Gansbaai’s Natural Heritage

Walker Bay, an iconic feature of Gansbaai, is celebrated for its beauty and historical significance. It serves as a seasonal Marine Protected Area (MPA), providing sanctuary to Southern Right Whales that migrate here annually. The bay’s rich history and ecological importance make it a must-know destination.

The Cape Floral Region, home to unique fynbos vegetation, is another highlight. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is a centre of terrestrial biodiversity with many endemic species. The fynbos, adapted to the Mediterranean climate, add to Gansbaai’s ecological significance.

A Collection of Caves with Signs of Early Civilisation

The De Kelders caves in Gansbaai hold significant archaeological importance, revealing evidence of human habitation dating back over 80,000 years. These caves provide a unique glimpse into the lives of Stone Age humans and the Khoisan people, offering invaluable insights into prehistoric coastal living. The Klipgat Cave is crucial for understanding the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Tragically, the Khoisan people, who once roamed freely and treasured this land, were nearly wiped out by a devastating smallpox epidemic in 1713, taking with them a wealth of untold stories and cultural heritage. The first permanent settlement in Gansbaai was established by people of Khoi descent, with fishing cottages built in 1811.

Marine Abundance Attracts Modern Settlers

Early white settlers arrived in the 1700s as nomadic farmers, and by the 1800s, the rich marine life attracted permanent fishing activities. Gansbaai was founded in 1881 by Johannes Cornelis Wessels, who discovered the area’s fishing potential and a freshwater fountain near the old harbour. Initially named Gansegat after local geese, it was later renamed Gansbaai. Life was tough, with locals heavily reliant on the sea’s bounty.

The Cape of Storms

The treacherous seawaters around Gansbaai, while providing abundantly, have also claimed many lives over the years. The rocky shores between Danger Point and Cape Infanta have seen countless shipwrecks since the first explorer ships docked here for fresh food and water. Seven shipwrecks around Danger Point and 140 along this coastline are silent testimony to the perilous force of these waters. It is no surprise that the legend of the Flying Dutchman originates here. One of the most famous shipwrecks, the HMS Birkenhead, became known for implementing the “women and children first” protocol in 1852. Although the women and children were saved, 445 men, mostly soldiers, perished. This coastline is also aptly named the Cape of Storms.

Whaling Stations of the Past

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Gansbaai was a hub for commercial whaling. The industry thrived due to the abundance of southern right and humpback whales along the coast, which were hunted for their oil and baleen. Whaling stations were established in the area, notably at Pearly Beach and De Kelders, contributing significantly to the local economy. However, overexploitation led to a sharp decline in whale populations, prompting the eventual cessation of whaling activities by the mid-20th century, with South Africa officially halting commercial whaling in 1979. Today, Gansbaai has transformed its relationship with these majestic creatures, focusing on conservation and eco-tourism, with whale watching becoming a major attraction.

The World-renowned Dyer Island

Dyer Island, initially named Ilha da Fera (Island of Wild Creatures) by Portuguese seafarers in the 15th century, was later named after Polynesian seaman Samson Dyer who began seal harvesting there in the early 18th century. The island has a rich history of human activity that has significantly impacted its wildlife. The guano boom in the mid-19th century led to regular guano collection for fertiliser until 1983, affecting African penguins who lost their nesting burrows and became vulnerable to predators like the Kelp gull. Penguin eggs, once a delicacy, were collected until the 1960s, drastically reducing their population. Eastern white pelicans also bred on the island, but their nests were destroyed to protect guano-producing birds. The island features remnants of early guano-related structures, including crude stone buildings and a main house built in 1930, with a slipway added in 1991. Today, Dyer Island, managed by CapeNature, is a crucial breeding site for several vulnerable and endangered seabirds, including African Penguins, Bank Cormorants, and Roseate Terns. Recognised as one of South Africa’s 101 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), it holds significant national conservation value.

Commercial Development

The local economy saw a boost in 1939 with a factory processing shark livers for Vitamin A during World War II. After the war, demand fell, ending a brief period of prosperity. The formation of the Gansbaai Fishing Co-op in 1952 revitalised the fishing industry, making it the first cooperative of its kind in South Africa. Gansbaai Marine, a fish meal factory, further solidified the town’s economy, becoming a major employer with the largest canning division in the southern hemisphere.

Shark Cage Diving paves the way for Tourism

Since the mid-1990s, Gansbaai’s main tourist attraction has been cage diving with great white sharks, attracting tourists worldwide. Great white sharks were classified as a protected species in South Africa in 1991, following a collaborative effort by various scientists, conservationists, and media in response to the devastating impact of the film “Jaws” from 1975. Gansbaai became known as the home of the densest population of Great White Sharks in the World. Film crews from all over came to Shark Alley to catch a glimpse of these magnificent apex predators and Gansbaai was featured on various channels, including Discovery Channel, National Geographic and BBC. What began as an adrenaline sport with few regulations has grown into a responsible, world-renowned, non-consumptive industry, open to all ages and families. The tourism industry has evolved to include whale watching and various hospitality businesses, providing invaluable support to the local economy. This industry also serves as a platform for invaluable marine research and conservation, with scientific publications influencing policies and regulations to better protect the ecosystem.

A Cultural Evolution

Gansbaai’s cultural history is not only about survival but also about transformation. Over the last few decades, the town has shifted from a consumptive-centric identity to one that embraces conservation and nature. Local tourism entities and sustainable enterprises, through their operations and employment of local residents, are playing a pivotal role in this cultural evolution. They instil a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation in the community, pressuring forms of overconsumption and greed towards a sense of environmental responsibility.

Environmental Stewardship

This continuous shift towards conservation has created sustainable jobs in ecotourism and marine research. Local tourism entities have been instrumental in fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. Today, Gansbaai is a community that values sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Dyer Island Conservation Trust in collaboration with Marine Dynamics and other Conservation Partners are leaders in this change for a sustainable future. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the area’s incredible ecosystems, leaving as ambassadors for nature and marine wildlife. This ongoing shift towards ecological awareness ensures the preservation of Gansbaai’s unique natural beauty and biodiversity.