Bathing
One can spend many leisurely hours on the gentle sloping beach which stretches for 3 kilometers all along the curve of the land to the estuary. The cove on the Kromme River provides a sheltered, safe swimming area and is a great place to take the children. Or try Hobie Beach , Main Beach or Granny's Pool which is a safe, quaint tidal pool. Birding
There area more than 170 species of birds to be spotted in the area. A comprehensive list is available from Tourism. Being on a promontory, St Francis also attracts a number of migrant birds.
Bowling
St Francis has an attractive bowling club with superbly tended greens. Tabs in and competitions all year round.
Canal & River Cruises
If you prefer not to hire a boat, there's no need to miss out on enjoying some time on the canals or river. Go on a canal or river cruise that you will never forget.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Canoe hire available. The canals provide an excellent setting for a lazy afternoon of canoeing, or for something a little faster paced, the Kromme River will provide you with the adventure. Guided river kayaking trips are also offered.
Cape St Francis Lighthouse
View this historical landmark at Seal Point in Cape St Francis.
Cape St Francis Nature Reserve
A walk along the beach to Shark Point will lead you to the shipwreck of the "Genesis" (1994). This 70ft yacht is the most recent wreckage of many along this treacherous coastline.
Cycling
Bicycles are available for hire. This is a great way for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy a day in St Francis, taking in the fresh sea air, as well as the sights and sounds.
Fishing
Deep-sea fishing charters with equipment are provided. River, rock and surf fishing is plentiful, and a great day will be had by any fisherman.
Golf
For a day on the fairways, St Francis Bay Golf Club offers a magnificent 18-hole golf course as close to a links course as you will get. If you feel like a change try the courses at Humansdorp (10 minutes away) and Hankey (40 minutes away).
Hobie Catting
The bay offers safe sailing conditions and is the home to some of the countries top regattas.
Horse Riding
Take in the sights on horse-back, with a choice of fynbos, or coastal trails.
Irma Booysen Floral Reserve
Discover the wonder of the fynbos world and a wealth of indigenous plants and prolific birdlife.
Jet Ski-ing
Is permitted on certain sections of the Kromme River .
Rubber ducking
At sea, in the river and along the canals.
Sand boarding
On the Sand River dunes nearby. Provides thrills to both novice and expert.
Scenic Flights
View St Francis from the air and you will have a new appreciation for this beautiful area.
Scuba Diving
Equipment and boat supplied. Explore the underwater world.
Sea Kayaking
Guided sea trails available. Venture into the ocean for a "close encounter" with seals, dolphins and whales.
Seal Bay Nature Reserve
This fynbos reserve lies along a particularly beautiful curved stretch of beach.
Seal Point Nature Reserve
This coastal reserve has a number of marked trails to wander, whilst enjoying the ocean views.
Snorkeling
Explore the reefs or just have fun at "Granny's Pool".
Squash
A modern court with a second planned. Visitors are always welcome.
Surfing
St Francis Bay is world famous for its surfing waves, called "Bruce's Beauties" after the photographer who featured them in the 1960's cult film "Endless Summer". Head for Bruce's Beauties and Seal Point if you want to catch the waves!
Tennis
Regular competitions are played and these facilities are open to visitors.
Walks
There are a number of walks in the area, from relaxing strolls in the nature reserves, to more athletic across the Sand River dune system. Absorb fresh sea air while tackling the " Two Harbour 's" walk or stroll around the Community Garden at sunset.
Water Skiing
The Kromme River offers an ideal location for the water ski-ing enthusiast.
Whale Watching
Best time of the year to capture the enthralling sights of the Humpback and Southern Right Whales in the bay is from May to September. Otters, seals, penguins all abound in St Francis and can be spotted from the many look out sights along the coast.
Windsurfing
And the new craze - Kite Surfing, take place along the coast or in the estuary.
Yachting
The unique and sheltered harbour at Port St Francis provides anchorage for ocean-going yachts. St Francis marine builders are known for their luxury catamarans which are exported to all corners of the world.
Festivals - Annual Events
"Easter Affair" - Easter Weekend
Women's Week - August
Calamari Festival - Late September
Calamari Golf Classic - Late September
Outdoor Music Concert/Picnic - December
National Parks and Surrounding areas St Francis is the perfect place from which to explore the region and the Garden Route
Less then an hours drive from the coast, various private and national parks have ensured that the area is well stocked with a multitude of different game species, including the "Big 5". A licensed private airfield, situated between St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis, with a 1000m grass runway caters for light aircraft and is ideal for those who wish to fly in and out to the surrounding game parks which offer malaria-free game viewing.
Lombardini Game Park
Situated on the picturesque lands of the Eastern Cape Lombardini has 18 species of game, including Rhino, Buffalo , Giraffe, Zebra and Eland. They offer game drives and horse safaris and are only 20km from St Francis Bay.
Addo National Elephant Park
This 12,000ha park is home to the world's densest population of elephants. Go on a guided game drive, or a self-drive tour of the park. Addo is 150km (90 minutes) from St Francis Bay. Take the N2 to Port Elizabeth , and then the R335 to the park.
Shamwari Game Reserve
This 18,000ha private game reserve offers malaria-free game viewing, including Africa 's Big Five. Game drives in Land rovers area conducted in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Shamwari is a 2 hour drive from St Francis Bay. It's situated on the N2 past Port Elizabeth .
Baviaanskloof Wilderness
This area is ideal for 4x4 enthusiasts. Head towards the Gamtoos Valley , and the area well known for its citrus, tobacco and vegetables. Spend some time in this area at the local farm stalls and coffee shops and then head on to the Baviaanskloof, a unique piece of un-spoilt wilderness to the foothills. Baviaanskloof is a 45 minute drive from St Francis en route to George or Oudtshoorn.
Garden Route
Head west towards the Garden Route to enjoy the high mountains, deep gorges, and rugged coastline covered with tall indigenous forests of the Tsitsikamma. First stop: Storms River , less than 50 minutes from St Francis Bay. Adventure lovers will be in their element - go bungee jumping at Blaaukrantz Bridge , the world's highest bungee, bridge walking, black water tubing or whiz through the trees on a Canopy Tour - the choices are endless!
Cape St Francis Nature Reserve
A walk along the beach to Shark Point will lead you to the shipwreck of the "Genesis" (1994). This 70ft yacht is the most recent wreckage of many along this treacherous coastline. Gamtoos River
A free-flowing river renowned for giant Kabeljouw that are caught there. It lies 30 minutes from St Francis Bay on the N2 to Port Elizabeth .
Jeffrey's Bay
A surfer's Mecca .
Langkloof Fruit Route
Adjacent to the Gamtoos Valley , this route is well known as the Apple Basket of the Garden Route.
Take a drive to:
- Jeffrey's Bay 30 minutes
- Gamtoos/Baviaanskloof 30 minutes
- Langkloof Fruit Route 60 minutes
- Tsitsikamma Forest 60 minutes
- Port Elizabeth 70 minutes
- Sea view Lion Park
- Homeleigh Animal Farm
- Addo National Elephant Park 90 minutes
- Shamwari Game Reserve 120 minutes
- Plettenberg Bay 100 minutes
- Knysna 120 minutes
- Kariega Park Game Reserve 165 minutes
Restaurants at the Port:
- Captains Table
- Quayside Coffee Shop and Restaurant
- Dock O' Bay - for the very best in sea food
- Chokka Block
- The Porthole Pub
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