Things to do when visiting Paternoster

If you’re looking for a break away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town, Paternoster is definitely worth considering. This quaint little town is located along the Western Cape coastline and offers plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities to keep you busy. Paternoster has something for everyone from fishing and swimming to hiking and bird watching. See our guide below for how to get there, things to do, and places to see when you visit this beautiful fishing town.

Where is Paternoster and how far is it from Cape Town?

Paternoster is located on the West Coast of South Africa, about 140 kilometers north of Cape Town. There are several ways to travel from Cape Town to Paternoster, including by car, taxi, and bus, however, we recommend driving yourself or getting a taxi.

• Car: Approx 2 hours, R330
• Taxi: Approx 2 hours, R2150

What is the history of Paternoster?

Paternoster is a small fishing village that was established in 1863. According to records, the village got its name from a group of ship-wrecked sailors who after safely making it to sure, named it Paternoster, which translates to ‘Father’ in Latin.

Many tourists that visit Paternoster come to see its white-washed washed fishermen’s cottages, which have a unique architecture and design like nowhere else. The closest you can compare these buildings to are the houses found in Santorini, Greece, which have been labeled the epitome of Greek fantasies.

So, let’s get into what there is to do when you visit Paternoster.

Things to do when visiting Paternoster

Walking along Paternoster Beach

is one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty. The beach is located on the west coast of Paternoster and stretches for over two kilometers. It is a great place to relax, have a gentle stroll and enjoy the scenery. If walking becomes repetitive quickly, here are some things that you can do when visiting the beach:

• Visit Cape Columbine Lighthouse: The lighthouse is located on a hill overlooking the beach and Britannia reef. It was built in 1936 and sits next to the Columbine Nature Reserve. There is a small fee for entry and typically the opening hours are from 10:00 – 15:00.
• Have a picnic on Paternoster Beach: Paternoster beach is a great place to have a picnic. Perfect for either families or couples, take your picnic basket and choose from one of the hundreds of locations that provide picturesque views
• Go fishing on Paternoster Beach: Paternoster beach is a great place to go fishing, and Snoek, Geelbek, Harder, and Hottentot are just some of the common fish you can expect to find. Perfect for taking back to cook later or having on a BBQ.

Go Whale Watching

When visiting Paternoster, don’t miss out on the opportunity to go whale watching. On a whale-watching tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close and personal. You may even get the chance to see them breach, which is an amazing sight. If you’re lucky, you might even see a calf swimming alongside its mother.

The best time to see whales is between June and October, so plan your trip accordingly. There are many tour operators that offer whale-watching tours, so be sure to do your research and choose the one that’s right for you. The cost of a Whale Watching tour can range from R500 – R1500, depending on age and status (student, senior)

Whale watching is an incredible experience that you won’t want to miss out on when visiting Paternoster. So be sure to add it to your list of things to do!

Dine out at the fresh fish restaurants and bars

Paternoster is well-known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars that serve up dishes made with fish that was caught that morning. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat fresh seafood, be sure to check out the following restaurant and bars:

• Voorstrand Restaurant

This restaurant is located right on the beach, and they have a wide variety of seafood dishes to choose from. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening out.

• Noisy Oyster

The reviews praise this restaurant for its welcoming vibes and quirkiness. Customers rave about the quality of the food and the cheapness of the dishes. Whether you are a couple of a family, The Noisy Oyster caters to all and their tastes.

• Paternoster Fish Shop

Located on the sea front, Paternoster Fish Shop is different from the others as it is primarily actually a fish monger. However, their Oysters are raved about by the locals and are highly recommended to all those that visit Paternoster. You are also able to book ‘Oyster and Champagne’ tables so you can dine in luxury whilst looking out across the beautiful views of the sea.

Get on a Beach Buggy

Deon Van Schalkwyk is well known to locals and tourists that live in Paternoster. He provides a 2-hour beach buggy experience where people have the opportunity to see beautiful scenery and wildlife. Whales and dolphins are common creatures to be seen on the beach buggy tour.

Get involved with Kayaking

Relax at a Spa

Packed with amenities, Paternoster beach has something for everyone looking to have some fun under the sun! With its sprawling shoreline and

See the Harbour

Looking to do some fishing while you’re in Paternoster? Then head on down to the Paternoster Harbour where you’ll find plenty of spots to cast your line. If you’re not into fishing, no worries! The harbour is also a great place to take a swim or just relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Go Hiking

Paternoster is also home to a number of hiking trails that wind their way through the town and up into the surrounding hills. So if you’re looking to get some exercise, be sure to lace up your hiking boots and explore Paternoster on foot. You won’t be disappointed by the scenery.

Bird watching

And last but not least, Paternoster is a great place for bird watching. The town is home to a variety of different bird species, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you’re out and about. You never know what you might see!

So if you’re looking for a break from the busy life of Cape Town, Paternoster is definitely worth a visit. With plenty of activities and sightseeing opportunities, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy. Paternoster is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Safaris For Africa is a tour operator that can help book your visit for you.