HOUT BAY

• ZAZCF
• Latitude: -34.0505
• Longitude: 18.3475
• South Africa
• Port in South Africa

Location: 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.