Visitors to St Francis Bay are literally spoilt for choice with enough to do to keep you busy for a month on Sundays. Here are some of our recommendations, should you be able to tear yourself away fron the incredible golf here at the links!
St Francis Bay Golf Club
St Francis Bay Golf Course, Lyme Road South, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape / St Francis Bay Golf Club is situated in the village of St Francis Bay on the warm Indian Ocean coastline of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The St Francis Bay Golf Club is renowned country-wide for its warm hospitality and a great club spirit, which has been the essence of the club over the years, and continues to grow. For all golfers, especially those visiting the Eastern Cape in South Africa, the opportunity to visit St Francis Bay Golf Club for a couple of rounds should not be missed.
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.
The Course: The moderate length of the course will ensure a pleasurable game for the average golfer, yet provide the challenge of “thinking golf” for those wishing to break par 71. The par 71 course includes five par 3’s and is destined to become the best 18 hole holiday course in the Eastern Cape.
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
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.
Canal Cruises: St Francis Safari’s
Exploring the canals by canoe or boat. R195.00 per person (cruise only) depending on the boat choice as well as the time of the trip. Bookings: 082 569 3750 (Mr. Christy)
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 multitude of fauna and flora, it is easy to lose oneself in the alluring beauty of St Francis Bay nature. Carol Logie will be your guide for this walk. A once off charge of R600.00 will apply. Allow +/- 2 and a half hours for the walk, weather permitting.
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.
Yachting
The unique and sheltered harbour at Port St. Francis provides anchorage for yachts. St. Francis Marine is known for their luxury catamarans which are exported to all corners of the world.
Sea Safaris
This is a once in a lifetime experience. You can see the following sea animal’s whale, dolphin, sharks, seals & Bird species. Cruises range from Eco Cruises, Champagne cruises, river cruises etc
Sea break Adventures
Cruise the beautiful Indian Ocean and the tranquil waters of magnificent St Francis Bay. The boat: “Sunfish”, skipper: Robert Smith (SAMSA Registered). 28 ft Buttcat. Max 12 persons per cruise. Booking essential. Sea Break Adventures offer a Bay Cruise (1 hour R130pp; departure any time of day), Sunset Cruise (1 hour R130pp; departure 1 hour before sunset) and are available for teambuilding, corporate functions, birthdays or any special event. Snack platters and refreshments available on request. Contact: Reception at Cape St Francis Resort – 042 298 0054 or Rob on 082 4925181.
Big Game Fishing
All types of fishing can be organized, ranging from rock and surf, light tackle, fly fishing to deep sea and bottom fishing. Charters can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Morning/afternoon or full day trips. Top of the range fishing tackle (Shimano, Penn, Halco), Bait is provided and you get to keep your catch.
St Francis Bay Squash Club
Feel like playing some sport activities. Then squash is the perfect choice. Phone 042 294 0969 for more info.
Search for the perfect Wave (Surfing)
Surfing film pioneer Bruce Brown hunted the world’s perfect surf spots in the 1960’s cult film classic ‘ The Endless Summer’. The tag line; ‘The Search for the Perfect Wave’. Featured surf spot; Seal Point, Cape St Francis Bay, sunny South Africa. Or you can drive 30 minutes to Jeffrey’s Bay which is known for their spectacular waves.
Bowling
St Francis has an attractive bowling club with superbly tended greens. Tabs in and competitions all year round. For more info please contact (042)294 0728 Horse Riding Take in the sights on horse-back, with a choice of fynbos, or coastal trails. Please contact Ponderosa stables on 082 423 4097 Scuba Diving Equipment and boat supplied. Explore the underwater world @ Port St. Francis. Snorkeling Explore the reefs or just have fun at “Granny’s Pool”. Tennis Regular competitions are played and these facilities are open to visitors. For more info please contact (042) 298 0492.
For a workout at the Shipshape gym, please contact Adrian Theron on 079 081 6939 for rates.
Parkrun
Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in, St Francis Links is proud to host parkrun St Francis every Saturday morning at 8h00, earning you 500 Vitality points per run if you are with Discovery. All you need to do is register on: parkrun.co.za/register, print your barcode and come join in on the fun.
St. Francis Bay Square
Various Shops can be found in St. Francis Bay Village and Square. Shops like Superspar and Tops, Friendly’s Convenience Store, Vee’s Video, Village Hardware, Viking Bakery, The Butcher Shop, FNB, Standard Bank, Billabong Clothing Shops, Boutiques, SFB Tourism Office.
Fountains Mall – Jeffrey’s Bay
Various Shops can be found in the New Fountains Mall like Pick & Pay, Wimpy, Game, Click’s, Musica, CNA, Mr. Price, Woolworths, Edgars, Truworths, Foschini, Milady’s, various other clothing shops, jewelers, coffee shops and restaurants. The nearest movie theater is also in Jeffrey’s Bay at the Fountain’s Mall. Contact 042 200 2900
Dining Out
St Francis has a wide variety of licensed restaurants, coffee shops and pubs, providing you with many options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for the Famous Santa Burger here at The Links, a fine-dining experience in the Lighthouse at the Links or great meals at one of our great neighbours establishments. Whether it’s a hamburger, seafood or even international cuisine, you’ll find it in St Francis and the nearby surrounds