COASTAL activities

WHALE WATCHING

From July to December, the waters off South Africa come alive with the playful antics of Southern Right whales. Watch in wonder as they breach, lobtail, spy hop, and splash with sheer joy—a spectacular display of nature’s grandeur. These gentle giants travel from the Antarctic to our coastline to mate, calve, and, as many believe, simply have fun!

During this season, you’ll mostly spot mothers and their calves, gliding gracefully through the water. Stand in awe as they wave a fin or slap the water with a tail in exuberant celebration. With luck, you might witness the jaw-dropping sight of several tons of whale launching from the sea, landing with unmatched power. Having feasted in the Antarctic for six months, these majestic creatures are now on “vacation,” full of energy and curiosity. Sometimes, they even swim right up to boats for a closer look, leaving visitors utterly captivated. It’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Some of the best land-based whale watching spots include:

Agulhas National Park – offering scenic vantage points along the coastline.
De Mond Nature Reserve – a natural lookout with excellent visibility.
Koppie Alleen in De Hoop Nature Reserve – perched atop the dunes for panoramic views.

For an even closer encounter, Cape Sea Safaris runs 2-hour whale watching boat trips daily from Struisbaai Harbour between August and November. Trips start at R1,250 per person, and bookings can be made on their website.

Nearby Attractions & Travel Times:

Langezandt Beach – 5 minutes’ walk
Cape Sea Safaris – 5 minutes’ drive
De Mond Nature Reserve – 25 minutes’ drive
Agulhas National Park – 35 minutes’ drive
De Hoop Nature Reserve – 1 hour’s drive

Witness the extraordinary charm and playful spirit of Southern Right whales—it’s a spectacle you’ll never forget.

SUNSET CRUISE

Set sail from Struisbaai Harbour with Awesome Charters, where adventure and relaxation meet the sea. Fishing enthusiasts can experience deep sea fishing in some of South Africa’s most renowned fishing grounds, while thrill-seekers can enjoy spear fishing, diving charters, and full-day trips.

For a more leisurely experience, unwind on an hour-long sundowner cruise, or take a 30-minute scenic trip around the bay, soaking in the stunning coastal views and vibrant sunsets. Whether chasing the catch of the day or simply savoring the ocean breeze, Awesome Charters offers unforgettable memories on the water.

L'AGULHAS TIDAL POOL

Nestled along the L’Agulhas coastline, the L’Agulhas Tidal Pools offer a safe and relaxing way to enjoy the ocean. These man-made pools fill with seawater, giving you the joy of swimming in the sea without worrying about tides or rocks.

The area features a grassy field with benches, perfect for a picnic, and a small playground with swings and a slide for the little ones. Whether you’re in the pool or lounging on the grass, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and even catch a glimpse of the iconic lighthouse in the distance.

FISHING

Struisbaai is a paradise for anglers, with its long sandy beaches and harbour wall offering excellent shore fishing spots. Whether it’s day or night, you’ll find fishermen casting for Shad, Kob, Galjoen, Spotted Grunter, and more, while adventurous anglers may encounter Elf, Garrick, Musselcracker, smaller sharks, Belman, Puffer fish, and Kolsterte. The harbour wall is welcoming to fishers of all ages, making it perfect for a family outing.

For a professional deep sea fishing experience, book a trip with Awesome Charters at the harbour. Other trusted local operators include Morgan Rose Fishing Charters, Cape Agulhas Fishing Charters, and Captuna Yellowtail Fishing. Be sure to comply with local fishing laws and check whether a permit is required in certain areas.

Nearby Locations & Travel Times:

Langezandt Beach – 5 minutes’ walk
Struisbaai Harbour – 5 minutes’ drive
Awesome Charters – 5 minutes’ drive
Morgan Rose Fishing Charters – 7 minutes’ drive
Cape Agulhas Fishing Charters – 6 minutes’ drive

scuba diving

For thrill-seekers and ocean lovers, Southern Tip Extreme Activity Centre in Struisbaai offers an exciting array of water adventures. Dive into the underwater world with scuba diving courses and guided boat dives, try your hand at spearfishing, or enjoy snorkeling and scenic boat trips.

Beginners can learn the basics with an open water scuba course, while qualified divers can explore Struisbaai’s magnificent reefs on a guided dive for R1,000. Spearfishing excursions are also available for R1,500, and Stephen Griffiths, the centre’s founder, can tailor trips to your needs—contact him directly at (+27) 76 672 9731.

For land-based adventure, hire an e-bike from just R200 for the first hour, with additional hours at R100, and explore Struisbaai or even ride to L’Agulhas with ease. E-bikes are available daily on Main Road, across from the Caltex, from 8am.

surfing

Struisbaai’s beautiful waters and reliable waves make it a hotspot for surfers. The winter months bring the most consistent surf, perfect for catching great waves.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Robbie’s Surfing Lessons offers classes for all levels. Beginners learn right at Struisbaai Beach, while advanced surfers can take lessons at other nearby surf spots. Lessons start at R300 per hour per person, including board and wetsuit rental—a fantastic way to start a new hobby or improve your surfing in the stunning Cape Agulhas region.

Nearby Locations:

Struisbaai Main Beach – 3 minutes’ drive
Robbie’s Surf Lessons – 2 minutes’ drive

KITE surfing

Struisbaai is a prime destination for kite surfing, offering smooth waters and consistent winds that make wave-sailing a thrill. The outer reef allows easy waves to pass through, keeping conditions especially calm during low tide. Die Plaat is ideal for kite surfing during South-West winds, while Struisbaai Main Beach and the harbour area provide great spots for wake-style flat water riding.

A grassy area at the Struisbaai Promenade makes rigging easy, with plenty of parking nearby. For lessons or guidance, reach out to Tip of Africa Kite Surfing, perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.

Nearby Locations:

Struisbaai Main Beach – 3 minutes’ drive
Struisbaai Harbour – 5 minutes’ drive
Die Plaat – 8 minutes’ drive
Tip of Africa Kite Surfing – 3 minutes’ drive