Witsand

About Witsand

Situated on the banks of the Breede River estuary, Witsand (Western Cape) is home to 4-kilometer of sandy beaches, surrounded by a magnificent variety of Cape Fynbos species and the Breede River. The town is known as the Whale Nursery of South Africa due to the high concentration of Whales in the bay between June and November. Witsand is an authentic water-sport and adventure destination with Kite-Surfing, Surfing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Fishing as top visitor experiences.

Witsand is a regarded as a hidden gem within the Western Cape and the Garden Route and is one of Hessequa – The Explorer’s Garden Route’s best kept secrets. 

STAY near Witsand
EAT near Witsand
PLAY near Witsand
SERVICES near Witsand
loader-image
Witsand
9:30 pm, September 16, 2024
temperature icon 13°C
clear sky
Humidity 86 %
Wind 11 Km/h
Wind Gust: 14 Km/h
Sunrise: 6:43 am
Sunset: 6:38 pm

Emergency Numbers

Police:
10111
National Sea Rescue:
+27 (0)82 990 5957
Ambulance:
10177
Doctor:
+27 (0)28 722 1910
Fire & Rescue:
+27 (0)28 713 2222

Don't Miss Out

  • Whale Watching (June – November)
  • Kite-Surfing
  • Tidal Pool
  • Deep Sea Fishing 
  • Rock Angling from the Breede River
  • Witsand Nature Reserve Walking Trails
  • Stand-Up Paddle Boarding 
  • The Woolshed 
  • Ellie’s On Main 
  • Spasie Restaurant & Rum Distillery  
  • Witsand Putt-Putt
  • Marzanne’s Restaurant 
  • Barry Memorial Church  
  • Snorkeling 
  • Malgas/Witsand Pontoon

Come and indulge yourselves in a treasure of exciting experiences, provided by nature and locals, who follow her inspiration. Port Beaufort situated on the banks of the river and Witsand on the seaward side, where the river meets the mighty Indian Ocean. The village offers the best of both worlds with sea and river activities to enjoy. Witsand is known as The Whale Nursery of South Africa. This is due to the largest concentration of Southern Right Whales that are found in St. Sebastian Bay each year. The town offers various look-out points from which to view and photograph these gentle giants of the ocean. 

Long stretches of sandy beaches are complimented by wonderful displays of Cape fauna & flora on the short walking trails. Bird life abounds all around and includes the Black Oyster Catcher, and our national bird, the Blue Crane. The town is also known for the spectacular shades of pink, with the Flamingo’s displaying their beauty to locals and visitors. The wide estuary of the Breede River is another natural wonder. Witsand is rich in historical value about the Barry family that opened up this area to commerce with a number of ships, the best known being the “Kadie”. The Barry Memorial Church built in 1859, is still in use today. 

The bay and estuary provide a paradise for snorkeling  and Stand -Up Paddle Boarding on flat water and wide open spaces – the Breede River is a popular location in summer season.

It’s no secret that Witsand boasts with an incredible coastline and spectacular weather conditions which allows for some memorable kite-surfing and kite-boarding. Kite-surfing is a sport that combines aerobics and resistance exercises and is ideal for gaining physical strength and for keeping balance. The weather conditions in Witsand makes it one of the best kite-surfing and kite-boarding destinations within South Africa. 
 

Fishing is a tradition in Witsand and the stories of those that were stranded or lost, are often a feature of entertaining evenings with the locals. 

The Witsand Municipal Caravan and Camping Resorts are popular options for December holidays and advance bookings are highly recommended in season. The Witsand Middle Camp Resort is located close to the family friendly tidal pool.

The Witsand Nature Reserve offers nature lovers five short route ranging between 0.3-kilometer and 1.1-kilometer. The route allows visitors to relax in nature and soak up the goodness mother nature has to offer. With names like Nick’s Trail, Jetty Route and See-uitsig Route, visitors are assured of a pet-friendly nature reserve which also serves as Whale Watching point. This nature reserve is also ideal for a fitness run and has stunning views of the Bay. Walking or jogging in a nature reserve is a powerful way to improve your physical, emotional and mental health, allowing you to get into a good space. This nature reserve is an open access facility and visitors are reminded to stay on the marked trails. 

The Woolshed located at the entrance of town will leave you breathless with the amazing gifts, art and crafts on offer – it is here, that you’ll also find the Koffie ‘n Kletz Coffee Shop, a popular stop for travellers. 

The Spasie Restaurant is arguably one of the most unique offerings in Witsand with its delicious croissants, steak, and burgers. The Spasie Rum Distillery is licensed for wine and artisanal spirits sales and offers a unique rum with tasting sessions and is located within the Breede River Lodge complex. 

The Pontoon connecting Witsand with Malgas has been motorised and is operational between 06h00 and 18h00 daily. Please note that when the Pontoon is serviced, it does not operate and travellers can consult operations (Overberg District Municipality) on 028 425 1157. 

The Witsand Putt-Putt Park offers a variety of family fun activities, which includes a putt-putt course, bungy bounce, quad bikes, paintball target practice, and school holiday programmes.  

The Hopkins Land Parkrun is a weekly free and fun 5-kilometer run with scenic views of the surroundings fauna and flora. This is a flat gravel route and in winter, the spectacular bright yellow Canola-fields is a pure delight for the censes.  

This coastal town connects with the inland villages of Slangrivier and Vermaaklikheid through gravel roads which are ideal for cycling or exploring by means of a 4×4 vehicle. The Witsand gravel roads connecting with Slangriver and the Overberg towns Malgas and Buffeljagsrivier is often the route of mountain biking challenges. 

Witsand is also home to outstanding visitor facilities like Breede River Lodge, Witsand Angling Club, Marzanne’s Restaurant, The Anchorage Beachfront Restaurant & Bar, Waves@Witsand, Ellie’s On Main, Beach House Witsand, Whale Cliff Accommodation, Stay @ Witsand, Whale View Cottage and Whale Watchers Inn which makes this an all-year destination