Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide. Hout Bay lies on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, approximately 11 nautical miles south of Cape Town harbour. The working harbour occupies the northwest corner of the bay beneath the Sentinel and Hangberg. Hout Bay Yacht Club operates a marina inside the fishing harbour, separate from the commercial quays and fish-processing areas. The bay opens toward the southwest and receives Atlantic swell entering between the Sentinel and Chapman’s Peak. Vessel traffic includes fishing vessels, charter boats, yachts, rescue craft and harbour workboats.

The harbour provides a coastwise refuge between Cape Town and the waters south of the Cape Peninsula. The entrance remains accessible in strong wind when the yacht retains engine control and the harbour opening remains visible. Offshore navigation is affected by Vulcan Rock, Oude Schip, the Kommetjie reef system, Dungeons reef and swell wrapping around the Sentinel. The harbour does not maintain a continuous dedicated VHF watch. Berthing requires prior contact with the Hout Bay Yacht Club marina manager and an allocated marina position.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - History

The name Hout Bay dates from the Dutch settlement period and refers to timber taken from the forests in the valley and mountain ravines. John Chapman entered the bay by boat in 1607 while serving aboard the English vessel Consent, and the bay appeared on later charts as Chapman’s Chaunce. Dutch settlers used timber from the area for construction and ship repairs during the seventeenth century. French forces constructed defensive works around the bay in 1781 as part of the Cape coastal defence system. The East Fort and West Fort positions remain associated with this period of maritime defence.

Fishing developed into the main harbour industry during the nineteenth century. Jacob Trautmann established farming and fishing operations during the 1860s, followed by fish-curing sheds and commercial snoek processing. Manganese mined in the Constantiaberg between 1909 and 1911 was moved through a coastal loading installation, and remains of the ore jetty survive near the bay. The south breakwater was constructed in 1937, followed by the north breakwater in 1968, creating the present enclosed harbour. Maritime archaeological sites outside the harbour include the wrecks of SS Maori, Katsu Maru No. 25 and other vessels lost on the reefs and Atlantic approaches.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Ocean Currents and Tidal Flow

Hout Bay lies inside the Benguela Current region, but no fixed current runs through the harbour approach. Surface movement along the western Cape Peninsula is controlled by wind, coastal upwelling and offshore eddies. Sustained southeast wind drives surface water away from the coast and produces northward coastal flow with cold upwelled water entering the bay. Northwest and west wind can reverse the surface set and drive water southeast toward the Sentinel and Chapman’s Peak side of the bay. The set outside the entrance can reach a level that produces a visible difference between heading and course over ground.

Tides are semi-diurnal, with two high waters and two low waters during each lunar day. The normal spring range is approximately 1.8–2.0 metres, while the neap range is approximately 0.6–0.8 metre. Tidal streams are weak compared with wind-driven flow, but tide height affects marina clearance and the shallow parts of the inner harbour. The harbour basin contains areas with less than 4 metres, while individual marina positions carry different low-water depths. Apply the current Hout Bay tide prediction to chart datum and confirm the allocated berth depth before arrival.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Weather

The Cape Peninsula has a summer southeast-wind regime and a winter frontal regime. From October to March, the South Atlantic high generates repeated southeast wind cycles, clear periods and coastal upwelling. Air temperature can remain higher inside the valley than over the harbour, while the water temperature falls after several days of southeast wind. Low cloud can cover the mountains while the harbour entrance remains visible below the cloud base. Fog can form over the cold water and obscure the Sentinel, Chapman’s Peak and the breakwaters.

From April to September, cold fronts approach from the northwest and pass east across the peninsula. The normal sequence begins with falling pressure and north or northwest wind, followed by rain, a westward shift and southwest wind behind the front. Northwest wind blows into Hout Bay and creates an onshore sea against the harbour entrance and beach. Long-period southwest swell can remain after the local wind has decreased. Entry remains dependent on the breaking pattern at the entrance and the swell inside the outer harbour.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Winds

The South-Easter, also called the Cape Doctor, is the main summer wind. It descends across the peninsula and accelerates through gaps in the mountain terrain around Hout Bay. Wind at the harbour can exceed the forecast for the offshore coastal zone, with gusts changing direction between south, southeast and east. Hout Bay Yacht Club marina regulations record southeast and east gale conditions exceeding 100 knots during extreme events. Mooring lines require chafe protection, opposing spring lines and fenders on both sides where another vessel occupies the adjacent berth.

