Jacobsbaai on the Cape West Coast was developed about 40 years ago. It was founded as a small town on farmland next to the sea. The name is said to have come from the Frenchman Jacques Titius. He was a colonial trader in the West Coast. Jacobsbaai has a street called Titius. Another explanation for the name is that the English king entrusted the piece of land to a local known as ‘Jacob’.

Jacobsbaai, situated midway between Vredenburg and Saldanha Bay, and close to Langebaan, is an isolated traditional Cape West Coast Village. It is a quiet seaside village, about 1½hours drive from Cape Town. Strict building restrictions in the town have preserved the breath-taking two kilometres of coastline, boasting seven individual bays and lime washed houses against an azure blue sea. Jacobsbaai’s seven individual bays are Kwaaibaai which is popular with surfers, Jacobsbaai, Smalbaai and Moerie se baai which are great for launching boats from, and Bamboesbaai and Toothrock are used for diving, fishing and cray-fishing.

Most of the roads are gravel roads which keeps traffic at snail’s pace which has resulted in a peaceful little resort town, ideal for a weekend getaway or relaxing holiday. There is very little to do in the town itself besides relax, take long walks while admiring the waves crashing against the rocks on the beach. It is safe to walk and cycle, far away from the hustle yet close enough to a shopping mall in Vredenburg should you need anything. Or get into your car and visit nearby towns and just explore.

Some must-sees in the area include the Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Velddrift, Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and the Columbine Lighthouse at Paternoster, the West Coast National Park and the Fossil Park at Langebaan – all offering an insight in the natural history of this area.