In Doringbaai (it translates to Thorn Bay) you can’t but not relax. This small West Coast fishing village is about 3 hours’ drive from Cape Town. It’s pretty, it’s small, it’s quaint, it’s quiet. The closest bigger towns are Vredendal and Lambertsbaai.
Located on the West Coast Way Wild Route
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.If you are that way inclined, you could opt to do something active – go hiking or mountain biking on the outskirts of Doringbaai, go kayaking in the ocean or on the Olifants River, there’s wind surfing and body boarding, or there’s diving, snorkeling or spearfishing, albeit in cold water. Close by there are some surfing spots such as Bamboesbaai.
More relaxing pursuits include bird watching including at the Olifants River, sun tanning and swimming. You could also play golf or go wine tasting. In spring it’s flower season; from late July to November it’s time for whale watching.
The bay at Doringbaai was used to anchor boats that were used for trade. Goods would be stored at Doringbaai, then, interestingly enough, taken to Vanrhynsdorp by camel. Yes, it’s hard to believe if you read this now, with not a camel in sight.
You will search far and wide to find a more atmospheric place to sip a glass of wine than Fryer’s Cove (see next entry) on the pier.
The white Doringbaai lighthouse with its black band and white lantern house looks over the shoulder of Fryer’s Cove from a small rocky outcrop. This outcrop forms a natural breakwater.
Building of the orginal lighthouse was completed in 1963. At first an aluminium structure was used but in 1993 a traditional, and more romantic, concrete lighthouse was built after a violent storm damaged the previous structure.
The lighthouse is not manned and it is not open to the public though it’s easy to take lovely photos from various points in Doringbaai.
Find Doringbaai on the on the West Coast Way Wild Route.
Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 306km
Where: R366, Doringbaai
Coordinates: 31.8211° S, 18.2392° E
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.