The North-Wester is the main winter harbour wind and produces the highest direct wave load in the outer bay. It blows across the open entrance and drives a short sea toward the beach, harbour wall and marina. A berg wind can arrive from northeast or east before a front, producing dry air and reduced visibility from haze or smoke. The berg wind can terminate with a rapid northwest or west change.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Approaches

From the north, remain offshore while passing the Twelve Apostles and the Oude Schip rock group. Give Oude Schip a wide clearance because submerged rocks and broken ground extend beyond the visible rocks. Vulcan Rock lies at approximately 34°03.967′S, 18°18.582′E and can be difficult to see in moderate swell. Do not pass between Vulcan Rock and the coast without a controlled charted route and positive position verification. Maintain water deeper than 30 metres until the entrance to Hout Bay has been identified.

From the south, clear the Kommetjie and Slangkop shore before turning north toward Hout Bay. Large southwest swell breaks over reefs off Kommetjie, Dungeons and the Sentinel, including isolated areas that do not show continuous white water. Maintain an offshore track outside the 30-metre contour until the bay entrance opens and Chapman’s Peak can be separated from the Sentinel. The Hout Bay Yacht Club approach begins at HB-3, 34°04.106′S, 18°21.016′E. Fishing vessels returning to harbour can approach from offshore without following the recreational-yacht waypoint sequence.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Navigation

From HB-3, proceed to HB-2 at 34°03.207′S, 18°21.332′E, then to HB-1 at 34°02.973′S, 18°21.198′E. From HB-1 make the port alteration toward the harbour entrance at 34°03.070′S, 18°20.983′E. This route clears the principal dangers when used with SAN 1015, current chart corrections, radar and the depth sounder. Do not cut west of the route toward the Sentinel because swell breaks over the Dungeons and outer reef system. Do not continue north of HB-1 toward the beach before establishing the harbour entrance track.

Hout Bay Harbour does not maintain a dedicated continuous radio watch. Call Hout Bay Marina on VHF Channel 71 before arrival, then contact vessels in the marina on the same channel when the marina manager does not answer. Enter under engine and retain enough speed for steering control through gusts and fishing-vessel wash. Once inside, proceed directly to the allocated berth; where the berth number cannot be confirmed, use a vacant position on the south side of the southern walk-on jetty and contact the marina manager. The harbour contains no emergency mooring buoy.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Lighthouses and Lights

Slangkop Lighthouse.  Slangkop Lighthouse stands near Kommetjie at approximately 34°08.9′S, 18°19.1′E. The white cast-iron tower entered service in 1919 and has a tower height of approximately 33 metres. The focal height is approximately 40 metres above sea level. The characteristic is Fl(4) W 30s, displaying four white flashes every 30 seconds. Its nominal range is approximately 32–33 nautical miles.

Slangkop is the main landfall light for a yacht approaching Hout Bay from the south. The light lies south of the direct harbour approach and does not mark clearance from Kommetjie reefs, Vulcan Rock or Dungeons. Low cloud can obscure the tower and light while the lower coastline remains visible. Maintain charted offshore clearance regardless of the apparent bearing of the lighthouse.

Green Point Lighthouse. Green Point Lighthouse stands north of Hout Bay at Mouille Point and marks the coast near the entrance to Table Bay. The red-and-white tower is approximately 16 metres high with a focal height near 20 metres. The characteristic is Fl W 10s, displaying one white flash every 10 seconds. The nominal range is approximately 22 nautical miles. The fog signal can operate during reduced visibility.

Green Point is relevant to vessels approaching Hout Bay from Cape Town or rounding the peninsula northbound. It does not mark the Hout Bay approach and can remain visible after the harbour lights have merged with shore lighting. Use it as a coastal reference rather than an approach bearing.

