Stilbaai is situated on the Southern Cape coast of South Africa, and our beautiful coastal resort is placed along and around the banks of the Goukou River, a magnificent estuary. We have a very safe and beautiful main beach, which stretches kilometres to the east of the river mouth.  We are very proud of our Blue Flag Beach. It was a long and hard battle to get Blue Flag status awarded, as it is an International status awarded only on merit. Purity of the sea water, cleanliness of the beach, public facilities, life saving facilities, etc are some of the main categories for qualification. On the western side of the river mouth, is an equally popular beach, mostly along the estuary, which borders on the fishing harbour.

We are blessed with a very rich cultural heritage of fish traps dating back to the stone age period (10,000 years and more). These fish traps were built with rocks and stones by the ancient people, who lived here and survived on the abundance of fish, antelope and other wild life

 To the west of Stilbaai is Jongensfontein (10 km / 6 miles, along a tarred road), which is a smaller resort with spectacular sea views, along a rocky coastline. A few kilometres further west, is the Blombos archeological excavation site (not open to the public). In recent years, Dr Chris Henschelwood announced the discovery of human remains dating back 75,000 years, in a cave, which confirmed the theory that the origin of modern man, was indeed in Africa. 

Stilbaai and Jongensfontein coasts offer a wide variety of fish species for the anglers who wish to fish off the beach, rocks, river, or deep sea. Our estuary hosts a large variety of marine life, and stretches aproximately 18 kilometres inland. Large edible sea fish are caught (cob of up to 50 kilograms and more) along this tidal zone.

In summer months, holiday makers enjoy swimming, surfing, angling, wind surfing, kite surfing, sailing, ski-ing, canoe-ing, etc. In fact, surfers come to Stilbaai throughout the year, especially from Cape Town, to enjoy the good surf at Morris Point. We also have a beautiful 9 hole golf course overlooking the sea, with a modern club house, which offers a bar, golf shop, lounge, T.V. lounge, where light meals are enjoyed.  A private 9 hole golf course has also been developed near Jongensfontein. In addition, we have a bowls club, a tennis club, and an angling club, where visitors are welcome.

One of the rubber ducks taking part in the annual Trans Agulhas race - Stilbaai being one of the stop-overs.

For nature lovers, we have an exceptionally large variety of birds, supported by our special flora and fauna, as well as the rich marine estuary. Hiking trails are numerous, and hikers can choose a variety of short as well as long trails along our beautiful coast line. For the 4 x 4 enthusiasts, there are tracks which could keep you busy for some time.

Whale watching is a great attraction, and whales can be seen frolicking in the shallow water with their mostly new-born calves, from as early as June, up to and including November. A special vantage point is situated on a hill above the harbour, making it easy for the watchers.

Below is a panoramic view from Bosbokduin, an exclusive residential area. (Click on the image to view the full size)

We are also hosts to a unique specie of eels (blue eyed) , who live near a fountain, and who travel all the way to Mozambique (about 2 000 kilometres from Stilbaai), to lay their eggs and die. When the young eels are born, they travel all the way back to the fresh water fountain in Stilbaai, where they spend their adult lives, until they return to Mozambique to lay their eggs. They can be seen when hand-fed by the staff at the Information Centre (the Information centre will relocate to the Eastern Side of the town, from the Western side at present).