Kalk Bay Harbour Cape Town
A vibrant working harbour on the Cape Peninsula, known for its charming boats, playful seals, unique shops, and delicious seafood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, best light
Kalk Bay Harbour Cape Town
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant working harbour on the Cape Peninsula, known for its charming boats, playful seals, unique shops, and delicious seafood.
"The harbour has a wonderful atmosphere, even with less fishing activity than in its heyday."
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
Take the @metrorailwc train for stunning coastal views and an affordable journey to Kalk Bay.
🍽️ Book Harbour House
Reserve your table at Harbour House in advance, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot with a view. [^seo_keywords]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kalk Bay Harbour
The heart of Kalk Bay
A vibrant, working harbor with colorful fishing boats, seals, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for sketching or simply soaking in the views.
Harbour House Restaurant
Overlooking the harbor
Experience fine dining with breathtaking ocean views. Known for its seafood and romantic ambiance. [^seo_keywords]
Cape to Cuba
Adjacent to the harbor
A quirky and vibrant restaurant and bar with eclectic decor, offering delicious food and cocktails with harbor views.
Kalkies
Kalk Bay Harbour
Famous for its delicious fish and chips, this casual spot is a must-try for a true harbor dining experience.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Train Ride
+1Harbour House Dining Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
Take the @metrorailwc train for stunning coastal views and an affordable journey to Kalk Bay.
🍽️ Book Harbour House
Reserve your table at Harbour House in advance, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot with a view. [^seo_keywords]
🐟 Try Kalkies
Don't miss the legendary fish and chips at Kalkies in the harbor for an authentic taste.
🛍️ Explore Quirky Shops
Wander through the unique boutiques and art galleries lining the streets of Kalk Bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
Take the @metrorailwc train for stunning coastal views and an affordable journey to Kalk Bay.
🍽️ Book Harbour House
Reserve your table at Harbour House in advance, especially for dinner, to guarantee a spot with a view. [^seo_keywords]
🐟 Try Kalkies
Don't miss the legendary fish and chips at Kalkies in the harbor for an authentic taste.
🛍️ Explore Quirky Shops
Wander through the unique boutiques and art galleries lining the streets of Kalk Bay.
🌊 Watch the Seals
Enjoy observing the playful seals that often bask in the sun around the harbor.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Wall of Remembrance
Appreciate the history and heritage at the Wall of Remembrance opposite the harbor. [^review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kalk Bay Harbour is consistently praised for its relaxing atmosphere, scenic beauty, and vibrant energy, with many visitors enjoying the working harbor, the playful seals, and the array of unique shops. The dining options, particularly the fish and chips at Kalkies and the views from Harbour House, are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. Some visitors note a decrease in fishing activity compared to past decades, but the overall charm and character of the harbor remain a strong draw.
"I find the harbour relaxing and enjoyable. When the weather is good I enjoy sketching there. I have been visiting the harbour since the late 1960s. Even though there is little fishing activity these days compared to the halacon days of the 1960s and 1970s, the harbour has a wonderful atmosphere. A Combi van sells softserve ice creams that are delicious. A small tuckshop provides cool drinks and water if you’re thirsty. It is still a working harbour so observe all safety rules."
Chesney Bradshaw
"I visited Kalk Bay and Kalk Bay Harbour one evening just before sunset, and it was a wonderful experience. The scenic beauty of the harbor, with its charming boats and serene water, was especially captivating.
Strolling through the area, I felt the vibrant energy of the local shops and restaurants. The highlight was enjoying fantastic fish and chips at Lucky Fish, a perfect way to end the visit. One is also able to purchase fresh fish too depending on the catch for the day. The combination of great food and stunning views made it a memorable evening."
Vikash Parbhoo
"Wall of Remembrance Kalk Bay - opposite the harbour in the park.A beautiful initiative and reminder of the people who forged this little piece of heaven 🙌 highly recommend you taking a walk and stopping to appreciate our South African diverse history and heritage ✔️"
Licia Dewing Career Strategist
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic and affordable way is by taking the @metrorailwc train along the Southern Line, which offers beautiful coastal views.
While there is security on the train, travelers are advised to be cautious of phone snatchers and keep valuables secure.
The train journey from Cape Town to Kalk Bay typically takes about an hour, offering a relaxed way to travel.
Yes, you can drive to Kalk Bay Harbour. There is parking available, though it can get busy, especially on weekends.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Cape Town and can take you directly to Kalk Bay Harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Kalk Bay Harbour itself is free. You only pay for food, drinks, or any purchases you make.
Kalk Bay Harbour is generally accessible throughout the day, but individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours. [^review]
There is no entrance fee to explore the harbour, enjoy the atmosphere, and watch the seals.
The @metrorailwc train is very affordable, with return trips costing around R18 or even less depending on your starting point.
While not always mandatory, booking a table at popular spots like Cape to Cuba or Kalkies is recommended, especially during peak hours or weekends, to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the working harbor, watch seals, browse unique shops, enjoy fresh seafood at Kalkies, or dine at Cape to Cuba. +1
Yes, Kalk Bay Harbour is famous for its dining options, including the renowned Harbour House for fine dining, Kalkies for fish and chips, and Cape to Cuba for a vibrant atmosphere.
Depending on the day's catch, you can often purchase fresh fish directly from the fishermen at the harbour. [^review]
Absolutely! The colorful boats, seals, ocean views, and charming streetscapes make it a very photogenic location. [^review]
Kalk Bay is known for its eclectic mix of antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, and quirky boutiques.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful fishing boats, playful seals, the dramatic coastline, and the charming street scenes. The harbour at sunset offers particularly stunning light. [^review]
Early mornings or late afternoons, especially just before sunset, provide the most beautiful light for photography. [^review]
The iconic Harbour House restaurant, the Wall of Remembrance, and the bustling fishing boats are all great subjects for photos. [^review]
Yes, you can photograph the seals, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide harbor scenes and details. A wide-angle lens is also useful for the expansive ocean views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The train ride to Kalk Bay is also an adventure in itself, providing entertainment and stunning views without the stress of driving. +1Consider visiting the Dalebrook tidal pool nearby for safe and fun swimming, or explore the intertidal nature reserve for rockpooling adventures.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Exploring the harbour, watching the seals, and browsing the shops are all free activities. couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Kalk Bay Harbour
Beyond the working harbor, Kalk Bay offers a treasure trove of independent shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Wandering through the narrow streets, you'll discover unique finds, from antiques to local crafts. The Wall of Remembrance, located opposite the harbor, serves as a poignant reminder of the people who shaped this coastal gem, offering a moment for reflection on South Africa's diverse history and heritage. [^review]
Culinary Delights at the Harbour
Another popular and vibrant choice is Cape to Cuba, a uniquely decorated establishment that transports you with its Cuban-inspired theme. Here, you can enjoy delicious food, cold cocktails, and soak in the lively atmosphere with views of the harbor and the passing train.
For a quick treat, a combi van often sells delicious soft-serve ice cream, and a small tuckshop provides cool drinks and water, perfect for a casual stroll. [^review]Getting to Kalk Bay: The Scenic Route
+1 This scenic journey along the Southern Line offers breathtaking views of the False Bay coastline, winding through charming seaside towns like Muizenberg and Fish Hoek before arriving in Kalk Bay. It's an experience in itself, providing a unique perspective of the Cape Peninsula that driving simply can't match. While the train is a fantastic option, travelers are advised to be mindful of their belongings due to occasional petty crime.
For those who prefer to drive, parking is available near the harbor, though it can become limited during busy periods. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also readily available and offer a convenient door-to-door option for reaching Kalk Bay Harbour. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit