| The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising | | | | repair location for their sailing ships. The French |
| and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. | | | | used Schaapeneiland (situated a stone's throw |
| This is unlike most lagoons which form where | | | | from Langebaan beach) as a storage place for |
| fresh water rivers enter the sea (like Milnerton | | | | whale oil and seal hides (they called it "Isle à |
| lagoon). As a result, Langebaan Lagoon is a purely | | | | la Biche"). More recently, the whaling station was |
| salt water lagoon. | | | | situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the |
| As far back as 500 000 years ago, early Homo | | | | town. A reminder of Langebaan's whaling history |
| sapiens were probably present in the area, living in | | | | is the harpoon gun outside the Municipal Buildings. |
| groups and hunting small game, displacing | | | | Langebaan is well known as it is the ornithological |
| carnivores, such as lions, from their kills and | | | | capital of South Africa, has recorded the largest |
| gathering plant foods. They made fire as | | | | oyster shell deposits in the world and enjoys a |
| protection and for cooking and probably made | | | | moderate climate with cool air and long sunlit days. |
| simple shelters from branches. They probably | | | | In winter it is never very cold and the long |
| used animal skins for warmth and clothing. They | | | | summer days are never unbearably hot. |
| made wooden and stone tools. | | | | To protect it's culture as a fishing, holiday and |
| The town's European history began about 400 | | | | retirement village, the town allows no industries. |
| years back. In the 1600's, the Dutch East India | | | | The mild climate, beautiful surroundings and calm |
| Company used Saldanha Bay's calm waters as a | | | | waters provide a constant stream of visitors. |