Kleinbaai, also known as Van Dyksbaai, is between Gansbaai and Franskraal. Kleinbaai is worldwide known for its shark cage diving industry. Many celebrities from all over the world visit Kleinbaai on a regular basis, not only for the sharks but also for the beautiful scenery and the tranquillity that this area offers.
Very close to Kleinbaai harbour from where the boats launches for the shark cage diving you will see a big black rock. This rock is called “Black Sophie” and there is a whole story on how this rock got its name. Maybe not safe to publish everything here, but I can tell you that it was named after the first “Madam” in the Overberg area.
It was during the 1800’s that there were about 40 men working on Dyer Island. They harvested guano and threatened to strike if nothing was done to meet their “emotional” needs. This is where Sophie and her girls came into play. They travelled all the way from Cape Town to deliver their “services” to these men. The men were very happy with Sophie’s services and never threaten to strike again.
Sophie and her girls became so popular that she has been immortalised as a big black rock in the sea near the Kleinbaai beach from where she allegedly still keeps an eye on her men…
Dyer Island is clearly visible from Kleinbaai and the main activity on the island is still the harvesting of guano.