Gordon's Bay Area Information

Gordons Bay at a glance

Gordon’s Bay was named after the remarkable Robert Jacob Gordon, born in 1743 – a soldier in the Dutch defense force, of Scottish origin. He discovered Gordon’s Bay in 1773 whilst undertaking a botanical expedition.  When one approaches Gordon’s Bay from the Stand the huge GB sign and anchor are visible on the southern side of the Steenbras Mountain. This is the emblem of the original General Botha SA Nautical College. Today it is the emblem of the SA Naval College, which is located in a section of the Gordon’s Bay harbour. In 1987, with the kind permission of the SA Navy, the GB anchor also became the emblem of Gordon’s Bay

The population of the town numbers approximately 8000 residents, swelling to ± 18 000 during peak season. Three shopping centres and two primary schools ensure that there is very little need for mothers to spend their days playing taxi. Gordon’s Bay is only 10 minutes away from the neighbouring towns of Somerset West and Strand where there are numerous schools, hospitals, (both private and government) and Somerset Mall the regional one stop shopping centre.

Leapfrog Gordon's Bay services all the residential suburbs in and around Gordons’ Bay that amongst others includes Suikerbossie, Mountainside Estate and Mountainside where you will find sought after homes on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains which enjoy panoramic views of the Helderberg Basin on the one side and the False Bay ocean on the other. There is also Harbour Island, Cayman Beach, Dobson, Winslow, Onverwacht, Anchorage Park, and Fairview Golf Estate.

The Old Village is historically the “original” Gordon’s Bay fishing hamlet. Homes here are very close to the main beaches and this is the hub of the tourist area. Gordon’s Bay is one of the few coastal destinations where the peace of village life can still be enjoyed. Property prices range from R400 000 to R15 million.

Just a 35-minute drive from Cape Town and 20 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport, Gordon’s Bay combines the flavour of an international resort with the charm of an old-style coastal town. In summer its narrow streets and bustling beachfront come alive with the sounds of happy holidays in progress. Gordon’s Bay boasts 2 harbours, with beautiful clean safe swimming beaches as well as active golf, tennis and bowling clubs. The Cape Winelands and the wine and fruit routes are only 10 minutes away. Nature lovers flock here because of the glorious hiking trails and breathtaking scenic drives along it’s coastline. So whether you wish to just soak up the sun on one of the famous beaches, set sail and enjoy a sunset cruise, play a game of golf, tennis or bowls, it’s here right on your doorstep. 

Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay, one of the most sought-after beaches in the Cape Peninsula, is ranked amongst the best in the world. It is one of only four beaches in the Western Cape that has been awarded Blue Flag status. The Blue Flag project was initiated in Europe in 1987 by the Foundation for Environment and Education and focuses on sustainable development at beaches and marinas. The coveted Blue Flag, which symbolizes a first class beach, will now be flying proudly amongst 32 countries around the world.

Between June and December each year hundreds of “Southern Right whales” visit the sheltered, shallow bays of the South African coastline to calve and nurture their offspring. Many of these massive mammals visit False Bay each year and the best place to spot them are at official whale watching spots found on Clarence Drive, the coastal road from Gordon’s Bay to Rooi Els. This spectacular route has steep cliffs and lovely coves and the route offers amazing views over False Bay, right up to Table Mountain and Cape Point.

Harbour Island is Gordon’s Bay latest internationally recognized Waterfront Development and is considered a millionaires playground and a yachtsman’s paradise-- offering the best of both worlds - a slice of Cape tradition spiced with a taste of the Mediterranean. Buying at Harbour Island is not only a property decision, more importantly it is a lifestyle choice. This coastal marina set in picturesque Gordon’s Bay offers a number of residential options, from free hold villas right on the seafront to luxury sectional title apartment blocks, all of which are set along the navitable waterways or built on individual islands. Adequate moorings accommodate yachts and motor launches. The whole complex is set in well maintained landscaped gardens and walkways. Most complexes have their own swimming pools and or squash courts. There are also a number of access points directly onto the beaches.  Residents have private access to the Harbour Island Waterfront and boardwalk which offers sea food restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and the Villa Via Hotel. Al fresco dining on the water is a favourite passtime by day or night for both locals and marina residents alike. The marina as a whole is fully enclosed and access is tightly controlled at manned security checkpoints. The ultimate in secure living on the False Bay coast.

Gordon’s Bay is also called “The Jewel of False Bay”, and nestles on the shores of False Bay, scenically wedged between the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains and the golden, sun kissed beaches – a beautiful place to find your dream property.

You can read more at Gorgeous Gordon’s Bay, a blog site by Leapfrog Gordon’s Bay dedicated to this gorgeous town, its people and cultured lifestyle!