Velddrif · West Coast
Where the Berg River meets the sea
Port Owen is a marina village at Velddrif, built around canals that open onto the Berg River estuary and St Helena Bay. Come for the water, stay for the birds, the bokkoms and the sunsets.
A village on the water
Houses at Port Owen line a network of canals, many with their own jetty, so boats are part of everyday life. The marina is home to yachts, ski-boats and fishing boats, and the water is calm enough for paddlers and swimmers.
Velddrif and Laaiplek have long been fishing communities. The working harbour at Laaiplek, the salt works and the drying racks of Bokkom Laan all tell the story of a town shaped by the river and the sea.
These days it’s a favourite weekend escape from Cape Town: unhurried, friendly and wonderfully quiet outside the school holidays.
Things to do — or not, it’s up to you
- Boating and watersports
- The sheltered marina and the wide, slow Berg River suit sailing, skiing and lazy cruises upstream. The Port Owen Yacht Club (opens in a new tab) runs sailing, dinghy racing and powerboating, and welcomes visiting sailors.
- Fishing
- Cast a line from the river bank or head out into St Helena Bay. You’ll need a valid recreational fishing permit.
- Kayaking and SUP
- Glassy mornings on the canals and the river are made for paddling, and it’s the quietest way to get close to the birds.
- Birding on the estuary
- The Berg River estuary is one of South Africa’s most important wetlands. Expect flamingos, pelicans and, in summer, thousands of migrant waders.
- The salt pans
- Velddrif’s salt works turn pink and white in the sun and draw flocks of flamingos. Bring a long lens.
- Bokkom Laan
- A lane of old fishermen’s cottages on the river where mullet is still salted and dried into bokkoms, with galleries and coffee stops in between.
- Cycling and walking
- Flat roads and river paths make easy rides and walks between Port Owen, Laaiplek and Velddrif.
- Beaches nearby
- Wide, quiet beaches at Dwarskersbos and along St Helena Bay are a short drive north of the marina.
Getting there
About 150 km north of Cape Town — under two hours’ drive. Take the R27 West Coast Road past Yzerfontein and Langebaan, then follow the signs to Velddrif. The nearest airport is Cape Town International.
When to come
Summer (November to March) brings long, warm days on the water and peak birding. Autumn and spring are quieter and mild. Book early for December and Easter.
Flower season
Roughly August to September, the West Coast bursts into spring flowers. Use Port Owen as your base for day trips to the displays inland and along the coast.