Winter Fun in Cape Town's Deep South – with a Conscience

In the Deep South, there is a feeling of naturalism and independence, of pride in being in such a beautiful place. In a region once nicknamed "Behind the Lentil Curtain, residents love their hoods and are more interested in their environment, health and communities than materialism, chasing money and sourcing the best schools in the country! In the Deep South, education matters, in the real sense of the word. Join us as we travel with a conscience and notice the beauty around us!

Stay at Seaside Cottages and explore the Peninsula in your own easy time.

Travel That Gives Back

More than twenty years ago, Cape Town helped shape the global conversation around Responsible Tourism with the famous Cape Town Declaration, built on one simple but powerful idea:

Create better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit.

The root of responsible tourism is about making smarter choices when we travel - choices that protect nature, support local communities and ensure future generations can enjoy the same spectacular experiences. As travellers, we can have a conscience and choose ethical holidays for our enjoyment and education - not forgetting that we rely on our Universe to survive. 

Every visitor can make a difference by supporting local businesses, respecting wildlife, reducing waste and exploring our incredible natural spaces with care.

Luckily, that's easy to do in the Deep South. Base yourself at Seaside Cottages in Fish Hoek and have fun on a winter holiday with a conscience.

Whale-Watching is Inspiring

Every winter, one of nature's greatest spectacles unfolds along the False Bay coastline. Whale-watching is inspiring, reminding us that great ocean creatures need our protection and respect. They need food, space to survive and shelter in coves and bays to breed.

From June to November, southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to breed in our sheltered waters. Grab your binoculars and head to the Fish Hoek Beach catwalk, Boyes Drive, Simon's Town, Kalk Bay, Miller's Point or Cape Point. You may witness mothers with calves, playful breaches and enormous tails disappearing beneath the waves.

Remember to admire these magnificent creatures from land or with licensed operators who follow responsible whale-watching guidelines. Give wildlife the space it deserves.

Explore the Rugged Beauty of Cape Point

Few places capture the wild spirit of Africa quite like Cape Point.

Towering cliffs plunge into crashing seas while colourful fynbos carpets the landscape. Ride the famous Flying Dutchman Funicular to the historic lighthouse or stretch your legs on one of the scenic walking trails.

Stay on designated paths to protect the fragile fynbos ecosystem—one of the richest floral kingdoms on Earth.

Ride the Winter Winds

Winter brings stronger winds and exciting conditions for adventurous souls.

Whether you've always wanted to learn kitesurfing or finally tackle your first proper surf lesson, Cape Town's beaches offer excellent winter conditions for beginners and experienced riders alike. The bset place to learn how to surf or kite surf is Fish Hoek Beach or nearby Glencairn. These beaches are also the centre for surfskiing and mixing with the pros!

Pull on a thick wetsuit, enjoy the dramatic skies and reward yourself afterwards with a steaming hot chocolate or locally roasted coffee.

Discover Cape Town on Foot

Winter hiking might be Cape Town's best-kept secret. 

Cooler temperatures make long walks far more comfortable, while seasonal rain transforms the landscape into a lush green paradise bursting with wildflowers and flowing streams. From Silvermine and Kalk Bay to Cape Point and Newlands Forest, every trail offers something different. From Seaside Cottages, hike up Elsies Peak or Trappies Kop and descend the other side for a huge cappacino somewhere cosy.

Leave nothing behind except footprints, and take only photographs home.

Chase Hidden Waterfalls

Winter is waterfall season.

After good rainfall, hidden cascades appear across the peninsula, rewarding hikers with sparkling pools and dramatic scenery. Pack a reusable water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes and your camera—and remember that nature is at its best when left exactly as you found it. Silvermine Nature Reserve is the best place to see waterfalls and sample their untouched waters.

Dive into History

Cape Town's coastline hides centuries of maritime history beneath its waves. 

Shipwrecks scattered across the ocean floor have become thriving underwater ecosystems, home to colourful fish, soft corals and fascinating marine life. Whether you're an experienced diver or trying scuba for the first time, choose operators committed to protecting these fragile underwater environments. Set off for Cape Point, Simonstown and Miller's Point to see the most remarkable wrecks and fish in False Bay.

Take only memories. Leave only bubbles.

Taste the Wild Cape

Winter is also the season to discover the edible side of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Join a guided foraging experience with experts who introduce visitors to indigenous herbs, edible plants and the remarkable biodiversity that makes this region internationally famous. 

"Situated against the fynbos mountainside and nestled between the two oceans of the Cape Peninsula, Veld and Sea is an immersive education space offering wild food foraging workshops and unique nature based events and experiences."

Learning about nature is one of the best ways to protect it.

Five Easy Ways to Travel Responsibly

You don't have to change your holiday completely to make a positive impact.

1. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and accommodation.
2. Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
3. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance and never feeding animals.
4. Stay on marked hiking trails to protect fragile vegetation.
5. Leave every place cleaner than you found it.

Winter Adventures That Matter

Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful destinations and a global leader in sustainable tourism. Every thoughtful choice you make, whether booking with a local guide, choosing eco-friendly accommodation or simply taking your litter home, helps preserve this remarkable place.

So this winter, embrace the crisp mountain air, chase waterfalls, watch whales, paddle across calm bays and discover hidden gems throughout the Deep South. Adventure is waiting. And the best souvenirs you'll take home won't be things—they'll be unforgettable memories, knowing you've helped protect one of the world's most extraordinary destinations.

Seaside Cottages is waiting for you!