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Still Bay, or Stilbaai, is a premier coastal town situated at the mouth of the Goukou River, approximately 320 kilometres east of Cape Town. Known as the "Bay of Sleeping Beauty" due to the profile of the nearby Langeberg mountains, it is unique for its dual character: a tranquil retirement and holiday sanctuary and an internationally significant archaeological landmark.
The town is divided by the river into Still Bay East and Still Bay West, connected by a historic bridge. In 2026, Still Bay continues to experience a "semigration" boom, attracting remote workers and entrepreneurs drawn to its high safety ratings, "Green Coast" conservation efforts, and the flourishing "Blue Economy."
The Economy: Marine Wealth, Fynbos Spirits, and 2026 Growth
Still Bay’s economy is a sophisticated blend of marine industry, high-value artisanal production, and luxury tourism.
Key economic pillars include:
The "Gin Capital": Still Bay is the home of Inverroche Distillery, the pioneer of South African craft fynbos gin. In 2026, the distillery remains a global export powerhouse and a major tourism draw through its Gin Academy, which recently expanded its digital "Craft Your Own Gin" experience.
Blue Flag Tourism: For the 2025/2026 season, Still Bay and its immediate neighbours secured a record six Blue Flag awards, including Lappiesbaai, Preekstoel, and Stilbaai-Wes. This status reinforces the town’s position as a top-tier destination for sustainable coastal tourism.
Marine Awareness & Fishing: In March 2026, the town hosted the Stilbaai Marine Awareness Week, focusing on the management of the ancient fish traps and the recovery of depleted reef fish populations within the Stilbaai Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Property and Retirement: The town remains one of the fastest-growing residential nodes in the Garden Route, with 2026 seeing a surge in demand for "off-grid" lifestyle estates that integrate with the local fynbos landscapes.
Landmarks and Archaeological Heritage
Still Bay is world-renowned for its "Middle Stone Age" sites, providing some of the earliest evidence of modern human behavior.
Blombos Cave & Museum: The Blombos Museum of Archaeology (located in the historic Palinggat Homestead) is the custodian of the 75,000-year-old "world's oldest art." In early 2026, the museum’s permanent exhibition, "Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour," underwent a major technical upgrade to include immersive multimedia displays.
Ancient Fish Traps (Visvywers): These rock-pool traps, built by the Khoisan people over 3,000 years ago, are still visible at low tide. They remain a protected national heritage site and a functioning example of ancient sustainable fishing.
Palinggat Eels: The only tame freshwater eels in South Africa are found in the fountain at the Palinggat Homestead. They have been hand-fed for over 125 years and remain a focal point for family tourism.
Tuin op die Brak: An award-winning botanical garden that exclusively features indigenous fynbos from the "Hessequa" region, designed to be accessible for the visually impaired.
Infrastructure and 2026 Developments
Under the Hessequa 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Still Bay is undergoing a series of utility and road modernizations to support its expanding permanent population.
Road Rehabilitation (February 2026): A targeted infrastructure drive in February 2026 saw the resurfacing and upgrading of several key arterial routes, including De Jager Street, Strandloper Avenue, and Paling Crescent, to improve traffic flow during peak holiday seasons.
Sewerage Modernization: Early 2026 marked the completion of the Môrestond sewer infrastructure upgrade, a critical project designed to expand the town’s sanitation capacity in response to new residential developments.
Harbour Security & Logistics: In April 2026, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment initiated a new 36-month security and armed response contract for the Stilbaai Proclaimed Fishing Harbour to protect commercial vessels and marine assets.
Digital Connectivity: The "Hessequa Startup Tribe" e-learning platform launched new 2026 government courses in Stilbaai, supporting local entrepreneurs in the construction and trade sectors with digital business tools.
