Kalk Bay is a charming fishing village wedged between the aquamarine ocean and sandstone mountains along the False Bay seaboard. With countless boutique shops, restaurants, and eateries, there is plenty to do in Kalk Bay. Here are some of our favourite activities to enjoy in this charismatic fishing village:
Go Cuban at Cape to Cuba
Cape to Cuba is a popular Cuban restaurant with a fully licensed restaurant, cigar bar, cocktail bar, and a relaxed outdoor area with a pizza oven. With palm trees, a sandy floor crossed by meandering wooden boardwalks, and a restaurant crammed full of quirky décor for purchase, this restaurant is truly unique. Take a seat in one of the outdoor booths with your toes in the sand and order a cocktail, pizza, or platter of chilli poppers.
Sing karaoke at The Brass Bell
The Brass Bell holds vibrant karaoke nights on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights where you can hop on stage and perform to your heart’s content. Weekends are also fun affairs at Brass Bell with braais held on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 17h00, with a selection of food cooked fresh on the braai. The venue has twin raised decks, a sandy beach, and a paddling pool. There are also 6 other restaurant areas on the premises, each with its own menu.
Watch a play at Kalk Bay Theatre
The Kalk Bay Theatre consists of a 78-seater theatre and restaurant located in the old Kalk Bay DR Church. Enjoy a night of dinner theatre with friends, with 2 set menu choices of 3 course meals, or an option to “cherry pick” dishes off the menu depending on how much you want to eat. Show programmes are available on the website and the evening begins at 18h45. Don’t miss the theatrical “TheatreSports” held every Tuesday evening at 20h30 where two teams of actors play out an amusing series of improvised games.
Have fish and chips on the quay
Pick up some fish and chips from Luckyfish & Chips and head on down to the end of the quay to devour your tasty meal while seals frolic in the water below.
Hike to the Kalk Bay Caves
The Echo Valley above Kalk Bay is well worth a walk. The views are fantastic and you can explore the caves if you wish. The hike begins from Boyes Drive but can also be undertaken from the opposite direction, starting from Silvermine on Ou Kaapse Weg. Climb through beautiful fynbos, pass cascading waterfalls, explore the Boomslang Caves, picnic in the amphitheatre, and enjoy the spectacular views of False Bay and the Kalk Bay harbour along the way.
Have coffee at C’est La Vie
C’est la Vie is a tiny bakery located along the main road in Kalk Bay. You will find the best croissants, artisan breads, gourmet sandwiches, and coffee.
Surf Kalk Bay Reef
The Kalk Bay Reef has long been known as one of the most challenging waves to surf in Cape Town. Grab your wetsuits and take the plunge! If you’re not feeling brave enough, hang out at The Brass Bell and watch your friends from there.
Have lunch at Olympia Café
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you get a guilt-free pass to eat as much as you like at Olympia Café. This local hangout is completely unpretentious and offers burgers, pizzas, salads, pasta, and seafood. Even your furry companion is welcome!
Whale watch
Kalk Bay is one of the best whale watching spots during spring. Head on down to the quay and you may be lucky enough to spot southern right whales breaching right in front of the harbour wall!
Shop until you drop
Take a stroll down Main Road and get lost among antique furniture shops, second hand bookstores, clothing boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops.
Scream for ice cream at the Ice Café
The Ice Café offers the best ice cream in all of the land, made from a third generation Italian recipe. Flavours include cinnamon and ginger, blueberry cheesecake, apple, apricot sorbet, black cherry, and even brandy!
Browse the markets
On the 3rd Sunday of the month, a fresh produce market is held at the Kalk Bay Community Centre from 10h00 – 15h00. The annual Kalk Bay Fish Fare Market is held at the Holy Trinity Church to raise funds for the church. The stalls sell fish and seafood like fish and crayfish curries, salmon rolls, fish kebabs, fish cakes, mussel chowder, fried calamari, and more. There is also a beer garden, as well as face painting and a jumping castle for the kids.
What other activities do you recommend in Kalk Bay? Find accommodation in Kalk Bay.
