Witsand Port Beaufort

16/05/2026

02/05/2026

WITSAND to DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE
Day Trip
52kms
Cross the Malgas pont
(Open 6am - 6pm)

19/04/2026

Storm approaching Witsand.

13/04/2026

Dolphins in St Sebastian Bay this morning.

25/03/2026

Unusual sighting alert! A Cape Gannet was spotted in the Breede River Estuary yesterday, a highly unexpected place to find one of these magnificent ocean birds.

Cape Gannets are built for the open sea, famous for their spectacular plunge-dives from great heights to catch fish offshore. Finding one sheltering in an estuary is extremely rare and suggests this bird may be exhausted, juvenile, or possibly in need of help.

Image credit: Mike Dolhloff

19/03/2026

Fishing is at the heart of Witsand Port Beaufort’s village culture, and nowhere is this more deeply felt than along the Breede River - proudly known as the “Home of the Big Kob.”

Generations of anglers have been drawn to these waters, where river, tide, and ocean meet to create one of South Africa’s most unique fishing environments. The thrill of the catch, the stories shared, and the deep connection to the river.

There is a growing awareness within our angling community of the responsibility we carry in protecting this incredible resource. The rise in ‘catch and release’ practices is an encouraging sign that many fishermen are committed not only to the sport, but to its future.

By respecting size and bag limits, handling fish with care, and embracing catch and release where possible, we ensure that the Breede River remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations, and that the passion for fishing in Witsand Port Beaufort continues to be passed down, just as it always has.

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Tracking the Silver Ghost – a short film by Keenan Ferguson and Steve Benjamin which follows the Fishing Scientist Dr JD Filmalter and his journey with the Big Kob.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfD4ibP28Fw&t=9s

27/02/2026

A Very Special Visitor in the Breede

This week brought an extraordinary moment for the Breede River Estuary - the sighting of a humpback dolphin, one of South Africa’s rarest marine mammals.

The humpback dolphin is our country’s most endangered dolphin species, and its estimated that only 500 - 1000 individuals remain in the wild. Every confirmed sighting is therefore something truly worth celebrating.

What makes this species so fascinating is its unique behaviour. Unlike other dolphins along our coast, the humpback dolphin is the only species known to regularly enter estuaries in South Africa. They favour larger river mouths like the Breede and have even been recorded travelling as far as 20km upriver, comfortably tolerating semi-fresh water.

Their presence is a powerful reminder of how ecologically important and healthy our estuary system is - and why protecting it matters.

14/02/2026

World Whale Day – 15 February

World Whale Day is a global awareness day dedicated to protecting whales, conserving our oceans, and recognising the vital role these magnificent marine mammals play in our ecosystems.

Here in Witsand, The Whale Nursery of South Africa, this day holds special meaning.

Each year, from June to November, St Sebastian Bay becomes a sanctuary for the Southern Right Whale as mothers arrive in our sheltered waters to give birth, nurse, and raise their calves. Peak calving season runs from July to October, when visitors are treated to unforgettable sightings of whales breaching and tail slapping - often just meters from our shores.

This World Whale Day, we invite you to plan your winter escape to our small coastal village and witness the magic of the Whale Nursery.

Please remember our Whale Nursery is a protected sanctuary. Boat access to whales is strictly prohibited. We invite visitors to enjoy incredible land-based viewing while helping us protect this special environment.

22/01/2026

New additions to our village:

Witsand Racket Club (on R322)
We are excited to welcome the Witsand Racket Club to our village. A great addition for active fun, the club offers padel and tennis for all ages and skill levels. Rackets are available for hire, and balls can be purchased on-site, making it easy for everyone to participate.

Skuitbaai Beach Dinghy Launch (end of Marine Drive)
Skuitbaai now features a dedicated, purpose-built dinghy launch. This launch provides a safe and simple way to get sailboats, kayaks and dinghies onto the river, away from motorboat traffic.

Key features and guidelines:
• Non-motorised boats only
• Safe, controlled access - no 4x4s, ATVs or beach buggies
• Suitable for light dinghies (max axle weight 550kg)
• No parking on the ramp or turning circle
• Easy turn-and-reverse access, with rigging done off the ramp

11/01/2026

What a festive season it has been in Witsand Port Beaufort!

We watched our village come alive as visitors returned with their families and friends, and our population grew from around 700 residents to over 5 500 at its peak. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who respected and adhered to our Level 4 water restrictions during this exceptionally busy time. Your cooperation truly made a difference.

As we bid farewell to most of our holidaymakers and our permanent residents settle back into its quieter rhythm, our thoughts turn to the wider Western Cape, which is currently battling devastating fires. Our village remains on high alert, and we urge everyone to stay vigilant, and be fire-wise.

Safe travels to all those heading home.

Hessequa Municipal Disaster Management Centre
Mobile / WhatsApp: 084 014 1828
Landline: Accidents / Fires / Disasters: 028 713 2222