Plan your trip

GETTING THERE

There are a few scenic routes to Fish Hoek which start on Cape Town’s M3; for sea views along the coast road from the M3 turn left onto the M42, then right onto the M4, which brings you into Fish Hoek’s main road; for the route through Silvermine Nature Reserve turn right onto the M42, then take the M64 over Ou Kaapse Weg, then turn left onto the M65 which takes you into the town from the back end.

STAY HERE

The Cove has two beautiful apartments overlooking False Bay. You won’t want to leave here – the views and level of comfort are outstanding. From R1 800 (sleeps up to six). thecove.capetown Whale Watchers’ Studio Apartment is perfect for romance and lovely sea views. From R1 090 (sleeps two). whalewatchers.co.za Dolphin Place is a very affordable pad in the centre of town. There’s a slice of mountain view from your bed. From R378, plus R150 cleaning fee (sleeps two). airbnb.com

EAT HERE

C’est La Vie serves excellent food. Locals pop in to buy the bread and pastries. R18 for a coffee. 4 Recreation Road, 083-676-7430 Bhandaris serves the best curry – I ordered the lamb rogan for R129. 25 Main Road, 021-782-1525 Fish Hoek Fisheries is your go-to. People up the line come here because the fish is so fresh. Try the calamari and hake. From R32 a portion. 43 Main Road, 021-782-2314 The Beachcomber Bistro is on the beach. There is a takeaway section or sit at a table outside – you can’t beat the location. Meals from R29,95. 3 Peter Creese Way, 021-782-3354

DO THIS

Swim at the famous beach. The increased presence of sharks and fatalities compelled authorities to put up a sharkexclusion net in 2015. Lifesavers are on duty over weekends in summer from 2pm – 6pm (Saturday) and 10am – 6pm (Sunday). There is a lovely rock pool to explore called ‘Skellies’, accessed off Jager’s Walk – great for kids. Stroll along Jager’s Walk. It starts at the southern end of the beach and ends near Sunny Cove train station. If you’re feeling energetic, walk the remaining 5km to Simon’s Town (there is pavement alongside the main road) and return on the train. R10,50 one-way ticket. SUP, kayak or canoe in the bay. Hire a SUP board from Great White Sport & Surf. R150 for half day, R250 full day (with paddles and leash). 55 Main Road, 021-782-3360. Aqua Trails rent out kayaks and canoes for R400 a day (paddles and PFDs included). 150 Main Road, 021-782-7982. Both outlets offer advice on water conditions. On Fridays at 6pm there’s a Sea Dog surfski race, exciting to watch, but if you surfski and want to race, register at the lifesaving club on the beach at 5pm. Entry is R20. 082-536-2160 Go fishing. Spin for yellowtail off Jager’s Walk in summer and also rock and surf angle from here. Great White Sport & Surf sells bait from R30, and a rod, reel and line combo from R240. Make sure to pick up your discarded line for recycling. 55 Main Road, 021-782-3360 Visit Fish Hoek Valley Museum. It’s a well-kept record of local history, with lovely old photographs and displays of stone tools used by the San 150 000 years ago. Open from Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm. Entry is R6. 59 Central Circle, 021-782-782 Hike Elsie’s Peak. Described as a fairly energetic walk, allow about two hours with dawdles. Get directions at the museum. 59 Central Circle, 021-782-1752 Explore Peers Cave in the Skildergat Ridge overlooking Sun Valley. Allow for about an hour. Ask for directions at the museum. 59 Central Circle, 021-782-1752

SHOP HERE

CAFDA is a second-hand charity bookshop selling light holiday reads to the classics, all dirt cheap. From R5. 34 Main Road, 074-149-9082 AP Jones has been retailing since 1928 and is run by Jones’ grandsons. 98 Main Road, 021-782-6111 Great White Sport & Surf sells everything you need for a beach holiday from buckets and spades (R25 a set) to bikinis and sunglasses (from R195). 55 Main Road, 021-782-3360 Valyland Centre is in the heart of residential Fish Hoek where many locals shop. It’s quiet and parking is easy. Shops range from a pharmacy and health shop to a post office. Corner of Ivanhoe and Upper Recreation Road. * Prices correct at time of going to print