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COASTAL AND BEACHES
Nelson Mandela Bay’s beautiful clean beaches are legendary, with two beaches being awarded Blue Flag status. Water temperatures range from 18 and 21°C during Summer and 14 to 19°C during Winter. The sea conditions are generally calm in the bay, except when the South-Easterly wind is blowing. Wide expanses of golden sands are ideal for safe and sheltered swimming and other water sport and beach activities. Most beaches are patrolled by fully-trained professional lifeguards during the Summer season.
Southern Beaches
St Croix Island Marine Reserve
Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve
Beachview Holiday Resort & Maitland River Mouth
Sundays River Mouth
Van Staden’s
Marine Life in Algoa Bay
The Blue Flag Campaign in South
Beach Manager’s Office Tel: 041 584 0584 - Fax: 041 - 584 0915
The Blue Flag is an international award given only to those beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards. The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that comply with criteria that are evaluated on an on-going basis. The Flag is awarded annually and is only valid for one year at a time. South Africa is the first country outside of Europe to win Blue Flag accreditation for its beaches. Humewood Beach as well as the beach at Wells Estate has been awarded “blue flag” status for the 2005/6 season. Both Kings Beach and Hobie Beach have pilot status. Northern Beaches
Vast stretches of sand and dune beach, which provide superb angling and swimming opportunities, are characteristic of the Northern beaches. These include Brighton Beach, St. George’s Strand and Bluewater Bay. This lovely small suburb is situated near the N2 highway and within walking distance from the Swartkops River mouth. Bluewater Bay is very popular for swimming, boating, fishing, whale- and dolphin watching and beach walks on the 12km outstretched beach. Wells Estate which has been granted Blue Flag status has a long pier over the dunes and the complex includes a paddling pool and waterslides.
Southern Beaches
These beaches form part of the main beachfront area and include Humewood Beach, King’s, Hobie and Pollok Beaches. King’s Beach is a magnificent 1,6km-long expanse of golden sand extending from the harbour wall to Humewood. The beach is ideal for safe swimming, body surfing, sunbathing and long beach walks, and includes family entertainment facilities. The King’s Beach promenade encompasses an extensive playground for children and paddling pools for toddlers. Hobie Beach with its landmark “Shark Rock Pier” is one of Port Elizabeth’s main beaches and bustles with activity, both in and out of the water during the summertime. The beach is preferred for swimming, sunbathing and body surfing, and also offers sheltered rock pools with interesting inter-tidal sealife. Humewood Beach is a favourite family beach because it offers sheltered swimming, body surfing and shade under the promenade and sheltered sub-way. Pollok Beach or “The Pipe", as it is known locally, is favoured by surfers because of its excellent waves and surfing opportunities.
St Croix Island Marine Reserve
The three rocky islands, which make up this 12ha reserve, St Croix, Brenton and Jahleel, are situated off the mouth of the Coega River in Algoa Bay. This reserve, which is not open to the public, was established as a breeding ground for the jackass penguin, now recognised as an endangered species.
Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve
Known locally as "Saards", versatile Sardinia Bay is a marine reserve with miles of unspoiled coastline and crystal clear water. Regarded as one of the most picturesque beaches, this unspoilt stretch of coastline is excellent for diving, surfing, and scenic walks. It is a favorite with dog and horse owners who bring their pets down for exercise and recreation. Picnic places and braai facilities are also available. Sardinia Bay is also the starting point of Sacramento hiking trail, the very popular 8km round trip coastal walk through the Schoenmakerskop-Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve. Schoenmakerskop, a picturesque seaside village, offers picnic spots, coves and secluded tidal pools along the rocky section of the shore. Schools of dolphins and whales are frequently sighted in the area.
Beachview Holiday Resort & Maitland River Mouth
Located close to the scenic holiday village of Seaview, Beachview Beach with its breathtaking views is part of the Beachview Holiday Resort, which offers self-contained chalets, cottages and log-cabins. It is not recommended for safe bathing due to strong rip and backwash most of the time. Maitland River Mouth is located at the foot of the famous Maitland dune “mountain”. Sand-boarding is a favourite pastime while kilometers of sandy beach can be explored at leisure.
Sundays River Mouth
The villages of Cannonville and Colchester nestle on the banks of the Sundays River at its entrance into the Indian Ocean and is tidal from the mouth to 17km upstream. This pristine river is locally well-known for its excellent fishing and prolific bird life. However, Sunday River Mouth’s claim to fame and its uniqueness is that the river flows through the Alexandria Dune Fields. The Dune Fields, on the East Bank of the river, stretch 50km east towards Port Alfred and are of singular beauty. Other activities include river canoe trails and boat hire for fishing or recreational purposes.
Van Staden’s
An extensive lagoon, tall dunes and a river navigable by small boats to the gorge forms part of the Van Staden’s River Mouth Resort. Apart from cottages and camping sites, recreational activities include pedal boats, sandskiing and fishing. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the peak season only. The Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve is close-by.
Marine Life in Algoa Bay
Algoa Bay has a huge diversity of marine life that can be viewed all year round. Each year the “gentle giants of the ocean” are a familiar sight along the coastline and can easily be sighted from the shore in season. This includes the Southern Right whale, which mates and calves between July and October each year in the large sheltered Algoa Bay. The Bay’s calm conditions make it an ideal nursery for calving and feeding the young. Humpback whales pass by during June / July and again in November / December. The sardine-eating Bryde’s whale is present throughout the year. Bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, gannets and cormorants are also common.
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