Hout Bay Harbour Entrance Lights. Lighted marks are positioned on the entrance structures to identify the harbour opening. Their short range, low elevation and proximity to fish-factory and waterfront lighting reduce their value until the yacht is inside the bay. Spray and breaking water can obscure the lights during northwest or southwest conditions. Confirm the current colours, characteristics and operating status from the South African List of Lights and current Notices to Mariners.

Marina and Commercial Harbour Lighting. Floodlights illuminate commercial quays, processing facilities and parts of the yacht marina. These lights do not define the navigable channel or berth fairways. Fishing-vessel deck lights can obscure small craft leaving the harbour. Post a bow lookout after crossing the breakwater line and reduce speed before reaching the commercial basin.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Chart Accuracy

Use SAN 1015, Houtbaai, at approximately 1:15,000 for the bay, approach dangers and harbour. SAN 1013 covers the approaches to Table Bay at approximately 1:36,000, while SAN 1014 covers Table Bay at approximately 1:10,000. Small-craft chart SAN SC4 includes a Hout Bay inset at approximately 1:7,500. The Hout Bay chart or inset is required for Vulcan Rock, the approach waypoints, harbour entrance and internal basin.

The fixed breakwaters and major offshore rocks are represented on current official charts. Electronic charts do not provide live information on fishing gear, displaced small marks, berth occupancy, harbour maintenance or sediment inside the marina. The inner harbour contains areas shallower than the commercial entrance and the depth changes between berth rows. GPS accuracy cannot correct old soundings or an unreported obstruction. Compare charted depths with the sounder and obtain the low-water depth of the allocated berth from the marina manager.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Anchorages

Hout Bay Roadstead. The only practical external anchorage lies east and northeast of the harbour entrance, outside the harbour approach and the main beach activity area. Select a position in approximately 6–10 metres over sand, clear of the entrance alignment, commercial vessel turning route and shore moorings. Sand provides secure holding where the anchor lands outside weed, discarded tackle and debris. Set the anchor under engine load and check the full swinging circle against the beach and approach route.

The anchorage has protection from southeast and east swell because those winds blow offshore from the valley and mountain shore. Strong southeast wind still places continuous load on the ground tackle and can produce gusts that differ by more than 30 degrees. Northwest, west and southwest wind make the position untenable. Southwest ocean swell can wrap into the bay and produce rolling without a local onshore wind.

Harbour Basin. Anchoring inside Hout Bay Harbour requires permission from the harbour authority. Commercial manoeuvring areas, fishing berths, charter-boat landings and the yacht marina occupy the basin. Hout Bay Yacht Club members and tenants cannot berth or moor elsewhere in the harbour without a DFFE permit and payment of the applicable harbour charges. Do not anchor in the entrance, fairway or between marina structures.

Sandy Bay and Llandudno. Sandy Bay and Llandudno do not provide viable yacht anchorages. Both positions are exposed to Atlantic swell and contain rock, reef and surf-affected seabed close to shore. Long-period swell creates breaking water beyond the beach line. Do not use either position as a waiting anchorage for Hout Bay.

Duiker Island and the Sentinel. The water around Duiker Island, the Sentinel and Dungeons contains reef, surge and breaking swell. Charter and dive vessels operate there because they have local routes and shallow draught, not because the area provides yacht anchorage. No swinging room exists outside the reef hazards. Remain clear of the seal colony, surf breaks and charter-vessel route.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Entry Formalities

Hout Bay is not a South African maritime port of entry. Customs, Immigration, Border Management, Port Health and agricultural inspection are not provided as routine arrival services at the harbour. An international yacht must complete entry clearance at an authorised South African port before proceeding to Hout Bay. Cape Town is the nearest authorised port of entry. Once the yacht has completed Port Health, Customs and Immigration clearance in South Africa, further coastwise calls do not require repeated attendance by those agencies.

Complete the required coastwise passage plan identifying Hout Bay and the intended berth.. Hout Bay Yacht Club requires the date and port of first South African entry on its marina-arrival documentation. The skipper must complete the marina arrival form immediately after securing the yacht. Remaining sections of the application, the skipper’s qualification, vessel registration and Certificate of Fitness must be submitted within 72 hours. Foreign visitors provide passport copies to the marina manager. The skipper and crew require Hout Bay Yacht Club membership, reciprocal-club status or temporary membership for the period of marina use.

