The major industry in Elands Bay is tourism, with a world-class surfing spot found here. Known as “the best left-hand break in South Africa” the waves that wrap around Bobbejaan’s Point just outside of town attract thousands of surfers each year.

In addition, the camping site in Elands Bay has its regulars, who bring their caravans and families year in and year out to enjoy the town’s atmosphere and steady climate. The Elands Bay Hotel, like all hotels in small towns on the West Coast, is an institution which attracts surfers and land-lovers alike, who visit the bar for a dop (a drink) every so often.

Just beyond Baboon Point (so named because it resembles a baboon) is Elands Bay cave, with Bushman rock art depicting hand prints and human figures. The cave is another major tourist attraction.

There are no signposts on the way to Elands Bay. The road simply narrows and the ocean comes into view, and after that, a scattering of buildings, of which the three crayfish factories are the biggest. Presumably named for the large antelope that used to roam here, the town is home to abundant birdlife that congregate in the Verlorenvlei wetland – a favoured birding spot which attracts birders from far and wide.