Victoriabaai, Wes-Kaap

Garden Route Gem

Victoria Bay lies just 5 minutes off the N2, almost hidden, between George and Wilderness. Known as Vic Bay to the locals it is one of the smallest Bays along the Garden Route and without a doubt one of its little gems!

Victoria Bay is a small resort, basically a cove, compiled of little cottages clustered around the waterfront – undoubtably also one of the most beautiful Bays along the Garden Route. The homes and holiday cottages are so close to the shoreline you can probably spot the whales and dolphins from your bedroom! Vic Bay's waterfront is home to one of the most famous beaches in the vicinity for safe swimming. Its gently sloping beach leads to safe waters and natural paddling pools for both young and old to enjoy, splash about or just sit and observe the little fish.

The Bay is an ideal for angling, fishermen spend hours on the jetty or on the rocks adjacent to the beach. Vic Bay is also a top-class surfing spot, home to many competitions because of some big waves, from far out, which gives surfers a long ride and can challenge even the most experienced surfers!

Victoria Bay is quaint and get just the right amount of “busy” during the holiday season. It is the perfect holiday base from which to explore the Garden Route region from Mossel Bay, 55 km, to Plettenberg Bay, 88 km. A drive along the N2 to all the neighbouring towns will keep you busy day after day so visiting Victoria Bay is at least a one-week affair with this coastline!

Because Victoria Bay is a seaside resort all accommodation in the Bay is in the form of Guesthouses, B&B’s, Self-catering and Backpackers facilities.

Things to do and see

• Victoria Bay Beach
• Victoria Bay Shell Shop
• Whale Watching (Seasonal)
• Surfing & Fishing
• Kaaimans Railway Bridge
• Ballots Bay Pass
• Ballots Heights Nature Reserve
• Wilderness Beach
• Outeniqua Farmers Market
• 7 Passes Road
• Map of Africa Viewpoint

Climate

Victoria Bay receives approximately 791 mm of rain annually with significant rain falling throughout the year.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 12˚C and 26˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 5˚C and 21˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into George Airport, only 20 Km away via the N2. Car hire facilities are located at the Airport.

History

Victoria Bay was once known as Gunter Bay, in the early 1800’s, but as changed to it current name Victoria in honour of the reigning sovereign.

The jetty and the tidal pool along Lands End Road have a unique history. A certain Mr Bramwell Butler from Oudtshoorn won the last Calcutta Sweepstake in 1923 which resulted in a handsome payout of 125 000 Pounds. He proceeded to use his new found wealth to build the jetty and the tidal pool and also bought property along Lands End Road for 6 000 pounds.

The railway line, Kaaimans Railway Bridge, above the bay that links George with Knysna was finally completed in December 1928.