Activities

Paddle out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins and catch a glimpse of the marine life underneath your paddles. The route is easy and geared for the enjoyment and safety of even a first-time seafarer. Dolphins, seals, and whales are common in the bay and the bird life on the rocks is plentiful and varied.

Find your bliss and breathe through calmness and flexibility with a Yoga session on the beach or at our pool. We have a local yoga teacher who has worked with all levels from beginners to truly bendy. We also host wellness retreats every now and then, so do keep an eye out for our upcoming events at Gonana. 

Crack open an ice-cold Paternoster Pilsner, at Paternoster’s very own local artisanal brewery, serving six different beers, as well as refreshing G&T's on tap with trimmings and an alcohol-free sparkling Honey & Rooibos on-tap. The brewery is also loved for its hearty comfort food to match every drink.

Beyond the idyllic beaches of Paternoster, the ocean lies in wait. If you're in the mood for adventure, why not try a private surfing lesson? You'll need a wetsuit (Paternoster is on the cool Atlantic Ocean after all), a board and a positive attitude. The rest will take care of itself!

Be wowed on an e-bike tour and experience the feeling of freedom while riding effortlessly through the beautiful Paternoster landscape. One of the best ways to explore the quiet streets of this sleepy fishing village with its whitewashed houses and charm is on two wheels as you zoom through on your e-bike.  

The region surrounding Paternoster is blessed with three wine routes: The Darling Wine Route, The West Coast Wine Route and the Swartland Wine Route. All three routes are set in spectacular surroundings and offer some of the oldest bush vines. Prefer to stay within Paternoster? The Paternoster Wine Lounge is a must!

As far as lighthouses go, Cape Columbine in Tietiesbaai is young. Built in 1936, it was the last manned lighthouse constructed and one of the few still manned today. It rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve, just five kilometres outside of Paternoster.

Paternoster is a well-known whale-watching point, and while we can organise whale-watching expeditions, you can also spot the whales from your balcony and the beaches of Paternoster Bay, Voorstrand and Mosselbank. The best time for whale watching is between August and December.

Walking on the beach is food for the soul with whales often frolicking not too far away and boulders welcoming birdlife. The beachfront is right on your doorstep at Gonana Guesthouse and just 150 metres from the Cottages, giving you evey excuse to take off your flip flops and feel the sand between your toes.

Enter the world of the San, Southern Africa's First People and experience the recently opened world-class embassy for the San people. !Khwa ttu Nature Reserve offers tours and scenic trails for trained guides, and is the perfect place to stop en-route to Gonana.  

Located one hour’s drive from Paternoster, Darling is one of our favourite day trip destinations from Gonana, with plenty to see, do and eat! Highlights include Evita se Perron, Darling Sweets and Darling Brewery.

There’s a reason that South Africa produces some of the world’s greatest golfers. Its golf estates and courses are some of the finest in the southern hemisphere, and very close to Gonana lies Langebaan Country Estate, Shelley Point Golf Estate and Langebaan Mashie Golf Course.

Langebaan has exceptionally well-preserved remains of fossil fauna that date to circa 5.2 million years ago. There is also a newly built museum on the site which is well worth a visit.  
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A visit to West Coast National Park is always a surprising treat. The windswept beaches, the docile blue lagoon, the tortoises, antelope and ostriches, all make for a day out well spent. Make sure to pack a good picnic and head out to this popular national park.  

If you're looking for a sweet treat and some fantastic baked goods, a visit to Rosemead Artisan Bakery in Yzerfontein will definitely make your day. Take a long leisurely breakfast of flaky croissants and pain au chocolat, feast on pastries de Nata fresh from the oven, and lush picnic on sourdough bread.  

Immerse yourself in local culture and tradition with a visit to Simply Bee Skin Products. Here you can find local and all-natural beeswax products that are made from the raw materials from the company's own beehives. This local gem has successfully created a guilt-free skincare range that is free from harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances and parabens. Support local and support your skin at the same time.  

Voted the best restaurant in the world, WOLFGAT is situated just 5-minutes from Gonana. Named after the nearby Wolfgat cave – an archaeological wonder containing remnants of an ancient culture, this restaurant was named the world’s best in 2019. This small, but intimate restaurant is a must for a unique dining experience on the beach with a gorgeous sea view. Wolfgat offers a unique dining experience showcasing a selection of indigenous ingredients specific to Paternoster as a coastal town.  

Die Gaaitjie is just that, "a little hole" in the big expanse of sea and sky. Situated on the shoreline, this restaurant is a simple white-washed fisherman's cottage tucked among the rocks. Die Gaaitjie serves meals and great wines in a relaxed atmosphere, combining comfort with a varied menu focused on local produce from Paternoster. 

The Noisy Oyster is a fun and flirty restaurant that serves modern South African food. The menu changes every day which makes a good favourite if you're planning to stay a while! The menu is indicative of the complete experience you will have when dining at this Paternoster mainstay, and is well worth a visit. 

Run and owned by local resident and photographer Adrian Venter, this popular restaurant has stood the test of time with favourite dishes on the menu that never disappoint. The Voorstrandt Restaurant specializes in fish dishes, ranging from Malay Seafood Curry, Seafood Platters, Fresh Crayfish and Oysters, perfectly paired with local West Coast wines and craft beers. Celebrate love or a birthday, either way, you're in for an unforgettable lovely experience.

Dispens is a relaxed eatery, located in the historic 'Die Winkel op Paternoster'. They offer an á la carte, all-day bakery menu with sweet and savoury baked treats, all made in-house. The café-style light lunch menu, available from 12 noon, focuses on the seasonal seafood and "veldkos" of the Strandveld. A lunch set menu is available with advanced booking.