Area Experiences
Golf at St Francis Bay Golf Club
The origins of the St Francis Bay Golf Club date back to 1975 when Leighton Hulett opened a 9 hole private golf course. Since then, many exciting changes have taken place and today our 18 hole coastal golf course compares favorably with the best courses on offer in the Eastern Cape.
We are proud to present golf packages featuring the Links and St Francis Bay Golf Club. info@stfrancisgolf.co.za | 042 294 0467
Play 3 of the Top Ten Courses
Spoil yourself with a legendary golf holiday, taking in three of South Africa’s top ten courses (as rated by Golf Digest). From Pearl Valley (# 3) in the heart of the Cape Winelands to The Links at Fancourt (# 1) on the spectacular Garden Route and St Francis Links (# 6) in the Eastern Cape, you’ll discover exactly what South Africa is made of, both on and off the tee.
Port St Francis
Forget the big city waterfront crowds, the commercial harbour of Port St Francis, built in 1995, has always held a unique charm because of both its size and the constant activity. It also boasts lovely restaurants worthy of a visit.
Canal Cruises
Exploring the canals by canoe or boat is a highlight! Let us put you in touch with those who host these lovely activities.
Beaching and Beach Walks
One can spend many leisurely hours on the wide beaches stretching from Seal Point to Shark Point. Johnson’s pool provides a sheltered swimming area and is a great place to take the children. At Main Beach lifesavers do daily duty from mid December to mid January, the summer peak season time.
Surfing the Perfect Wave
Surfing film pioneer Bruce Brown hunted the world's perfect surf spots in the 1960's cult film classic ' The Endless Summer' and he found it right here in St Francis Bay! World famous for excellent surf, Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay all offer the challenge.
Lighthouse at Cape St Francis
The lighthouse was built in 1878 to warn ships of the dangerous reefs that stretch more than a kilometer out to sea. It is the tallest masonry tower on the South African coast, standing at a height of 27.5 meters and is now a National Monument.
St Francis Bay Squash Club
Feel like building up a sweat? Then squash is the perfect choice.
Tel: 083 601 4848
Sea Safaris
This is a once in a lifetime experience. Depending on the season, you could spot whales, dolphins, sharks, seals & bird species. Cruises range from Eco Cruises, Champagne cruises, river cruises etc.
Bowling
St Francis has an attractive bowling club with superbly tended greens.
parkrun
parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are easy to take part in, whether walking or running. St Francis Links is proud to host parkrun St Francis every Saturday morning at 8h00. All you need to do is register for free on: parkrun.co.za/register, print your barcode and come join in on the fun.
To visit the local St Francis parkrun page: parkrun.co.za/stfrancis
Sand River Walk
Enjoy a leisurely walk with someone special, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the cool water and the sand between your toes. With its spectacular fauna and flora, it is easy to lose oneself in the alluring beauty of St Francis Bay nature. Botanical expert Caryl Logie will be your guide for this walk which lasts just over 2 hours, weather permitting. A once off charge of R600 will apply.
Tennis
Regular competitions are played and these facilities are open to visitors.
Horse Riding
Take in the sights on horseback, with a choice of fynbos, or coastal trails.
Birding
Hundreds of bird species flourish in the surrounding area. During walks, you could enjoy identifying as many as possible.
St Francis Bay Village
Various shops can be found in St. Francis Bay Village and Square. Shops like Superspar and Tops, the Village Hardware, Verandah for gifts and clothing, the Bakery, The Butcher Shop, Standard Bank, Billabong Clothing Shops, Boutiques etc welcome you.
More about St Francis Bay
St Francis Bay was first sighted by Portuguese sailors in 1575 and is named after the Patron Saint of Sailors, St Francis. Situated only an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth and only 15 minutes off the N2, St Francis Bay beckons.
This unique and exclusive paradise on South Africa's Kouga Coast draws holiday-makers from all over the world to enjoy the glorious beaches lapped by the warm Indian Ocean, excellent water-sport facilities, a leisurely lifestyle and the magical beauty of its unspoilt surroundings.
This magnificent up-market village is unique in that the architecture with its aesthetic uniformity blend harmoniously with the green of the indigenous heritage which surrounds it.
The Kromme River, navigable for 10km's twists and winds its way down to an extensive canal system lined with charming white-walled homes with thatched roofs, offering residents and holiday makers an exotic marina lifestyle. The marina gives way to Mediterranean style homes crowned with terracotta tiles in Santareme and luxury apartments, encircling the turquoise waters, at Port St Francis.
In the distance lies the informal village of Cape St Francis with its historical lighthouse and 15km's to the west, Oyster Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1878 to warn ships of the dangerous reefs that stretch more than a kilometre out to sea. It is the tallest masonry tower on the South African coast, standing at a height of 27.5 meters and is now a National Monument.
St Francis Bay is now famous as one of the surfing hotspots in the world. The 1966 film, The Endless Summer, directed by Bruce Brown, follows two surfers (Mike Hynson and Robert August) around the world in their search for the perfect wave … which of course they find in St Francis Bay! Nearby Jeffreys Bay hosts the annual WSL Open J-Bay surf event which features the world’s top ranked surfing elite including 11-time world title holder, Kelly Slater who is a single-figure handicapped golfer and frequents the fairways of St Francis Links when he is not surfing!
We can arrange everything from tennis to tuna fishing, river and canal cruising to walking on the Wild Side. St Francis Bay and her surrounds offer more healthy and relaxing choices for good entertainment, most of which comes at no cost all...Mother Nature provides it for you!