there are lots of operators who will gladly teach you and show you how it’s done. If you’re already a keen surfer, you’ll love it here! Just bring your board!

5. A galloping we will go…

Horse riding is a wonderful way to experience Kommetjie and its spectacular views and explore both the beach and its surroundings. There’s nothing like riding along Long Beach or winding your way up into the hills and getting spectacular views over the ocean and the mountains beyond Chapman’s Peak. You don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy a horse trail and you can choose how long you ride for, from an hour to a full day.

6. Wine tasting

The Western Cape is South Africa’s wine-making capital and there are some wonderful vineyards in and around Kommetjie, in neighbouring Noordhoek and out on the main Winelands tourism route. Take a full-day trip to the Franschhoek Valley and hop on and off the renowned Wine Tram, stopping at local vineyards to sample the vintages! Or tour the Kommetjie Wine Route and take in the best of our local wine estates.

7. Food, glorious food

Kommetjie and its surrounds are blessed with some stunning restaurants, eateries and cafés which, combined with the amazing food offered at the local vineyards makes this area an absolute hotspot for food lovers and cuisine connoisseurs! From farm to table, the food on offer around Fin Whale Beach House is outstanding, fresh and sustainably grown, so take the time to sample what’s on offer and enjoy eating out in style!

8. Marine safaris

Head out on to the ocean on a guided tour to see the marine big five – whales, dolphins, sharks, seals and penguins – and learn more about these amazing animals. You can take a day trip up the coast to Hermanus – the whale-watching capital of South Africa – and see the southern right whales in season (June to November) when they come here to calf. Or get an adrenaline rush with some shark cage diving, witnessing the majesty of the great white shark.

9. Diving in the kelp forests

Pull on a wetsuit and plunge beneath the waves into the incredible world beneath the surface and the gently swaying kelp forests made famous by the award-winning documentary “My Octopus Teacher”. You’ll be amazed by the wealth of marine life that calls the kelp forests home, from the humble octopus, seals and sharks to a variety of fish and crustaceans. If you are not a qualified diver, dive courses are available at dive centres in and around Kommetjie.

10. Do absolutely nothing!

That’s right. Just stay at home at Fin Whale Beach House and enjoy the feeling of switching off, relaxing and chilling out. Swim in our sparkling pool, snooze in the hammock, braai (the local term for a barbecue) with friends and family and make the most of the idyllic views, fresh sea air and fabulous facilities on offer. Sometimes doing nothing is the best holiday of all!