History Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to explore this region in 1486. The bay, although famous for centuries as a haven for ships, is actually a rather poor natural harbour and is exposed to storm waves from the northwest. Many sailing ships seeking refuge in the bay during the 17th and 18th centuries were driven ashore by winter storms.
HIstorY barTolOmEu dIAs was the firsT euroPEan tO ExplOre ThIs regIoN in 1486 the bAy aLtHOuGH fAmOUS FoR cenTUrieS as a haven for ships is actuAlLy a RaTher poor nAtural HarboUR aND is Exposed to storm waveS From thE NorThWest mAny sailIng ships seekINg rEfuGE in THe bAy durInG the 17th aNd 18tH cenTurieS WeRe driveN ashOre by winTer stormS