Attractions and Activities
This secluded section of Wild Coast shoreline stretching from the Umtamvuna River south towards the Great Kei remains one of South Africa’s most untouched seascapes. Some people go to Port St Johns to spliff out on the Coast.
Some pull in to surf a wicked, café latte-coloured point break-off. Others arrive to chill out, succumbing to the languid allure of Pondoland Fever. But if you really want to live the Wild Coast experience, you have to do it across the handlebars of a mountain bike.
Biking varies from hammering along full tilt on never-ending gravel roads and laid-back beach cruising to white knuckle downhills along rutted cattle tracks. There are NO designated routes here, so a certain level of riding skill is required and a sense of adventure is a big time must.
At Port St Johns you will have seen just how humorous the crafters are, with their sculptures of the latest toys the mzungus bring with them on their annual holidays surfboards, jet skis, quad bikes…you name it. They get the models pretty near perfect and even tailor-make the number plates (mostly showing Gauteng registrations). The young crafters have also taken to making mobiles with fish and modelled from village life. They're great for children's bedrooms.
Oceanic Experiences
The warm Indian ocean of Port St John is home to an array of aquatic animals - dolphins, Bryde's whales and sardines are all well-spotted frolicking in the waves. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to go diving in the area, so be sure to look out for any and all marine life that will pique your interest.
You’ll also be able to spot the Port St Johns lighthouse along the coastline. The lighthouse, named after the HMS Hermes that surveyed the Pondoland coastal waters, warns passing ships of the rugged rock alcoves that line this bay of danger on the East Coast of South Africa.
This Indian Ocean stretch is strewn with the remains of jewel carrying treasure ships sunk in the contours of the 'Jewel of the Wild Coast' namely Port St Johns. These great waters are protected by a sweet stone lighthouse with a picket fence. Built in 1903 this lighthouse shines out to sea with one flash every three seconds and is visible from 13 nautical miles.