GANSBAAI
- Latitude: -34.5845 •
- Longitude: 19.342 •
- South Africa •
- Port in South Africa
Address: Gansbaai Western Cape South Africa
Phone number: +27
Web-site: https://www.example.com/port-gansbaai
Marine Port Description and Specifications: Gansbaai, South Africa
Location: Gansbaai (pronounced "Hans Bay"), a notable and small harbor, is situated in the Overstrand Local Municipality in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This harbor is located along the southern coast of the country, approximately 160 kilometers southeast of Cape Town.
Geographical Coordinates:
- Latitude: 34.5897° S
- Longitude: 19.3511° E
Overview:
- Type of Port: Small fishing and recreational harbor.
- Primary Usage: Gansbaai is predominantly recognized for its fishing industry, particularly involving small boats and local fishing fleets. Additionally, it has gained prominence as a base for commercial shark cage diving and whale-watching operations.
Infrastructure:
- Harbor Basin: The harbor features a relatively small basin suitable for smaller fishing vessels and recreational boats.
- Berthing: There are a limited number of berthing spaces. These are typically used by local and commercial fishing vessels, as well as boats involved in ecotourism activities.
- Facilities: Basic facilities such as fuel, water supply, and maintenance services are available, primarily to support fishing operations and tourism activities.
Navigational Information:
- Access: The harbor can be accessed from the open sea through a clearly marked channel. However, mariners need to exercise caution due to prevailing weather conditions and occasional rough seas.
- Tidal Range: The tidal range is modest but can affect berthing and mooring practices.
Economic and Ecological Significance:
- Fishing: Gansbaai’s economy is partly based on its robust fishing industry, with species such as hake, squid, and other seafood being critical.
- Tourism: The town has transformed into a significant tourist attraction. Gansbaai is famed for its shark cage diving industry, offering close encounters with great white sharks. Furthermore, it is an excellent location for whale-watching tours, particularly during the Southern Right Whale season from June to November.
- Conservation: The area around Gansbaai is ecologically rich and is close to the Dyer Island Nature Reserve, which plays a crucial role in seabird and marine mammal conservation efforts.
Connectivity:
- Road Access: Gansbaai is connected by a well-developed road network, including the R43 road that links it to other major towns and cities in the Western Cape.
- Nearest Major Facilities: The nearest major port is Cape Town, which provides extensive facilities and services for larger vessels and more intricate maritime operations.
Key Points:
- Gansbaai's appeal includes both its productive fishing industry and its burgeoning ecotourism sector.
- The port remains relatively small with limited infrastructure but is vital for local economic activities.
- The natural surroundings and marine biodiversity make Gansbaai a key location for marine conservation efforts and research.
Future Developments: Plans for any significant development or expansion in the port facilities at Gansbaai are typically aligned with enhancing its tourism potential and supporting sustainable fishing practices, while ensuring the protection of the local marine environment.
Gansbaai's small harbor is integral to the local community, balancing economic activities with nature conservation in the region.