Stilbaai Marine Protected Area

The Stilbaai Marine Protected Area extends across 20 square kilometers of territorial waters, encompassing 13.5 kilometers of coastline and 15.7 kilometers of the Goukou estuary.

The region gained official protection status in 2008 under Government Notice No. 31517, becoming one of the first marine protected areas to include a river estuary in Western Cape.

Ancient stone-age fish traps and shell middens within the protected zone provide evidence of traditional fishing methods dating back thousands of years.

Visitors require permits for recreational activities, including fishing in controlled zones, while Geelkrans, Skulpiesbaai, and Goukou areas maintain strict no-entry policies.

The protected area contains multiple coastal habitats, from sandy beaches and rocky reefs to salt marshes and estuarine reeds, supporting diverse marine species.

GPS coordinates: -34.38333,21.41667

Latest update: April 5, 2025 21:35