Activities & Attractions

Activity-Stilbaai Blueflag Beaches

In and Around Stilbaai

The ever expanding coastal town of Stilbaai is nestled around the mouth of the Goukou River in the Hessequa district in the Western Cape Garden Route. The entire coastal area is rich in history dating not centuries back, but many millennia. A little more than two centuries ago elephants, among other wild animals, were roaming the area.

Around the dawn of the previous century, because of its ideal location, local inland inhabitants started coming to Stilbaai to spend the summer holidays. Being the nearest bay to Riversdale at the foot of the Langeberg Mountain peak called The Sleeping Beauty, Still Bay is often referred to as the Bay of the Sleeping Beauty.

Since those early holidaymakers started coming to Stilbaai, many others followed suit until this day. People from far and wide, even from abroad, regularly come to enjoy the river, the sea, as well as the natural beauty and serenity of the town and surrounding area. Where deer families, tortoises, many birds species and other wild life are regularly seen, even in the heart of the town.

As can be expected, as a seasoned holiday town, Stilbaai has a lot to offer occasional visitors as well as regular and first time vacationers. The town boasts three blue flag beaches thanks to the Hessequa Municipality’s tireless efforts. The nearby town of Jongensfontein also proudly boasts a blue flag beach.

Super Things to Do and See

Water sports Skiing in Stilbaai

Fun Activities for Water Rats

A large variety of water related sports can be practised on the river and safe bay area. Swimming, wave surfing, kite surfing, canoeing and sea kayaking, along with boating, snorkelling, skiing, etc. A number of shops in town sell gear, while other businesses offer various types of training and also rent out gear.

Water Activities & Fishing in Stilbaai

Anglers' Bliss

All this water promises the occasional, as well as serious fisherman a whale of a time. They have a number of choices such as boat/kayak river fishing or else fishing from the riverbank. Sea angling from the beach or rocks, or maybe some deep-sea fishing. Various businesses in town supply gear, bait, charters, etc.

Birds in Stilbaai

Loose Yourself in Nature

Nature lovers, along with nature photographers and landscape painters will deeply appreciate Stilbaai’s natural beauty. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of land and sea birds. Explore the various hiking as well as mountain biking trails, watch the whales and dolphins, or enjoy leisurely strolls along the sandy beaches.

Archeology in Stilbaai

Explore Local History

The history of the area dates as far back as the Middle Stone Age, evidence of which can be perused in the Blombos Museum of Archaeology. Be sure to visit the ancient stonewalled fish traps, between 300 – 3 000 years old and still kept in working condition. Also visit the shell middens at the Stilbaai Harbour.

Feeding eels at Palinggat in Stilbaai

Remarkable Contemporary Sights

Another must-see is the indigenous fynbos garden called Tuin-op-die-Brak situated in Stilbaai East. The garden is wheelchair friendly and blind persons can touch and smell the plants. Don’t miss the daily hand-feeding of the freshwater eels at the Tourism Bureau and learn the incredible facts behind these eels.

Kasselshoop Cheese in Stilbaai

Discover Local Produce

Products of high standing quality, widely known and sold are produced on local farms and by local people. Cheese lovers simply have to visit the cheese-making farm, Kasselshoop and gin lovers should attend a gin tasting at Inverroche. Also visit the olive farms in the area and taste a variety of quality olive products.

Stilbaai Touchies

Special December Events

Some annual events happen in December such as the arrival of the boats participating in the Trans Agulhas Challenge on the second day of the contest. Also the popular Stilbaai Touch Rugby (Touchies) event annually on 26 December at Ellensrust Beach. Furthermore live events featuring popular celebrity singers, etc.

Restaurants in Stilbaai

Shopping & Dining Opportunities

Stilbaai proudly caters for those who like shopping and dining. A variety of stores such as grocery stores, clothing stores, gift shops, as well as flea markets entice shoppers. Also various restaurants, coffee shops, bistros, takeaways and the like. The town sports three banks and various well-positioned ATMs.

NSRI Stilbaai

Emergency Services

Rest assured that you are in safe hands. Stilbaai offers all the services you might need, such as doctors, dentists, vets as well as pharmacies. Also mechanical services, towing services, tyres, car batteries, fuel, etc. Moreover, the local NSRI station, along with the SA Police are highly alert, responsive, and efficient.

Discover the "Explorers Garden Route" -

The carefully selected brand name for Hessequa, a unique and indeed exquisite piece of the Western Cape Garden Route District.

Scroll to Top