There’s little to match the drama of a powerful ocean dashing against a rocky shore. It’s a clash of titans that has brought many a ship to rest on the verges of Cape Point.
The Cape of Storms has racked up more than its share of casualties (26 ships so far) since the very first ships tried to navigate their way around the coast of Africa but none so famous as the Flying Dutchman.
The Flying Dutchman
The legend of this ghostly ship has been around since this vessel disappeared in these waters during 1641.
The story revolves around a blasphemous and foolhardy ship’s captain, Hendrick van der Decken. Whether the seaman was filled with the insane bravado of either too much wine at dinner time or too many days at sea is up for debate. What is known, is that he defied the forces of nature and the laws of common sense to sail headlong into a ferocious Cape storm, determined to reach the bay, cursing God all the while.
There are several versions of what happened after that, but they all end the same way. The ship never reached the bay shore and was instead swept out to sea and disappeared. Legend has it that van der Decken and his crew were doomed to sail the seas forever, bringing instant death upon anyone who spotted them.
Since then, there have been numerous purported sightings of the Flying Dutchman, almost always as a precursor to a major storm at sea.
Cape Point Shipwreck Hikes
Today, you can ponder on this mystery as you gaze down from the Cape Point lighthouse at the scene of its disappearance all those centuries ago. Alternatively, take a hike along the many trails in this area to visit the remains of others that did make it to shore, one way or another.
Some of the best shipwreck walks include:
- Thomas T. Tucker Shipwreck Trail - visit the wreck of this American ship which ran aground while trying to avoid torpedoes in 1942.
- Shipwreck Circuit - a longer version of the previous trail which continues past the wreck of the Nolloth which ran aground on Albatross Rock in 1965 and ends up at Olifantsbos parking lot.
Apart from shipwrecks you’ll also get to see dassies, ostriches, and bontebok en route as well as a wealth of delicate fynbos species.
Another option is to snorkel up and head beneath the waves to view some more of the Atlantic Ocean’s victims.
If you’re more interested in modern day diversions, you can take your chances in the tempestuous waters off Cape Point on an exhilarating jet boat ride. This white-knuckle adventure is an exciting way to get a different perspective on the area as well as a great chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
The best way to discover all the mysteries of Cape Town is to get in touch with one of our Southern African safari experts and start planning your trip now.
