Langebaan Lagoon Marine Protected Area

Langebaan Lagoon Marine Protected Area is a protected water body in Western Cape that spreads across shallow bays with mudflats and salt marshes along the coast. The sheltered waters create diverse habitats where fish, shellfish, and seabirds thrive together.

Protection status came in 1973 when authorities designated this area as a marine reserve under fishing laws. The site later became part of a larger national park system to expand conservation efforts.

Local fishing communities use designated areas to maintain their traditional practices, showing how people and nature coexist here. This daily use keeps cultural knowledge alive within the protected waters.

The area is divided into zones for different uses, so check local guidelines before visiting or fishing. Access by small boat or from the shoreline works best for viewing wildlife without disturbing the protected ecosystem.

This lagoon holds a significant portion of South Africa's salt marshes and serves as a critical stopover for migrating birds. Thousands of waders arrive during summer months to feed and rest before continuing their long journeys.

GPS coordinates: -33.13333,18.05000

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42