HOUT BAY
- Latitude: -34.0505 •
- Longitude: 18.3475 •
- South Africa •
- Port in South Africa
Address: Hout Bay Western Cape South Africa
Hout Bay Port Overview
Location:
Hout Bay is located on the southwestern coast of South Africa, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park. It's approximately 20 kilometers south of Cape Town.
Coordinates:
34°03′S latitude and 18°21′E longitude.
General Characteristics
Harbor Type:
Hout Bay is a natural harbor, enhanced with breakwaters and piers.
Water Depth:
- Channel Depth: Varies; ships should consult local nautical charts.
- Cargo Pier Depth: Variable depending on the berth; monitoring tides is imperative for safe docking.
- Anchorage Depth: Adequate for medium-sized vessels; commonly noted around 6 meters.
Tidal Range:
The port experiences a tidal range between 1.5 to 2 meters.
Infrastructure
Breakwaters:
- The port is protected by man-made breakwaters, ensuring calm waters within the harbor.
Berths and Piers:
- Multiple piers are available for docking.
- Facilities include commercial fishing berths, leisure craft berths, and a marina for smaller boats and yachts.
Facilities:
- Commercial Fishing Operations: Hout Bay is a significant hub for commercial fishing, with facilities for offloading, processing, and shipping seafood.
- Marinas: The bay hosts several marinas catering to recreational boating and yachting, with amenities such as refueling stations, repair services, and tourist amenities.
Storage:
- Limited warehousing within the port area.
- Fisheries have their storage and processing facilities.
Services
Pilotage:
- Generally not required for small craft, but available for larger commercial vessels upon request.
Towage:
- Tug services can be arranged if needed, important for larger vessels especially during adverse weather conditions.
Bunkering:
- Fueling services for both commercial and recreational vessels are available within the bay area.
Shoreside Facilities:
- Restaurants and shops cater to both locals and tourists.
- Repair and maintenance services for vessels, including mechanical and hull repairs.
Usage
Primary Use:
- Fishing: The port is a major center for South Africa's fishing industry.
- Recreational Boating and Yachting: The port is popular with tourists and local recreational boaters.
- Tourism: Hout Bay is a tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty, wildlife tours (including Seal Island excursions), and boating activities.
Connectivity
Road Access:
Hout Bay is well-connected by road, with South Africa Route M6 linking it to Cape Town and other major areas.
Public Transport:
Regular bus services and taxis are available for transit to Cape Town and surrounding regions.
Environmental and Safety Notes
Environmental Protections:
The port adheres to strict environmental guidelines due to its proximity to protected natural areas.
Weather Conditions:
Conditions can change rapidly. Mariners should consult weather forecasts and be prepared for the potential high winds and swells common to the South African coast.
Conclusion
Hout Bay is a versatile and picturesque port catering to commercial fishing operations and recreational mariners. The natural beauty of the surrounding area, combined with the bustling port activities, make it a vibrant and important feature of South Africa's maritime landscape. Mariners should ensure they are aware of local conditions and services available to optimize their use of the port facilities.
Vessels in the port
Flag | Name | Type | Destination | Date/Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
MFV AQUILLA | Fishing | FISHING GROUNDS | 9/19/2024 | |
SOUTHERN TIGER | Fishing | 9/13/2024 | ||
MONNICKENDAM | Fishing | 9/13/2024 | ||
SEA HUNTER | Fishing | CAPE TOWN | 9/12/2024 | |
ATLANTIC HUNTER | Fishing | CAPE TOWN | 9/11/2024 | |
MAVERICK | Fishing | 9/11/2024 | ||
SAO GABRIEL | Fishing | 9/11/2024 | ||
TIYALINA | Fishing | 9/11/2024 | ||
ESRA CRUZ | Fishing | FISHNG GRNDS | 9/10/2024 | |
MFV MALACHITE | Fishing | HOUT BAY | 9/10/2024 | |
SEAWIN RUBY | Fishing | HOUT BAY | 9/9/2024 | |
GREY GHOST | Fishing | HOUT BAY | 9/9/2024 | |
OCEANIC HUNTER | Fishing | 9/3/2024 | ||
RESCUE 8A | Port | 9/1/2024 | ||
SOULMATE | Pleasure | 9/1/2024 | ||
SAMROCK | Fishing | 8/31/2024 | ||
CAPE FRIO | Fishing | 8/30/2024 | ||
VALHALLA | Fishing | 8/29/2024 | ||
INTREPID | Fishing | CAPE TOWN | 8/29/2024 | |
CAPE CHALLENGER | Other | FISHING | 8/26/2024 |