About the Town
Visitors will mainly come to Struisbaai for the varied water sports, although there are plenty of other attractions that will keep everyone happy. One can kayak, board sail and kite sail, walk on the long stretch of beach and collect shells, and safely swim in the ocean. There is almost a subtropical feel to the beach, with crystal clear water. During the holiday season, organized entertainment is offered on the beach as well as in town. There are quite a few Struisbaai self catering accommodation venues, Bed and Breakfast establishments and guest houses as well as a caravan park alongside the ocean that comes with chalets. Some good restaurants can be found, as well as lots of shell shops. Struisbaai enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and with its natural beauty and unspoilt environment, visitors will always be drawn to this small coastal town.
If you enjoy nature and walking, you will love the many hiking trails that can be found that meander through fynbos vegetation and some beautiful dunes, and that also give one the opportunity to whale watch. There are some spectacular fynbos nature reserves. The fynbos is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and has more than 8500 species of exquisitely flowering plants. It is at its most splendid from autumn to springtime. Mountain biking is another way to enjoy the wildlife, birdlife and of course the fynbos. One can also spot ostrich along with merino sheep and dairy cattle on the low shrub covered terrain which borders the sandy coastline. There are also many seabirds including sandpipers, cormorants, gannets and seagulls.
About 4 km from Struisbaai lies Cape Agulhas, which is the southernmost point of Africa. The Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet at this point. The coast here is named 'the graveyard of ships' because at least 130 ships have gone aground over the years. Portuguese seafarers christened Cape Agulhas 'Cabo das Agulhas', meaning 'Cape of Needles', because at this point the compass needle shows no deviation between magnetic north and true north. There is a lighthouse that was built in 1848 where one can climb the 71 steps to the top for a wonderful view. This lighthouse is the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa, and there are showpieces from shipwrecks on display at the lighthouse's museum. Scuba diving can also be done to explore the spectacular wreck sites.
What to See
The picturesque Struisbaai Harbour is extremely popular among visitors, especially foreign visitors to the area, who are thrilled to experience one of the last remaining historic and cultural fishing harbours on the South African coastline. One of the unique tourist attractions of Struisbaai, are the community of giant sting rays that live within its sheltered waters. Visitors are thrilled to see these 2 metre long rays. The beach in Struisbaai is exquisite, with an almost subtropical feel to it. The water here is crystal clear and its radiant colour is enhanced by the colourful boats which reside in the harbour. A very popular attraction is boat based whale watching which can be found in Gansbaai. The whales make their way to these waters from the Arctic to calve or mate from May to sometimes into December, and it is truly a magical moment when one can see these magnificent creatures gently swimming in the water, sometimes as close as 20 m from land. At night, the bellowing of these gentle giants can be heard.
Awesome Charters - Struisbaai
Offers boat angling trips to experienced and novice fisherman and woman. Your ride is a 28ft Butt Cat with two powerful 140hp outboard motors and your skipper boasts over 25 years of experience. Contact 087 250 3157
Struisbaai Main Beach
Truly remarkable with its white sands and seemingly endless coastline. There are often large black rays in the harbour which is a remarkable sight. Swimming is safe at the beach, diving is very popular due to rich water with lots to see, as is horse riding, kite sailing, body boarding, surfing and kayaking.
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse has stood for over 150 years as a maritime chaperone over the notorious "Cape of Storms" at the most southern tip of Africa. Contact 028 435 6222
What to Do
Struisbaai, South Africa, is a quiet, relaxed little town. You can walk on the long stretch of beach collecting shells as well as do some whale watching. These beautiful creatures come here from June until early December every year, where they will calf or mate. Boat based whale tours, from Gansbaai, can be enjoyed. Angling can be done from the harbour or the beach. Struisbaai is a haven for nature lovers, and there are some lovely hiking trails in the nature reserves that can be walked through the fynbos and dunes while catching a glimpse of the many birds that frequent this area. You can also climb up inside the Agulhas lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic view. There is a fascinating museum here as well. Struisbaai Bed and Breakfast venues have brochures on all activities to be found in the area.
Walk along Struisbaai Beach. Struisbaai has the longest stretch of continuous beach in the Southern Hemisphere which makes for a great walk. As you come into Struisbaai and just opposite the Municipality turn left. Go down the road for 200m and you will see a large parking lot and a largish building saying Nostra Restaurant. The beach is right there. Walk along the beach to the East for 14 km.
Visit the charming little Struisbaai Harbour. It is a small quaint little harbour with small fishing vessels dotted here and there. The harbour was originally built in 1959 and enlarged in 1990. It serves local fishing boats, known as 'chukkies' as well as ski boats for the flock of visitors that come to the town during the holiday season When you come into Struisbaai, Carry on past the Shopping Centre; through the four way stop street and go on for +- 1 km until you see the sign to the harbour.
Visit the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve. This area boasts seven different eco-systems. Take your mountain bike and enjoy the abundance of wildlife, fynbos and birdlife. One can also go to Koppie Alleen and see the largest concentration of Southern Right Whales along the South African coast from this look out point when they come to calf from July to November. It is considered to be one of the best land-based whale watching look-out points in the world. For more information contact the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve at +27 (0) 28 542 1253.
Hike the De Hoop Whale Trail. This is the ultimate hiking experience. The 5-day, 54 km Whale Trail meanders through the spectacular De Hoop Nature Reserve with it's diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale-watching opportunities. At night, during the whale season, one can hear the whales bellowing in the waters below. Reservations are essential. Contact +27 (0) 21 425 5020.
Go fishing at the De Mond Nature Reserve. Here one can also explore the mouth of the Heuningnes River. This magnificent estuary is teeming with rare bird species like the Giant Tern, the Black Oystercatcher and the Damara Tern. For angling permits and more info contact the De Mond Nature Reserve at +27 (0) 21 659 3500.
Go Board Sailing and Kite flying along Struisbaai Beach or charter a boat and go fishing.
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