Pearly Beach

The Pearl of All Beaches

In many ways, Pearly Beach is still the same "pearl of all beaches" that earned it its name decades ago. This rural haven of endless beach and indigenous fynbos-dappled dunes maintained its character as a picturesque hide-away and fisherman's paradise despite a rapidly growing population and infrastructure. A warm social heart and various shops, pubs and diners, as well as a bustling Angling and Recreational Club, make this the true hidden pearl of the Gansbaai area.

A great deal of Pearly’s charm lies in its old traditions and the jovial camaraderie between locals and long-term visitors. They share the same passion for the wide open spaces and epic beach where a myriad fish has for decades been chasing the hooks of seasoned anglers.

Since the early 1920's generations of families have come to spend their summer vacations camping and fishing on this seaside section of the original Kleinhagelkraal cattle farm, 25 km from Gansbaai on the R43 en route to Buffeljags and Quoin Point. Aptly dubbed Afsaal (Unsaddle), there was nothing more than open fynbos fields, an infinite beach and the lure of the fishing waters. One of the later owners, Charlie van Breda, loved nothing more than taking long hikes on this "pearl of all beaches" and hence named it Pearly Beach, a name that stuck although it had nothing to do with pearls.

Today, many of these early visitors are permanent or weekend residents with houses overlooking their favourite playground. The tradition lives on and over weekends and holidays, the shore is lined with merry anglers, amply armed with sustenance for a long, leisurely day at the water's edge. Official angling competitions held on a regular basis form part of the community's strong social character.

The sea and vast stretches of white sand beach is ideal for swimming, long hikes, cycling and other beach activities. From July to December, the Southern Right Whales and their calves can be seen playing close to the shore. Local folklore has it that