There is a substantial fishing harbour in the bay and this is the scene of considerable activity, especially in the winter when snoek are in season. Smoked snoek and other seafood are sold at various fish markets and shops. Several boat trips can be taken from the harbour and these include trips to the seal colony on Duiker Island and a floating  crane wreck (the Bos 400). Sailing and canoeing are also popular.

Hout Bay also has an attractive and popular beach. On a rock overlooking the beach is a bronze leopard, 1.4 metres high and weighing 295 kilograms. This is the work of the late sculptor Ivan Mitford-Barberton, who had his studio in the village.

Spectacular views of mountains, forests and sea can be seen from various vantage points and hiking trails around Hout Bay. Whales can sometimes be seen in the bay during winter, and wild flowers can be seen on the mountains during late winter and early spring. 

One of our favourite places is on Chapman's Peak Drive which has a number of viewsites and picnic sites. The sunsets from here are magnificent and we often like to celebrate the end of another fine day in true Capetonian style with a bottle of good wine!

There are numerous riding schools in the valley which offer outrides to the holiday maker and the biggest bird sanctuary in Africa, The World of Birds, is less than 2km from Manor Fest.

Cycling around the Cape Peninsula is also a very popular sport or hobby. The hill up to Hout Bay Nek (Suikerbossie) provides the ultimate challenge to cyclists during the annual Argus Cycle Tour which passes through Hout Bay.