Saldanha Bay

Saldanha Bay is a natural harbour on the south-western coast of South Africa, north west of Cape Town. The town that developed around the bay, also called Saldanha, was incorporated with five other towns into the Saldanha Bay Local Municipality in 2000. The current population of the municipality is estimated at 72,000.

Saldanha Bay's location makes it a paradise for the watersport enthusiast, and its local economy being strongly dependent on fishing, mussels, seafood processing, the steel industry and the harbour. Furthermore its sheltered harbour plays an important part in the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore project at which Saldanha Steel takes center stage. With strong historic military links Saldanha is also host to a Naval training base and the South African Military Academy. The SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve offers a display of wildflowers during late winter and spring while Southern Right Whales also visit the waters in and around the nature reserve. The area has a Mediterranean climate but the annual rainfall is quite low; it verges on the desert region of Namaqualand.

Saldanha Bay is named after António de Saldanha, captain of a vessel in Albuquerque's fleet which visited South Africa in 1503. The name was first given to Table Bay, where Saldanha's ship cast anchor. On Table Bay being given its present name in 1601, the older appellation was transferred to the bay now called after Saldanha. In 1781 a British squadron under Commodore George Johnstone seized six Dutch East Indiamen, which, fearing an attack on Cape Town, had taken refuge in Saldanha Bay. This was the only achievement, so far as South Africa was concerned, of the expedition despatched to seize Cape Town during the war of 1781-1783.

The port developed into a modern harbour only recently, when it became necessary to facilitate the export of iron ore from the Northern Cape. This required the construction of a railway more than 800km to the mines at Sishen in the Northern Cape and the construction of a deepwater jetty in Saldanha Bay to accommodate the Capesize ore carriers.

 

14 °C


Clouds, overcast clouds


Wind2.79 m/s
Cloudiness100 %
Temperature (min/max)14/14 °C
Pressure1015 hpa
Humidity96 %
Last update: 19 Apr 2024 @ 21:06

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Featured Businesses

  • Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Protea Hotel Saldanha BayThe Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay offers guests excellent accommodation in a magnificent waterfront position. There is a choice of conference venues with seating for up to 300 delegates, and while you're busy kids can enjoy a games room with pool, table tennis, darts and kids play area. The Mussel Cracker Restaurant located in the Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay overlooks the tranquil bay and serves first class meals on the waters edge. READ MORE

  • Blue Bay Lodge Weddings2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Blue Bay Lodge WeddingsLet the Wedding coordinator at the Blue Bay Lodge Weddings venue in Saldanha Bay help you plan your memorable day from the decor, to the menu choices and flowers, in fact all your wedding needs will be taken care of with personalized service and with attention to the smallest detail. All the bride and groom have to do is enjoy the superb meal in the restaurant with their guests and then delight on the wedding night in the luxury accommodation. READ MORE

Featured Businesses

  • Drop Anchor Beach Lodge

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Drop Anchor Beach LodgeVisit Drop Anchor Beach Lodge in Saldanha BayREAD MORE

  • Schaafsma Charters/Boat Trips2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Schaafsma Charters/Boat TripsSchaafsma Charters/Boat Trips in Saldanha Bay offer extended adventures and deep sea fishing trips on their yacht, the SailTrader. Skipper Rob Schaafsma will enthrall you with his salty sea tales and knowledge of the West Coast. You will be guaranteed to see Mussel Farming, Seals, Gannets, Penguin, Cormorants, 3 Bird islands and of course in season enjoy whale and dolphin watching. READ MORE

  • Blue Bay Lodge2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Blue Bay LodgeThe Blue Bay Lodge is built only metres from the waters edge at the tranquil Saldanha Bay and offers 5 star rooms with en-suite facilities as a wide range of services and activities. There are fully equipped conference rooms for corporate delegates and extra adjoining accommodation with self-catering beach side cottages, all secure within the resort. Meals are served at the charming Blue Bay Café an a la carte restaurant in the Blue Bay Lodge.READ MORE

  • Port of Saldanha2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Port of SaldanhaThe Port of Saldanha in Saldanha bay is a common user port with two iron ore berths and a 990m long jetty. The Port of Saldanha has a full chandling and stevedore service available and a full diving service is available for ship inspection and other services but boat repair is limited to the fishing industry. READ MORE

  • Schaafsma's Marine Boat-builders2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Schaafsma's Marine Boat-buildersSchaafsma's Marine Boat-builders in Saldanha Bay will build your boat to spec to suit you and no two Schaafsma boats are the same. Rob Schaafsma with his 30 years in boating experience will design and build your high-tech sailing boat. Schaafsma's Marine Boat-builders builds modern eco-friendly, sailing fishing boats, sailboats for trading and charter boats. READ MORE

  • YachtportSA2013-09-17

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    a Luxury maintenance facility situated 60nm from the Cape of Good Hope South Africa, we also have a travel lift with a 100Ton displacement and offer services such as emergency repairs/antifouling etc. READ MORE

  • Slipway Waterfront Restaurant2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Slipway Waterfront RestaurantThe Slipway Waterfront Restaurant is nestled on the water's edge in the tranquil Saldanha Bay on the Langebaan Lagoon. Serving delights such as various delectable mussel options, oysters, calamari and the best steaks in the west The Slipway Waterfront Restaurant is notable for fine fish fare and breathtaking views.READ MORE

  • St Claire Cottages2010-10-08

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    St Claire CottagesThe self catering cottages located at St Claire's in Saldanha are an ideal choice for families or groups who wish to self cater. Fully furnished and equipped, these seaside cottages will ensure that your holiday in Saldanha will be memorable and carefree.READ MORE

  • Saldanha Bay yacht Club2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Saldanha Bay yacht ClubThe Saldanha Bay Yacht Club is located in a sheltered area of Smitswinkelbaai and offers berthing on both moorings and jetties. On a social level enjoy the bar at the club or a braai, there is always something happening at the Saldanha Bay Yacht Club. Cruises include visits to amongst others, Dassen Island, Kraalbaai and Paternoster. The club also offer a racing program.READ MORE

  • Jane's Guest House2010-07-19

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Jane's Guest HouseAA Recommended Guest House, Coffee Shoppe and Self Catering Accommodation situated in Saldanha on the beautiful West Coast of South Africa. READ MORE

  • C-Doc2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    C-DocC-Doc, located in Saldanha Bay offers Commercial Diving and Offshore Consultancy via training and guidelines. The role and aim of C- DOC is to assist the commercial diving industry to embark on a program increasing the health and safety of members by offering courses including first aid and Diver Medic courses.READ MORE

  • Blue Bay Lodge conferences2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Blue Bay Lodge conferencesBlue Bay Lodge conferences in Saldanha Bay offers corporate delegates a five star venue with up-to-date equipment, choose from four conference venues and overnight in the self catering cottages on the premises or opt for anything from dinner, bed and breakfast to buffets and a la carte menus. Blue Bay Lodge conferences offers a tranquil environment in the heart of the West Coast.READ MORE

  • Blue Bay Lodge Cottages2009-11-23

    Located in Saldanha Bay, West Coast, Western Cape, South Africa

    Blue Bay Lodge CottagesBlue Bay Lodge Cottages in Saldanha Bay offer privacy and comfort and blend into the landscape. Built amongst the Cape fynbos, these self catering cottages with one, two or three bedrooms are tastefully furnished, and each has a fully equipped kitchen. The beach is only a few yards away from the Blue Bay Lodge Cottages, and guests can avail themselves of all resort facilities.READ MORE