Xamarin Guest Farm

‘The diamond of the west coast’ they once called it, and Lambert’s Bay is still a bit of a gem if you’re into long beaches, seafood dinners and wildlife spotting. A big draw is the excellent Bird Island Nature Reserve, a mighty popular hangout for all manner of birdlife including cormorants, gannets and African penguins (plus the twitchers that come along to take tours or watch the action from the hides). If it’s bigger beasts that get your attention, sign up for a wildlife cruise from the town’s harbour – depending on the time of year you might catch sight of dolphins, seals and/or whales. The beaches along this stretch of coast are pretty spectacular too, with surfing, sandboarding and quad biking tours all to be had for active types. And… the wine? If being surrounded by grapes has given you the urge to get out and sample a few, there are several wineries within an hour’s drive (and wine tasting tours running from Lambert’s Bay to save you the bother of driving).