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Saint Francis Bay

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Discover premier golf, surfing, and fishing in St Francis Bay, a historic coastal town named by Portuguese sailors in the Eastern Cape.

Best Of Saint Francis Bay

About Saint Francis Bay

Saint Francis Bay, The Canal Village of the Sunshine Coast

The defining feature of Saint Francis Bay is its network of canals, a unique characteristic on this stretch of coast, best appreciated from the water on a canal cruise or from the Two Harbours Walk that connects the village’s distinct marinas. This walk provides a direct route to view the activity around the working harbour and the leisure craft, with the Indian Ocean as a constant backdrop.

The area’s maritime connection is deep-rooted, with the name ‘St Francis’ itself chosen in honour of the Patron Saint of Sailors by a Portuguese sailor who first recorded sighting this coast in 1575. This historical nod to seafaring remains fitting for a community oriented around its waterways and the ocean.

Activities here are firmly tied to specific locations. On the water, boat cruises and kayaking explore the canals and the Kromme River, while the beaches at Saint Francis Bay and the nearby headland of Cape St Francis offer consistent surf. The rocky promontory at Seal Point is a prime location for seal spotting and, during the right seasons, whale and dolphin watching from the shore. On land, the area is a notable destination for golf, with the distinct challenges of both the St Francis Bay Golf Club and the acclaimed St Francis Links course. For a change of pace, the sand dunes near the coast allow for sandboarding, and local operators offer 4×4 routes and horse-riding along the beach.

With a Mediterranean climate and an average annual temperature of 17.9°C, the area suits visitors looking for outdoor pursuits year-round, particularly golfers, families, and water sports enthusiasts. It functions well as a dedicated holiday destination rather than a brief stopover. The local calendar includes culinary events that highlight the region’s produce, such as the Chef’s Table with Anthonij Rupert Wine, focusing on fine dining and wine tasting.

Saint Francis Bay is conveniently positioned for exploring the Eastern Cape coast, with the surf centre of Jeffreys Bay just a short drive away for additional surf spots, and larger centres like Gqeberha and Port Alfred within reach for day trips. After a day on the links, the waves, or the waterways, the village offers its own rewards, from tasting local chokka (calamari) at a waterfront restaurant to browsing the works at local art galleries.

Places To Visit

Aberdeen Addo Adelaide Alexandria Alicedale Aliwal North Barkly East Bathurst Baviaanskloof Beacon Bay Bedford Bhisho Boknes Strand Burgersdorp Bushman’s River Mouth Buyskloof Cala Cannon Rocks Cape Saint Francis Cathcart Centane Chintsa Coffee Bay Cofimvaba Cookhouse De Vlakte Despatch Dordrecht Dutywa East London Elliot eMaxesibeni Flagstaff Fort Beaufort Fort Brown Gcuwa Gonubie Gqeberha Graaff-Reinet Grahamstown Gxarha Haga Haga Hamburg Hankey Hluleka Hofmeyr Hogsback Humansdorp James Calata Jansenville Jeffreys Bay Kareedouw Kariega Kei Mouth Kei Road Keiskammahoek Kenton-on-Sea Khowa Kidd`s Beach Kirkwood Klipplaat Komani Kougadam Kromriver KwaBhaca KwaMaqoma KwaNojoli Kwelerha Lady Grey Loerie Lusikisiki Maclear Makhanda Malalane Maletswai Matatiele Maxambeni Mbizana Mdantsane Mdumbi Middelburg Molteno Mount Frere Mthatha Ncanarha Ndabakazi Ngcobo Ngqeleni Nieu-Bethesda Nomlengane Nqanqarhu Nqweba Ntabankulu Nxuba Oyster Bay Patensie Paterson Pearston Port Alfred Port Elizabeth Port Saint Johns Qamata Qolora Mouth Qonce Queenstown Qumrha Qunu Rhodes Riebeek East Saint Francis Bay Salem Selborne Seymore Sidbury Sterkspruit Sterkstroom Steynsburg Steytlerville Storms River Stormsrivier Stutterheim Sunland Tarkastad Thornhill Tsitsikamma Tsomo Ugie Uitenhage Umtata Venterstad Willowmore Xesi