Towns and suburbs

St Helena Bay

Bahia de Santa Helena

St Helena Bay

History of St Helena Bay

Province: Western Cape
West Coast
Coordinates:32°45′30″S 18°01′40″E
Area:26.92 km2
Municipality: Saldanha Bay

St Helena Bay was named by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497 during his first voyage to India.  He and his crew had been at sea for 4 months, the bay was named “Bahia de Santa Helena”  after St Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. It was here that Vasco da Gama made his first recorded contact with indigenous people in South Africa, marking an important moment in the history of European exploration. They also found plenty of fresh water at many springs just a bit inland it is known locally as ‘Die Agterbaai.

 This location was also the site of a battle between the indigenous Khoikhoi people and Europeans. It is reported that Da Gama was wounded by an assegai in this encounter.

The bay has long been recognized for its abundant marine life, particularly the seasonal arrival of southern right whales and the prolific sardine runs, which have supported local fishing communities for centuries.

The main marine products extracted here are snow, pilchards, anchovies, and crayfish.

  • The postcode for St Helena Bay is 7390 (Boxes only) The license plate prefix for St Helena Bay is CFG

Things to see and do in St Helena Bay

  • There are some great birdwatching opportunities here.
  • The area is ideal for catching Shad (or Elf) at the Berg River mouth.
  • The Vasco Da Gama monument, where the explorer first landed.
  • The bay has some of the finest sailing on the West Coast particularly when the  Southeaster is blowing.
  • Because of its position, this village is the only town on the West Coast where the sun rises over the sea.

WEATHER IN ST HELENA BAY TODAY

see all listings in St Helena Bay

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 022 736 8072
  • Municipality;022 736 1043
    After hours and Emergencies – 022-701-7061
    CALL CENTRE – 022 701 7061 / 6974
  • Traffic department: Veldrif;022 736 8072
  • Fire: Saldanha Bay Municipality Fire Services:- 022 713 1815 / 086 007 3473
  • West Coast District Municipality Fire Services:-022 433 8700
  • Water:022 736 1043
  • Electricity:022 736 1043
  • Ambulance: 10177 or 022-713-4590
  • Post office; Veldrif 022 783 0222
  • Library: Noordhoek: 022 783 1112
  • Closest hospital; Life West Coast Private Hospital 022 719 1030
    Vredenberg provincial hospital 022 709 7200
  • Pharmacy; Distrik Pharmacy Vredenburg 022 713 5261
  • SPCA: West coast 022 289 0998
  • Schools:

H P Williams Primer – H P Williams Primer -022 742 1821
Laerskool St Helena Baai – 022 736 1310/1981
Steenbergs Cove Primary School – 022 736 1022
Stompeusbaai EK Primary School – 022 742 1720

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