Fish Hoek Beach
The beach is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long and quite flat, and the bay is protected from the currents and stronger surf in the rest of False Bay. Swimming is allowed along the entire beach with lifesavers on duty during the summer peak season, and body surfing, boogie boarding, wind surfing and kayaking are popular. The water is far warmer than the Atlantic Seaboard, averaging between just under 17 °C (63 °F) annually (similar to Northern Mediterranean Waters like Monte Carlo or Nice, and peaking at 22 °C (72 °F) in Summer months. Restaurants and children's play areas are situated at the southern end, and a path known as Jager Walk (also spelled Jaeger or Jagger, and known locally as the Cat Walk) runs past rock pools on the southern side of the bay. Shark spotters are often on duty, especially during the summer tourist season. Despite this, there have been two fatal attacks on swimmers in the bay in recent years, one in November 2004 and one in January 2010. On September 28, 2011, a 44 year old man lost part of his leg after being mauled by a Great White shark, despite the beach being closed and shark flag flying. The northern parts of the beach are less developed, and are used by Trek fishermen to launch their boats and clean nets. This part of the beach is popular for walkers, and dogs are allowed. The Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club, established in 1957, is one of the most powerful in the country, regularly winning top national competitions. Seasonal visits from Southern Right Whales occur from June to November each year and the bay provides some of the finest viewing of these massive but gentle mammals. For the latest information on whale sightings, go to A Whale of a Heritage Route.
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