Win-win for our guests
Partner offers & discount codes
Our partners look after St Francis Safaris guests with special deals. Copy the code, then use it on the partner’s website or show it when you visit.
Partner offers are on their way
We’re lining up the best places to stay, eat and play in St Francis Bay. Check back soon – or, if you run a local business and would like to offer our guests a deal, get in touch.
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St Francis Bay at a glance
Three villages, one bay: St Francis Bay with its canals, Port St Francis harbour – where all our trips start – and Cape St Francis with its lighthouse and wild coastline.
Where we start
Port St Francis
The working harbour of the bay and home of the chokka (squid) fleet. Watch the boats come in, grab a meal at the waterfront and meet our crew before your trip.
Tip: arrive 15 minutes early for your trip – parking is right at the harbour.
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The St Francis canals
Rows of white-walled homes with black thatched roofs line the canals – one of the most photographed sights on this coast.
Tip: see them from the water on our canal cruise, with a stop at Secret Beach.
Landmark
Cape St Francis Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse at Seal Point is listed as the tallest masonry lighthouse tower on the South African coast, guarding a reef that lies about a kilometre out to sea.
Tip: go late afternoon for the light, then stay for sunset at Seal Point.
River
The Kromme River
A winding estuary that’s navigable for around 10 km, with quiet inlets, steep green banks and plenty of birdlife.
Tip: pack a picnic for our Kromme River cruise – we stop upriver for a swim.
Wildlife
Whales & dolphins
From June to November, Humpback and Southern Right whales pass along our coast. Common dolphins and endangered Humpback dolphins are seen all year.
Tip: book whale watching early in the season – July to October is busiest.
Seals
Shark Point
Up the coast past dunes and the reserve, a colony of seals lazes on the rocks – a favourite with kids and photographers.
Tip: our Eco Cruise takes you right there.
Sun, sand & waves
Beaches & surf
Swimming
St Francis Bay main beach
Long white sand and some of the safest bathing on this stretch of coast – ideal for families.
Surf
Bruce’s Beauties
The legendary right-hand point break near Cape St Francis made famous by the 1966 surf film The Endless Summer. It only works on the right swell – when it does, it’s magic.
Surf
Seal Point
A consistent, well-known right-hander next to the lighthouse, and a great spot to watch surfers and the sunset.
Outdoors
Nature, walks & golf
Fynbos
Irma Booysen Flora Reserve
A small reserve protecting local fynbos – lovely for a gentle walk and wildflower spotting.
Hiking
Chokka Trail
A guided, slack-packing coastal trail through the St Francis area – you walk, your bags are moved for you.
Golf
St Francis Links & St Francis Bay Golf Club
St Francis Links is a Jack Nicklaus signature course that opened in 2006; the St Francis Bay Golf Club is the village’s established course.
Further afield
Easy day trips
Surf town
Jeffreys Bay
A short drive up the coast: world-famous Supertubes, surf shops and factory outlets.
River mouth
Gamtoos River Mouth
Calm, warm river water for swimming and fishing, between Jeffreys Bay and Gqeberha.
Seabirds
SANCCOB seabird centre, Gqeberha
About an hour’s drive away in Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Short guided tours run daily, with penguin feeding times morning and afternoon.
Ambassadors & partners
Grow with us – a win-win
Local businesses: offer St Francis Safaris guests a discount and we’ll feature you in this guide, with your code and a link to your website.
Brand ambassadors: get your own St Francis Safaris code to share with your followers, friends and guests. Every booking made with your code is tracked back to you.
- Send us a message with your business or social media details.
- We agree on an offer and set up your code.
- Your listing goes live here – and your code works on our booking form.
Got an ambassador code?
Enter it in the Ambassador / promo code box when you book – we apply your discount when we confirm your trip.
Planning more of your stay? Visit St Francis Tourism for events, accommodation and local news.
Make the ocean part of your stay
Fishing, whales or a sunset cruise – book a trip with the local crew.