Black water, oil, fuel and polluted liquids cannot be discharged into the harbour. The marina applies a minimum R5,000 penalty for black-water or oil discharge. 

Starlink and other satellite communication terminals remain subject to South African electronic-communications, spectrum and equipment-approval requirements. A foreign roaming account does not remove the national licensing requirement. Keep equipment inactive where authority to operate has not been established.

Drone operation is controlled by South African civil aviation law, harbour rules, property permission and Table Mountain National Park restrictions. Do not launch from the yacht club, marina, working harbour or protected shoreline without the required approval. Do not fly over fishing operations, harbour workers, commercial vessels, crowds, private property or the seal colony.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Marina Facilities

Hout Bay Yacht Club operates a private marina in the northwest part of the working harbour. The marina accepts visiting yachts subject to space and the marina manager’s approval. The maximum published yacht length is 54 feet, equivalent to approximately 16.5 metres. Beam, displacement and draught remain berth-specific and can reduce the acceptable vessel size.

Published marina information indicates depths of 3 metres or more in the main yacht area, but the inner harbour also contains areas of less than 4 metres. No single depth applies to every berth. Confirm the low-water depth and fairway clearance for the allocated position before entering. A fin-keel yacht drawing more than 2.5 metres requires direct confirmation of the complete route and berth.

Walk-on berths provide fresh water, refuse removal and access to 230-volt, 50-hertz shore power. Electrical pedestals supply approximately 10 amps through three-pin round sockets with the earth at the six-o’clock position. Marina staff control connection to the electrical boxes. Do not use joined, damaged or submerged shore-power cables.

Toilets and showers are available at the clubhouse and marina deck. Access is controlled through the marina security system, and visitors must register for entry and exit. The club provides Wi-Fi under its current operating arrangement. The marina remains separate from the commercial fish harbour and does not provide unrestricted access to working quays.

The visitors and emergency section of the marina provides temporary berthing where a yacht cannot reach its allocated position. The vessel must move to the assigned berth when directed. Hout Bay has no emergency buoy outside or inside the harbour. Do not occupy an unallocated berth beyond the time required to contact marina management.

A commercial small-ship slipway and boatyard operate under the harbour authority rather than the yacht club. Use requires approval from the harbour master and confirmation of cradle dimensions, displacement capacity and yard space. Hout Bay Yacht Club also has a small boatyard with limited hardstanding, subject to vessel size and weight. Grinding, spray painting, welding, external fibreglass work and engine dismantling are prohibited on marina walkways and fingers.

Staying aboard is controlled by marina rules. Visiting cruising crews can remain aboard for up to three months where the vessel holds a valid Certificate of Fitness and the marina manager approves the arrangement. Permanent liveaboard residence is prohibited. Visitors staying aboard require temporary or reciprocal membership and payment of the applicable service fee.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Provisioning

Supermarkets. Hout Bay SUPERSPAR, Woolworths Food Hout Bay and Checkers Hout Bay provide the main supermarket supply within the town. Hout Bay SUPERSPAR is located in the central village approximately 1.5–2 kilometres from the yacht club by road. Woolworths Food and Checkers operate in or near the Mainstream retail area approximately 2–3 kilometres from the harbour. Smaller grocery and convenience outlets operate along Main Road, Victoria Avenue and Harbour Road. These outlets are closer to the marina but do not replace the full-line supermarkets for bulk provisioning. A vehicle is required for large water loads, gas cylinders, engine oil and quantities that cannot be moved through the harbour on foot. Delivery drivers require instructions for the yacht-club security gate.

Markets. Bay Harbour Market operates at 31 Harbour Road within walking distance of the yacht club. Current published hours are Friday from 09:30 to 21:00 and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 09:30 to 17:00. Additional Wednesday and Thursday trading can operate during seasonal schedules.  The market contains food traders, bakers, prepared-food outlets and vendors selling regional products. Seasonal fruit, bread, preserves and small quantities of produce can be available, but bulk vegetables and passage stores come from the town supermarkets or greengrocers. Pets are prohibited inside the market except registered assistance animals.

