Gansbaai began as a humble fishing settlement, its name translates to “Goose Bay” after the gathering geese around a local freshwater spring. Today, this corner of the Overstrand Municipality has grown into a thriving coastal community, although the fishing boats and salt-of-the-earth character remain firmly in place. The sharks, meanwhile, have rather improved the town's international profile.
The greater Gansbaai area encompasses a collection of distinct neighbourhoods, including Gansbaai Central, De Kelders, Perlemoenbaai, Kleinbaai, Van Dyksbaai, Franskraal, Blompark, Klipfonteyn and Birkenhead, with Uilenkraalsmond and Pearly Beach further along the coast, and each area has its own appeal, from established residential streets and convenient town living to holiday homes, endless sandy beaches and sought-after sea views. There is also plenty to do beyond keeping an eye out for fins! Gansbaai is well-known for marine wildlife excursions, seasonal southern right whale watching, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary, and the historic Danger Point Lighthouse, near the site of the tragic Birkenhead shipwreck of 1852. Add in coastal walks, fishing, fynbos trails, wine tasting, and weekends tend to fill themselves. For permanent residents, Gansbaai offers a variety of retailers, schools, restaurants and essential services, including the public Gansbaai Clinic and local private medical practices
Property prices are another attraction. Apartments can be found from around R1 million, while three-bedroom homes can be found around the R2 million to R3 million mark in parts of the greater Gansbaai area, while premium sea-view properties and homes in exclusive estates can command considerably more.
With its natural beauty, practical amenities and variety of property options, Gansbaai offers a compelling alternative to pricier coastal addresses, which is not bad for a town whose original marketing department consisted largely of geese!