Whether it’s a bit of adventure you seek, or simply time for a little rest and relaxation, you’ll find just what you’re looking for in St Francis! With its sheltered waters in the river and the bay it's a paradise for water-sport enthusiasts. The emphasis is on outdoor life, with the bracing sea air, lots of sunshine and unspoilt surroundings.

Bathing: One can spend many leisurely hours on the gentle sloping beach which stretches for 3 kilometres 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 are 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 vagrant birds.

Boating: Boats are available for hire. This is a wonderful way to explore the Kromme River, which is navigable for 10 kms, or simply to admire the canals and canal homes.

Bowling: St Francis has an active 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’ll never forget.

Canoeing & Kayaking: Canoe hire available. The canals provide an excellent setting for a lazy afternoon of canoeing, or for something a little more fast 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 Reserve: A walk along the beach to Shark Point will lead you to the shipwreck of the “Genisis” (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 9 hole courses at Humansdorp’s (10 minutes away) and Hankey (40 minutes away).

Hoby Cating: 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.

Rubberducking: At sea, in the river and along the canals.

Sandboarding: 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, and dive oysters and mussels. Get your daily limit off the rocks.

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.

Snorkelling: 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 through the nature reserves, to more athletic hikes across the Sand River dune system. Absorb fresh sea air while tackling the “Two Harbours” walk or stroll around the Community Garden at sunset.

Water-skiing: The Kromme River offers an ideal location for the water skiing enthusiast.

Whale watching: Best time of the year to capture the enthralling sights of Humpback and Southern Right whales in the bay is from May to
September. Otters, seals, penguins all abound at St Francis and can be spotted from the many look out sights along the coast

Windsurfing: And the new craze kite surfing takes 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 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/pixnic - December
Port St Francis Triathlon - 26 December

DAY TRIPS
St Francis is the perfect place from which to explore the region and the Garden Route. Less than an hours drive by car 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 offers malaria-free game viewing.

LOMBARDINI GAME FARM
Situated on the pixturesque lands of the Eastern Cape Lombardini has 18 species of game, including Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra and Eland. We offer game drives & horse safaris and are only 20km from St Francis Bay.

ADDO NATIONAL ELEPHANT PARK
This 12 000 hectare 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 (1 ½ hours) from St Francis Bay. Take the N2 to Port Elizabeth, and then the R335 to the park.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
This 18 000 hectare private game reserve offers malaria free game viewing, including Africa’s Big Five. Game drives in Landrovers are 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 area well known for its citrus, tobacco and vegetables. Spend some time in this area at the local farmstalls and coffee shops, and then head on to the Baviaanskloof, a unique piece of unspoiled wilderness to the foothills. Baviaanskloof is a 3/4 hour drive from St Francis en route to George or Oudtshoorn.

GAMTOOS RIVER: A free flowing river renowned for giant Kabeljouw that are caught there. It lies 30 min from St Francis Bay on the N2 to Port Elizabeth.

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. Storms River less than 50min from St Francis Bay. Adventure lovers will be in their element – go bungy jumping at Blaaukrantz Bridge, the world’s highest bungy, bridge walking, blackwater tubing or whizz through the tree tops on a Canopy Tour – the choices are endless!

JEFFREYS BAY
A surfer's mecca at Supertubes.

LANGKLOOF FRUIT ROUTE
Adjacent to the Gamtoos Valley.