activities in port alfred

Port Alfred

activities

Explore Port Alfred

Activities in Port Alfred are countless! We are situated in the Adventure Province and have the most sunshine hours in South Africa, thus facilitating the enjoyment of outdoor activities such as quad biking, surf sailing, deep sea fishing, kite surfing, skiing and hiking.

top picks

Rustic Beaches

The Sunshine Coast boasts 300km of pristine coastline. Swim at one of of 4 Blue Flag beaches, hike along the pristine coastline, enjoy a spot of fishing or simply soak up the sun. Many of our beaches are dog friendly, and provide excellent Surfing, Snorkelling, Body Boarding and Dune Boarding opportunities.

Game Reserves - Port Alfred

Natural Environment Shaped by artistry.

A few of the activities that we recommend in Port Alfred and the surrounding area:

Kite Boarding

The instructors have years of experience of kiting in Cannon Rocks, and know the local conditions well. You are in for a fun time whatever your age or ability.

River Cruises

Unwinding on a river cruise is a lovely way to spend the morning or afternoon viewing the scenery on our river. Enjoy the abundant bird life. An example would be Kowie River Cruises.

Surfing

Solid 6° barrel heaves up on the insanely hollow sand bank just off East Pier at Port Alfred. This wave delivers some epic stand-up tubes in the right conditions. It peaks in the river mouth and grinds all the way past the East Pier, with a thick lip rolling over a top-to-bottom barrel. The two most popular surf breaks are on either side of the Kowie River Mouth and are known as East and West Beach. East Beach is the most popular of the two, and has a good, gnarly right break that works best in moderate swells from the south, with SW or NW breezes. The East Beach break often ends up with a left breaking peak to make up some good close-out aerial stuff. West Beach has a beach peak that starts fairly close to the mouth with good left and right breaks.

Diving

The shores of Port Alfred are host to the most unique diving in the Eastern Cape. We are famous for our soft coral, the numerous wrecks that dot our shores and unbeknown to many, the incredible “Lunar landing” which is where crayfish in their hundreds live and breed.

Swimming

Besides the ocean and river, just down the road from us is an indoor heated pool. The Swim Centre in Port Alfred now boasts an average pool temperature of 29 deg C, ideal for chilly days. There is, however, a small entrance fee.

Canoeing

Kowie River: The Kowie River is navigable for 22km. Canoes can be hired from various operators in Port Alfred, for instance at Kowie Bunga. The river is flanked by natural vegetation and abundant wildlife. Many wonderful bird species can be sighted along the way. Contact Outdoor Focus: 046 624 4432.

Sea Cruises

If you love the smell of the sea, a breeze tousling your hair our sea cruises are for you! Relax and enjoy the scenic views of our stunning coastline.

Horse Riding

With the fantastic scenery and shoreline in and around Port Alfred there are lots of horse-riding options available for all riding abilities. The various operators offer different specialties from intimate big-game viewing on game reserves and beach rides to exciting river crossings. There is a good selection of rides available whatever your age group.

Bowling

There are 2 to choose from – The Kowie Bowling Club and the Port Alfred Bowling Club. Friendly atmosphere – great people.

Croquet

Try something different & make new friends, whilst getting some exercise & learning a few more skills! The PORT ALFRED CROQUET CLUB will be happy to teach you the game of Croquet!

Museum

The Sunshine Coast has 5 museums!

Quin Sculpture Garden

A unique experience in an enchanted garden. Visit Maureen Quin, South Africa’s foremost sculptress in her studio.

Scenic Drive - Alexandria forest

Firstly, going from Kenton to Boknes, turn right at the 4-way stop. Secondly, drive 600m & then turn left to Cannon Rocks and follow the road down ‘the golden mile’ through some of SA’s finest dairy farms, where you will pass for instance – Woody Cape, enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean, Bird Island, the southern hemisphere’s largest shifting dunes and then through the Alexandria indigenous forest and lastly, on to Alexandria.

Scenic Drive - Poor Man's game Drive

Firstly, going from Kenton drive 12 kms west (or 13kms east from Alexandria) on the R72, secondly turn right (left if coming from Alexandria) at the sign to Ngcyo & Emlanjeni and then take the dirt road flanked by Big 5 game reserves, over the Bushmans River. Now cross the R343, and continue through game reserves, cross the Kariega River onto the Southwell Road and turn right back to the R72 and Kenton. The drive can be as rewarding as anywhere, is ten minutes from Kenton and above all costs nothing!

Hiking

CANNON ROCKS HIKING TRAIL: 7km from Cannon Rocks through indigenous forest and back through the spectacular shifting dunes and along the beach.

DIAS CROSS: Walk along the beach 1 1/2 hours from Bushman’s River Mouth or 1 hour from Boknes lagoon.

EAST BEACH PORT ALFRED: Walk 1 hour east towards Riet River and discover spectacular dunes for dune boarding, rocky outcrops for fishing.

GREAT FISH RIVER: Walk east from the mouth of the Great Fish River to Kleinemonde 1 1/2 hours – discover beautiful rocky outcrops, excellent fishing spots, the famous 3 Sisters.

KARIEGA BEACH – SHELLY BAY: Walk west from Kareiga Blue Flag Beach to the Bushmans River mouth – 1/2 hour. Discover spectacular rock formations, picturesque coves, natural rock pools.

KLEINEMONDE: From Kleinemonde East Beach, walk east for 1 1/2 hours to the Great Fish Point Lighthouse, spectacular shells at low tide.

PORT ALFRED WEST BEACH – KELLYS BEACH: Walk east from West beach Port Alfred to Kellys Blue Flag beach, excellent fishing at Sharks Bay. Approximately 1/2 hour.

Eateries

With a multitude of fine restaurants, take away spots & tiny cafes nestled between shops, you won’t go hungry in Port Alfred.