Activities Close by

Stilbaai is the perfect holiday destination where, thanks to it’s shallow bay, clean, extensive, sandy Blue Flag beaches, river estuary and 15 kilometer- long navigable Goukou river, every imaginable kind of water-related activity can be undertaken, such as: swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, angling, hiking, sailing, canoeing and waterskiing.

Other sports such as golf, tennis, bowls, “jukskei”, squash, cycling, road- and mountain-biking, can also be enjoyed within, and around, this charming seaside village.

Beaches

The unspoilt, long renowned Lappiesbaai beach enjoys “Blue Flag” status, and, together with the tranquilizing climate, is a destination in itself for many holiday makers, and, as such, is secured by lifeguards during the summer season. The adjoining river mouth is a safe environment for young children to swim in.

Aviation

The airstrip, operated and maintained by the Hessequa Municipality, is located on a hill overlooking the town at position S34’21’08.6” and E021’25’38.4”. It has a 950m long gravel runway, aligned 09 / 27, which allows for easy, convenient air-access to and from Stilbaai.

Golf

Skulpiesbaai adjoins the pristine 9-hole, par 72 golf course of the Stilbaai Golf Club, complete with bent greens. The Course rating for men is 70 (5789m) and 71 (5111m) for ladies. Day visitors are welcome. http://www.stilbaaigolf.co.za/ for more information

Watersport

All types of watersport, namely, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, sailing, canoeing and waterskiing can be enjoyed, either, on one of the many beaches, or  in the river estuary, or on the river itself.

Touchies

Every year, on the 26th  December, Stilbaai plays host to a leg of the famous “touchies” competition on the banks of the Goukou River. http://beachtour.touchrugby.co.za/

Cycling

Because of Stilbaai’s safe and open roads and farmlands, many cycling routes, both road- and mountain-biking, can by enjoyed, Whether it is a cycle to the adjoining seaside hamlet of  Jongensfontein, or a ride into the interior, cyclists are guaranteed to enjoy a scenic ride, at one with nature.

Trans Agulhas

The internationally-renowned, 5-day, Trans Agulhas Rubber Duck Race, overnights in Stilbaai, at the completion of day 2’s racing. Day 3 sees the competitors set-off for Struisbaai from Stilbaai. http://www.trans-agulhas.com/

Hiking

Many scenic hiking trails, both in and around Stilbaai, offer picturesque routes for the adventurer. There are a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from beachfront- to nature reserve- to riverside-trails. Whichever grabs your preference, is sure to provide breathtaking scenery and spellbinding views. View more trials here

Visvywers

On the doorstep of Skulpiesbaai, are the famous fishtraps, more commonly known as the “visvywers”, built by the Khoisan 3000 years ago. These archaeological, heritage rock pools are a perfect place to teach children the art of fishing, as practiced by the Khoi- and San-peoples all those years ago.

Heritage Sites

The Blombos Cave has been declared a Provincial Heritage site. The cave presents archeological evidence from the middle stone ages and bears testimony to cultural tradition which have long since lapsed.

Convenience

A 24-hour Fuel Station, complete with a small convenience retail offering and workshop facilities, is located in the center of town. Interesting craft shops, as well as a shopping-center, cater to a wide variety of retail experiences.

Schools

Stilbaai has an Afrikaans-medium Primary School, as well as a Christian-based school covering all grades, from pre-primary through to Grade 12. A scheduled and specialised bus service provides a convenient medium of transport to the town of Riversdale, situated 40 kilometers away, to enable scholars to seamlessly attend any one of the three High Schools in the town.

Hospital

2 Private hospitals are in attendance, including a newly-constructed one which provides Doctor’s Consulting- and Emergency- Rooms, a Pharmacy, 40- beds for Day, Night and Intensive Care Treatments as well as 2 Surgical Theaters. Radiological services and Dialysis treatments are available on site too, as are Ambulance services and Mini-Rehabilitation.View more information here

Restaurants

A wide variety of restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning palates. View a list of restaurants with ratings on tripadvisor.

Whale Watching

From June to December of each year, this portion of the Indian Ocean comes alive with the presence of Southern Right whales and their new-born calves.

Local Produce

Owing to it’s Mediterranean-type climate, this region is considered to be one of the most fertile in South Africa. This climate is suitable for the growing of fruits, vegetables, olives and vines, for use in the production of wine. Due to local- and overseas-interest, organic farming practices have become prevalent. Numerous Ostrich farms are in attendance, as this moderate climate, together with the dryness of the air, reduces the risk of any disease breaking-out, and, as such, is ideally suited to the breeding of Ostriches. In line with the rest of the country, there has also been a move away from general farming activities to game farming.