Fish Markets. Mariner’s Wharf Fish Market operates between the harbour and beach near the entrance. The market handles fresh and frozen fish, smoked products, shellfish and processed seafood. Commercial fish is also landed through working sections of Hout Bay harbour. 

Local and regional species include snoek; Cape hake, called stokvis in Afrikaans; yellowtail, called geelstert; kob, called kabeljou; geelbek, also called Cape salmon; hottentot seabream; red roman, called rooi roman; Cape Hope squid, called chokka; yellowfin tuna; longfin tuna; mussels; and West Coast rock lobster when legal seasonal supply is available.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Cuisine

Hout Bay cooking is based on the fishing industry and Cape food traditions. Snoek braai consists of snoek cooked over coals with salt, lemon, butter or an apricot-based glaze. Hake and slap chips consists of fried hake served with thick-cut chips. Ingelegde vis, or pickled fish, is cooked fish preserved in vinegar with onion, turmeric and spices. Vispotjie combines fish or seafood with vegetables and stock in a cast-iron pot.

Yellowtail and tuna are grilled, seared or cooked over coals when legal catches are available. Chokka is prepared as grilled tubes, fried strips or whole cleaned squid. Mosselpot consists of mussels cooked with onion, stock, herbs, cream or wine. Smoked snoek remains connected with the harbour’s earlier fish-curing trade.

Cape dishes include bobotie, made with spiced minced meat and an egg topping; denningvleis, a sweet-and-sour meat dish; boerewors, a seasoned sausage cooked over coals; and roosterkoek, bread cooked over a fire. Cape Malay dishes use spice combinations based on turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and chilli. Local agricultural produce comes from the wider Cape Peninsula, Constantia and Western Cape farming districts.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Beverages

Hout Bay has access to wines produced in the Constantia Valley north and east of the harbour. Named producers include Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting and Steenberg. Regional production includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and sweet Muscat-based wine. Wine is sold through licensed supermarkets, bottle stores and producers.

Urban Brewing Company has operated in Hout Bay and has produced local craft beer under changing product ranges. National beers stocked in the area include Castle Lager, Castle Lite, Carling Black Label and Hansa Pilsener. Cape Town craft beers are distributed through licensed local outlets. South African spirits include brandy, gin, cane spirit and Amarula cream liqueur.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Diesel Fuel Supplies

Do not enter Hout Bay relying on immediate alongside refuelling. Commercial fishing-vessel fuel facilities are controlled and are not automatically available to recreational yachts. Confirm any harbour transfer with the marina manager and harbour authority before moving the vessel.

Road diesel is available from filling stations in Hout Bay. Limited quantities can be carried through the marina in approved, tightly sealed containers. Fuel containers cannot be stored on marina fingers or walkways. Keep the transfer route clear and place absorbent material around the deck fill.

Larger quantities require an approved supplier and transfer position. The delivery cannot obstruct fishing operations, the commercial slipway, marina access or emergency routes. The harbour authority controls access for a road tanker. Confirm fuel grade, quantity, payment and delivery time before the supplier enters the harbour.

Take a clear sample from the first fuel transferred and inspect it for free water and sediment. Use the yacht’s fill strainer and primary water-separating filter. Stop the transfer before diesel reaches the tank vent. Report any spill immediately and prevent contaminated water from entering the harbour.

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Water Supplies

Fresh municipal water is available at Hout Bay Yacht Club walk-on berths. The connection point depends on the assigned berth and hose reach. Confirm the outlet with marina staff before filling. A washdown outlet cannot be assumed to be clean enough for a potable-water transfer.

Flush the tap before connecting the yacht’s hose. Use a hose reserved for drinking water and keep the hose end off the pontoon and clear of harbour water. Municipal treatment does not prevent contamination from a dirty connector, hose or tank. Apply onboard filtration where fitted. Cape Town water restrictions, local pipe failures and reduced pressure can affect supply. Obtain approval before taking a large volume or leaving the hose connected for an extended period. Do not leave a filling hose unattended. 

