We are situated between Hermanus and Cape Agulhas (2 hours from Cape Town), and many of our guests stay with us at the start or end of their Garden Route adventure.
The Ark sits on one of the highest points in the village in an indigenous garden, within a conservation area. It has wonderful views of the mountains and sea, and the beautiful (seemingly endless) sandy beach is just a few hundred metres away. If you fancy an early morning dip, the temperature of the sea is similar all year round.
From July to January every year, the Southern Right Whales come to mate and calve in the bay that The Ark overlooks. To see these huge giants drifting so calmly in the ocean, is a sight not to be missed! Frequently, dolphins and seals can also be seen frolicking in the waves. If you would like a trip on one of the whale boats or even be more adventurous and have a shark-cage trip, let us know and we will happily arrange it for you.
Accommodation at The Ark:
Three of the 4 guest rooms are situated on the ground floor for easy access and consists of four bedrooms, three each with shower en-suite, and one with a huge, separate bathroom.
Oystercatcher Room:
The Oystercatcher Room is named after the rare African Black Oystercatcher that breeds in Pearly Beach. This is a bright, double room with a stunning view of the mountains in front, and the bay to the side. There is a shower en-suite with complimentary toiletries.
Tortoise Room:
There are many tortoises in Pearly Beach so we had to have a Tortoise Room. It looks out on to the fynbos garden at the side of the house, and has a comfortable Queen size bed with shower en-suite.
Seal Room:
Our family room is named after the Cape Fur Seal of which there are thousands on Dyer Island, which is close by. This is a large room which can be made up into 2 single beds plus couch, king-size bed with couch, or a third single bed instead of the couch. It has its own huge, separate, private bathroom with bath and overhead shower.
The Albatross room:
This room is named after Trossie, an Albatross belonging to The Ark for the past 15 years. It was picked up on the beach and is hanging in the roof of The Ark. This room is situated upstairs and has its own patio and open plan bathroom with Victorian style bath and shower. All with sea views, while you enjoy a glass of wine or tea.
Guest Lounge:
After a busy day on the beach, or out and about, you are most welcome to relax in the guest lounge/breakfast room and watch tv or just chill. After the sun has gone down over the sea, you may see the Milky Way. As there are no street lights in Pearly Beach, you will have the most wonderful view of the stars.
- Walking and hiking on private farms and in Nature Reserves
- Boat based whale watching and Shark Cage Boat trips
- Rock and surf fishing
- Boat Trips on the Klein River, very good for Bird Watching
- Quad Bike excursions
- Riding and Horseback Safaris
- Wine Tasting
From Cape Town:
Follow the N2 out of Cape Town, through Somerset West and over Sir Lowry's Pass. Just after passing Houw Hoek take the R43 on the left heading for Hermanus.
Follow the R43 through Hermanus, Stanford and Gansbaai. 20km after Gansbaai.
There is a turn-off to Pearly Beach on the right.
3km down this road you enter the village of Pearly Beach.
Follow the The Ark B&B brown sign on your left, along Charlie van Breda Road towards the sea, then turn right into Puren Way.
The Ark is about 100 metres up Puren Way on the left hand side.
