By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Exploring Cape Town's Coastal Wonders with Naturalist Craig Foster
Craig Foster, the renowned naturalist and Academy Award-winning filmmaker of My Octopus Teacher, has a deep connection to the world’s oceans a passion that has brought him to explore the best of Cape Town's coastal beauty. Foster shares his favorite activities in this stunning city, from whale watching in False Bay to freediving in its enchanting kelp forests.
Cape Town: A City Shaped by the Sea
Located at the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a city whose identity is deeply intertwined with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Its history as a refueling station for the Dutch East India Company is well-known, but its roots stretch back even further, to the Indigenous Khoekhoe and San peoples who lived off the land and sea long before European settlers arrived.
Today, the city’s intimate relationship with the coastline remains strong. Capetonians are known for their love of the outdoors, and it’s easy to see why. In one day, you can hike to Lion’s Head, surf at Muizenberg Beach, and dive into the kelp forests of False Bay. South Africa’s mild winters coincide with whale migrations and the climbing season, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.
Craig Foster, who grew up in South Africa, calls this region "the heart of the world." His latest book, Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World, delves into the importance of reconnecting with nature. Here, Foster shares his top picks for experiencing the wild side of Cape Town.
Snorkeling and Freediving at Windmill Beach
Foster begins each day with a dive, a ritual he’s maintained for years due to its profound benefits on his mind and body. Windmill Beach, a popular spot on the Cape Peninsula, is one of his favorite places to dive. He recommends beginners stick to the False Bay side for its calmer conditions.
The beach is within a protected area where fishing is prohibited, allowing marine life to thrive. Underwater, you’ll find seaweed, kelp, shoals of fish, octopus, and even small shy sharks. While the water’s turquoise hues are inviting, temperatures can drop into the single digits, especially along the Atlantic coast. Foster, who dives without a wetsuit, advises building up a cold tolerance gradually.
After a dive, Foster enjoys lying on sun warmed boulders and having a braai (South African barbecue) by the ocean.
Tracking Wildlife at Cape Point Nature Reserve
At the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula lies Cape Point Nature Reserve, home to the Cape of Good Hope and a rich landscape of fynbos shrubbery. This area is a favorite for wildlife tracking, offering sightings of Chacma baboons, Cape clawless otters, and more.
"Tracking is like a window across time into the past and future," says Foster. Observing animal behavior and markings in the sand can reveal much about the environment. Foster’s work with the Sea Change Project is showcased at the Origins Exhibit in the Buffelsfontein Visitors Centre, where visitors can learn about the region’s archaeological significance as one of the first places where people swam and dived.
Casual Dips in Cape Town's Tidal Pools
Cape Town’s tidal pools are perfect for beginners and families. These natural swimming pools, found along the peninsula, are safe havens constantly refreshed by the sea. Foster recommends starting here to ease into ocean exploration.
From Dalebrook to Glencairn, these pools offer unique opportunities to observe marine life. "Go early in the morning to avoid crowds," Foster advises. And take a moment to float on your back, enjoying the serene connection to the natural world.
Surfing at Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach is known for its gentle swells, making it an ideal spot for surfing and body surfing. Foster enjoys body surfing, relishing the rush of dopamine that comes from playing in the waves.
For windsurfing or kitesurfing, Blouberg Beach or the flat lagoon of Langebaan offer consistent winds and exhilarating experiences.
Mountain Biking on Tokai Trails
Cape Town is a cyclist’s dream, with routes like the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive offering breathtaking coastal views. However, for mountain biking enthusiasts, the trails above Tokai provide a quieter, off road experience with stunning views of the sea.
Foster also suggests the Silvermine Loop, a scenic trail that begins at the Silvermine Dam parking lot, offering spectacular views of both land and sea.
Whale Watching in False Bay
Winter in Cape Town marks the start of whale season, with False Bay offering a safe haven for various cetaceans. Foster recommends taking a whale-watching tour to spot southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and humpbacks.
The bay’s diverse marine ecosystem, fueled by the cold Benguela current and the warmer Agulhas current, is home to a wide range of species, including dolphins, mola mola, and even orcas.
Visiting Penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins, a must see for any visitor to Cape Town. These charming, endangered birds have grown in number thanks to conservation efforts, but they remain vulnerable.
Visitors can observe these quirky creatures from viewing platforms and boardwalks managed by SAN Parks, ensuring a respectful distance is maintained.
Hiking and Wildlife at De Hoop Nature Reserve
For those with extra time, a trip to De Hoop Nature Reserve is highly recommended. This area, a three-hour drive from Cape Town, is a wildlife haven with trails for spotting elands, bontebok, ostriches, and more. The reserve’s rich biodiversity, both on land and underwater, offers a unique and intact natural experience.
Foster recalls seeing herds of elands along the ocean and hundreds of whales, making De Hoop a true privilege to visit.
Cape Town, with its blend of natural beauty and rich history, offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Through the eyes of Craig Foster, this city’s coastal wonders come alive, inviting us all to reconnect with the wild.