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Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Marine Services

Hout Bay supports commercial fishing vessels and provides access to diesel mechanics, marine electricians, welders, fabricators, refrigeration technicians, divers and hull contractors. Work inside the marina requires approval from the marina manager. Heavy repairs cannot be performed on marina fingers. Commercial contractors can attend from Hout Bay, Cape Town and Paarden Eiland.

The harbour’s small-ship slipway and associated hardstanding are controlled by the harbour authority. Lifting or slipping capacity is vessel-specific and requires confirmation of displacement, beam, keel type and cradle arrangement. Hout Bay Yacht Club’s own small boatyard has limited capacity and does not replace the commercial slipway. Obtain written scope and charges before hauling.

No verified authorised Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Nanni Diesel, Vetus or Beta Marine inboard-engine agent is based inside Hout Bay harbour. Manufacturer-controlled work requires a Cape Town regional agent or a technician travelling from another service centre. No verified authorised Raymarine, B&G or Simrad service agent is based inside the harbour. Cape Town marine-electronics firms can attend Hout Bay by road.

OSASA - South African Yacht Assistance

The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) came into being during the COVID pandemic crisis where they actively assisted entry to South Africa by cruising yachts into its various ports. It is a non-profit company created to liaise with Maritime officials to facilitate entry to South African ports at the time.  OSASA was assigned by the SA Department of Transport to handle the mandatory pre-arrival authorisation (PAN) for all incoming non-SOLAS yachts, both local and foreign. OSASA services include the following:

• Manage and update the online registration portal for incoming non-SOLAS vessels
• Manage the pre-arrival authorisation (PAN) process with the Department of Transport for incoming small vessels at the Ports of Entry
• Provide up-to-date information for cruising yachts navigating South African ports and coastal waters
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with SA maritime authorities and port officials, and with local offshore yacht clubs and marinas
• Work with local offshore clubs and marinas to develop and enhance their facilities

Cruising yacht visitors are encouraged to contact OSASA. They are a group of willing and like minded volunteers along the South African coastline and will assist with the needs of cruising yachts. This group is known as the OSASA Port Ambassadors and will assist cruising yachts with anything that may be required. Anything from entry procedures right down to directing you to the nearest dentist or barber and anything in-between. There is a published list on the OSASA website as well as on the Sail to South Africa WhatsApp group of the individual OSASA port Ambassadors.  Ports and marinas that are covered are Richards Bay; Durban; East London; Port Elizabeth; Port St. Francis; Knysna; Mossel Bay; Gordon's Bay, False Bay YC (Simon's Town), Hout Bay, Saldanha Bay; Port Owen; Cape Town (V&A Waterfront and Royal Cape YC).

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Local Etiquette

Hout Bay is a working fishing harbour. Fishing vessels, unloading crews, forklifts, ice handling, fish processing and harbour work take priority on commercial quays. Do not leave tenders, bicycles, fuel containers, hoses, sails, tools or shore-power leads in working routes. Move immediately when instructed by the harbour authority, marina manager or fishery-control officer.

Do not enter a fishing vessel, processing area, commercial cold store or unloading quay without permission. Do not photograph workers, catches, restricted processing areas or vessel interiors after an objection has been made. Fish-cleaning and commercial catch unloading are prohibited within the yacht-club marina area. Use authorised fish-market and disposal facilities.

The marina requires a minimum of four fenders, with two positioned toward an adjacent vessel and two toward the open or opposite side. Walkways and fingers must remain clear. Music cannot interfere with other marina users. Washing hung aboard must remain below the upper lifeline and cannot remain visible over weekends or public holidays.

English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa are used throughout Hout Bay. Begin an interaction with a greeting before stating the operational request. Goeie môre means good morning in Afrikaans, and Molo is an isiXhosa greeting to one person. 

Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide - Summary

Hout Bay provides an enclosed fishing harbour and a private yacht-club marina on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula. The approach requires clearance from Oude Schip, Vulcan Rock, Kommetjie reefs, Dungeons and the Sentinel before the harbour waypoint sequence is started. Marina entry requires engine control, prior berth allocation, arrival documentation and compliance with fishing-harbour and yacht-club rules. These operating limits define the Hout Bay Sailing and Cruising Guide for all you need to know.