#1 Explore Cape St Francis Nature Reserve
While Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and surrounds are home to several nature reserves, one of the best to visit is Cape St Francis Nature Reserve.
A few minutes’ drive from St Francis Bay proper, this beautiful nature reserve offers a number of walks (suitable for all ages and fitness levels); stunning surrounding coastal scenery; and the chance to see indigenous plant- and animal-life.
For more information on the reserve, entry fees and hikes/walking trails, please speak to the local tourism bodies or visit www.capestfrancis.co.za.
Contact: +27 (042) 298-0073
Website: www.capestfrancis.co.za
Address: Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, Cape St Francis, St Francis Drive, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#2 Enjoy MTB Fun in St Francis Bay
If you love MTB riding, then St Francis Bay is a dream destination. There are several different MTB trails and loops to enjoy around this holiday town.
These include trails such as the St Francis Bay single track loop; Milk Run (a 37-kilometre ride over a mix of gravel and tar); Oyster Bay loop and Kamaria (which offers three different trails for riders of all levels).
For more information, please see the St Francis Tourism website or contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#3 Explore the St Francis Community Garden
For those who prefer a quieter day of adventure, the St Francis Community Garden is the perfect day outing.
Here, visitors can soak up the tranquil setting, enjoy a picnic or wander along the garden paths.
The garden offers everything from lovely walks to benches that enjoy scenic views and even the chance to see the seasonal streams that flow through it. It is also a haven for bird watching and plant spotting.
For more information, please see the St Francis Tourism website or contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: St Francis Community Garden, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#4 Surf Up a Storm in St Francis Bay
It goes without saying that St Francis Bay and the Greater St Francis Region makes for an excellent surfing destination.
The best waves are enjoyed between May to September but, if you get lucky, you can find some great waves throughout the year.
For more information, please see the St Francis Tourism website or contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#5 Enjoy Seasonal Whale Watching and Dolphin Spotting
St Francis Bay is also well-known and loved for its rich, diverse marine life. This includes seasonal whale watching and dolphin sightings.
Both boat-based dolphin and whale watching is available for Port St Francis, as the only legal boat tour service operates from there.
For more information, please see the St Francis Tourism website or contact them directly.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: Port St Francis, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#6 Stop by Seal Point Lighthouse
First lit in July 1878, Seal Point Lighthouse has remained a constant beacon of light, as well as a local tourism attraction in the Eastern Cape, ever since.
Today, visitors can not only explore the lighthouse but they can even dine here and/or enjoy an overnight stay, thanks to the nearby accommodation and Nevermind Restaurant.
To enjoy a tour of the lighthouse, you can book a Tower Tours (which runs from Monday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, weather-dependent) for R50 per person. Unfortunately, children under 7 are not permitted on the tour.
Contact: +27 (066) 421 1532, info@sealpointlighthouse.com
Website: sealpointlighthouse.com
Address: Seal Point Lighthouse, Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa
#7 Head on a Canal or River Cruise
Visitors and locals in St Francis Bay can also enjoy stunning, peaceful river or canal cruises. There are several different tour operators but each offers a memorable experience.
Some tours include stops at a secret beach for a quick swim, while others ensure the ultimate luxury experience abroad an intimate, 12-seater river barge.
For more information on river and canal cruises, please speak to the local tourism bodies or visit https://stfrancisbaycanals.com/canal-river-cruises/.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0079, harbour@sfbra.co.za
Website: stfrancisbaycanals.com
Address: St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#8 Tee Up at St Francis Golf Course
St Francis Bay Golf Club and course is known and loved country-wide for its warm hospitality, fun club spirit and excellent 18-hole golf course, which is situated on an estate that beautifully overlooks the ocean.
Visit this special golf club and golf course for a memorable round of golf.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0467, info@stfrancisgolf.co.za
Website: stfrancisgolf.co.za
Address: St Francis Bay Golf, 556 Lyme Road South, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#9 Head to Lookout Point
If you head past Port St Francis, you will find the rather iconic Lookout Point, which forms part of St Francis Drive.
Once here, take a short walk or hike to the top and enjoy the 360-degree views of St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis from the perfectly positioned benches.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: Lookout Point, St Francis Drive, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#10 Head out onto the Water
St Francis and its surrounds are perfect for a range of water-based sports and outdoor fun.
This includes everything from the aforementioned surfing and cruises to kitesurfing, stand up paddle boarding/SUP and ski surfing and more.
Contact: +27 (042) 294 0076, info@stfrancistourism.co.za
Website: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
Address: Lookout Point, St Francis Drive, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best activities to enjoy in and around St Francis Bay!