Coastal Guide to Hessequa

If there is one thing that we treasure on the Explorer’s Garden Route it is the coastline. And for good reason – each year thousands of visitors flock to the coastal towns of Witsand, Jongensfontein, Stilbaai and Gouritsmond to enjoy the unspoiled ocean beauty we’ve become accustomed to. They enjoy the Blue Flag beaches, all the water activities, the sunshine and the carefree vibes that can only be found by the seashore. But enjoying our beaches and river-mouths also comes with an responsibility towards the environment and fellow humans to make it a pleasurable experience for all and to ensure the generations after us will have the same joy – walking their kids and dogs along an empty stretch of beach. So have a look at our handy coastal guide below to make sure you are prepared and ready for summer!

If there is one thing that we treasure on the Explorer’s Garden Route - it is our pristine coastline

Hessequa Blue Flag Beaches

The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. 

Hessequa Municipality is the first Municipal area within South Africa, which achieved the status of having all the proclaimed swimming beaches under its jurisdiction awarded Blue Flag status. 

For the 2021/2022 season, the following beaches yields the prestigious Blue Flag status: 

Witsand

Jongensfontein

Stilbaai West

Lappiesbaai

Preekstoel

Gouritsmond

Estuary Management (River Control)

Where can you row your boat? Obtain a permit? Fish? Go skiing this summer? Browse the frequently asked questions below to make sure you are in the know!
1. Where can boating permits be obtained?
  • Stilbaai: At the slipway (during December holidays)
  • Witsand: Lower Breede River Conservancy Office (LBRC)
  • Gouritsmond: Municipal Office (note municipal office hours)
2. What documents are needed when applying for a boating permit?
Skippers license, buoyancy certificate and a seaworthy certificate.
3. Where can fishing permits & bait permits be obtained?
  • Stilbaai: Post Office
  • Gouritsmond: Post Office (Gouritz Spaar)
  • Witsand / Heidelberg: Post Office (Heidelberg)

*Or any other South African Post Office. Also note the business hours of each respective Post Office – plan ahead.

4. Where can boats be surveyed?
  • Recreational: Johanne Steyn – 072 408 6099 (Stilbaai)
  • Thane Garlick – 076 747 3494 (Witsand / Vermaaklikheid)
  • Commercial: SAMSA – 044 690 4201
5. Who can be contacted in case of an emergency?
  • Stilbaai: National See Rescue Institute (NSRI) – 082 990 5978
  • SAPS – 028 754 6100 (Stilbaai)
  • Witsand: National See Rescue Institute (NSRI) – 082 990 5957
  • SAPS – 028 722 1910 (Heidelberg)
  • Gouritsmond: National See Rescue Institute (NSRI) – 082 990 5957 (Mossel Bay)
6. Where can general information be obtained regarding River Control?
  • Stilbaai: At the slipway (during December holidays). All other times at the Hessequa Municipality.
  • Witsand: Lower Breede River Conservancy Office (LBRC)
  • Gouritsmond: Municipal Office
  • Duivenhoks: At the slipway (during December holidays). All other times at the Hessequa Municipality.
7. Are jet-skis allowed on the estuary?
No. Jet-skis are not allowed on the estuary.
8. Is skiing allowed on the estuaries?
Yes. Kindly consult the maps located at the Goukou & Gouritz slipway for skiing zones.
9. What is the cost of a boating permit?

Recreational – Gouritz & Gouka Rivers

Recreational boat annual permit tariffs for the Gourits and Goukou Rivers

1 – 15 hp : R124
20 – 40 hp : R189
45 – 90 hp : R254
90 – 115 hp : R378
> 115 hp : R470

Recreational boat day permit tariff

All engin capacities : R124

Recreational – Breede River

Recreational boat annual permit tariffs for the Breede River

1 – 15 hp : R30 + basic fee R150
Additional fees apply from R1.80 – R5.35 per horsepower

Recreational boat day permit tariffs for the Breede River

All engin capacities : R105
For ocean-going vessels: R430

Commercial

Annual commercial tariffs per boat for all rivers

0 – 3 meter : R300
3.1 – 5 meter : R420
5.1 – 7 meter : R1180
>7 meter : R3780
Houseboat : R3780