PROCEDURE GUIDELINES FOR VISITING
GORDON'S BAY 

​PLEASE NOTE: this is NOT a Port of Entry.
If you have cleared into South Africa at an official Port of Entry, you are welcome to visit us, but can only clear out of the country again at an official Port of Entry, but  is a delightful place to visit!

​Gordon’s Bay Harbour (locally known as the ‘Old Harbour’) is the home of Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, as well as the local fishing fleet, an officer’s training facility for the SA Navy, and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 9. Visiting yachts are encouraged to contact the Yacht Club should they wish to visit, at +27 21 856 3263, or gbyc@gbyc.co.za. The Club can be hailed on VHF channel 71.

​The Harbour mouth has a significant sandbank that is variable. Visitors are advised to time their arrival for high tide. There are consistent channels that allow shallow - to moderate-depth yachts (up to 1.8m) to enter, and boats of up to 2m draft at spring high. Please contact the Yacht Club for advice on entering the harbour, as well as an update on the current state and position of the channel.

Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club www.gbyc.co.za
Manager Eleonore Bondesio: +27 21 856 3263
Email: gbyc@gbyc.co.za
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​The Club offers both moorings with water and electricity for boats up to a maximum LOA of 42ft, and catamarans are welcome. There is a welcoming Clubhouse with stunning sunset views, a bar and restaurant. Temporary membership is available for yachts wishing to spend an extended period of time in the area. Facilities at Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club include:

 

​•  Floating marina with approximately 120 mooring
•  Access to water and electricity on approximately half the moorings• 
•  24 hour access to bathroom and shower facilities
•  Clubhouse with bar, braai facilities, WiFi access, and restaurant (Clubhouse closed on Mondays)
​Harbour Master’s Office: +27 21 856 1482​
The haul-out facilities at Gordon’s Bay Harbour are administrated by the Harbour Master on behalf of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Visitors are advised to consult with the Club for advice on availability and procedures, as fishing vessels have priority,
Facilities include:
​•  Slip with cable-operated cradle able to accommodate haul-outs for vessels of a maximum of 50 tons
•  Crane for lifting motors and cargo onto cement jetty
•  Large concrete slipway for hauling out by trailer
The public marina of the northern side of the Harbour (where the fishing vessels are moored) is not administered by either Harbour Master or the Club and visitors are cautioned regarding both security and condition of the moorings.

Chandlery and resupply
​•  Gordon’s Bay Harbour (and village) does not currently host a chandlery, but access to boating supplies can be arranged through local artisans. Contact GBYC for more information.
•  Supermarkets are within walking distance for purchasing groceries, and the local Checkers supermarket makes deliveries.
•  There is no on-site fuel supply, although local artisans and fishermen can assist with procuring diesel. There are several fuel stations in the area as well.



 

National Sea Rescue Institute Station 9
In emergencies, the NSRI can be hailed on Channel 16, or by telephoning 112 from a cellular phone.

Restaurants and local attractions:
•  Gordon’s Bay Harbour is host to the Thirsty Oyster Tavern, which serves a wide variety of meals, including seafood. The village of Gordon’s Bay is within walking distance of the Harbour and features several restaurants and bars.
•  The Harbour is adjacent to Bikini Beach, a Blue Flag-designated beach.
•  The southward coastal road, Clarence Drive, begins immediately behind the Harbour, and leads to several picturesque towns such as Pringle Bay and Hermanus. As the beginning of the Cape Whale Route, viewing opportunities are excellent for Southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and numerous other sea mammal species. 
•  Gordon’s Bay is frequently visited by common and humpback dolphins, Cape clawless otters, Cape fur seals, and sunfish. Birdlife is abundant, including African oystercatchers and penguins.
•  The area has numerous land-based natural attractions where the flora and fauna of the Cape fynbos can be experienced, such as the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve (a World Heritage Site), the famous Crystal Pools hiking trails, and the Helderberg Conservancy. Nearby Stellenbosch features Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and Assegaibosch. 
•  Gordon’s Bay is approximately half an hour’s drive from Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Winelands. The village of Franschhoek, the culinary capital of South Africa, is about an hour’s drive away through stunning mountain passes.
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