Barry's Holiday Accommodation is now known as
WAVES OF WITSAND
Self-Catering Accommodation
on the Garden Route
AND SAVE!
Witsand - Garden Route - South Africa
ACTIVITIES
There's Plenty To Do In Witsand!
Witsand offers a diverse range of adventures that appeal to all types of holidaymakers. From thrilling water sports to serene nature walks, Witsand promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a look at the activities tourists can enjoy in this scenic destination.
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WHALE WATCHING
Witsand is famously known as the "Whale Nursery of South Africa," making it a prime location for whale watching. Every year, from July to November, Southern Right whales migrate to the warm, sheltered waters of St. Sebastian Bay to calve and nurse their young. Helicopter-borne surveys by the University of Pretoria's Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit show that up to 70 mothers are present in the bay at any given time, giving St Sebastian Bay the world's highest single concentration of Southern Right whales. This spectacular natural event attracts visitors from around the world who come to witness these majestic creatures up close.
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The vantage points along the coast provide excellent views of the whales' acrobatic displays, including breaching, tail slapping, and spy hopping, sailing and lobtailing. Whale watching in Witsand is shore-based - no licenses have been granted for boat-based whale watching as this would disturb or possibly injure the whales. Something unique about Witsand is that, on a quiet night, you can hear the whales calling to each other - mothers with their calves, close to the shore, communicating with the males, who keep further out to sea. Witsand also provides a less crowded and less developed environment in which to observe the whales in their natural element, compared to busy destinations such as Hermanus.​
THE WHALE INDUNA
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Cape Town film director Jeremy de Kock has been coming to Witsand since he was a child - in fact we manage the rentals for his family's holiday home, Breede View. Jeremy has won many international awards for his documentary, The Whale Induna. Filmed in Witsand, this compelling film tells the story of Peter Esterhuizen, a fisherman with a special connection to whales. For more info about the film, visit Jeremy's website.​
KITESURFING
Witsand is recognized as South Africa's premier flat-water kite surfing destination, thanks to the expansive lagoon at the mouth of the Breede River, South Africa's largest estuary. The lagoon's large, shallow area provides ideal conditions for kite surfing, with steady winds and smooth water creating a perfect playground for enthusiasts of the sport. Witsand offers ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers alike.
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The main attraction for kitesurfing in Witsand is its consistent wind patterns, which are predominantly from the south-east during the summer months (October to April). These winds create perfect conditions for kitesurfing, providing steady and reliable breezes.
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The beaches of Witsand are wide and largely uncrowded, offering plenty of space for kitesurfers to launch, practice maneuvers, and enjoy the thrill of the sport without overcrowding. The sandbars and shallow waters near the shore are conducive to learning for beginners, while more experienced kitesurfers can venture further out into the bay where the wind conditions remain favourable.
One of the standout features of kitesurfing in Witsand is the breathtaking scenery. Kitesurfers are treated to stunning views of the Breede River estuary, rolling sand dunes, and clear blue waters, creating a picturesque backdrop for their exhilarating rides.
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In addition to kitesurfing, Witsand offers a range of other water sports and outdoor activities. Windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing and boat cruises on the Breede River are popular pastimes for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area beyond kitesurfing.
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Access to Witsand is convenient via the N2 highway, which connects it to major cities such as Cape Town (300km away) and George (200km from Witsand). The town's relaxed atmosphere, stunning scenery, and excellent kitesurfing conditions make it a hidden gem for enthusiasts looking to experience this thrilling sport in a beautiful and tranquil coastal setting.
Watch some incredible footage of kitesurfing at Witsand.​
FISHING
Fishing is a popular activity in Witsand, thanks to the rich waters of the Breede River estuary and the Indian Ocean. The area is known for its diverse fish species, making it a haven for anglers. The Breede River is particularly famous for its Kob (also known as Kabeljou or Shiny Salmon), Spotted Grunter, and Garrick, "The Cavalier Of The Ocean", among other species.
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Witsand provides a lot of variety in terms of types of fishing. Both shore fishing and boat fishing are available in - the river's estuary provides excellent conditions for bank fishing, there is of course a beach and rocks from which to cast a line, while deep-sea fishing charters offer offshore opportunities. Local guides and charter services are available to take visitors to the best fishing spots and provide equipment and expertise. Several shops in the area sell bait and basic fishing tackle.
HOW TO FISH AT WITSAND​
Get some hot tips from a local professional fishing guide on ASFN Fishing.​
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​LOWER BREEDE RIVER CONSERVANCY TRUST (Licenses): 028 537 1296
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WITSAND ANGLING CLUB: hengelklub@yahoo.com
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FISHING CHARTERS: 082 521 6768​​
BIRDING
Witsand is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting a diverse range of species that thrive in its varied habitats. The Breede River estuary, coastal dunes, and nearby wetlands provide ideal environments for both resident and migratory birds. Over 260 bird species have been recorded in the area, making it a must-visit destination for twitchers.
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Some of the notable species that can be spotted include fish eagles, kingfishers, flamingos, and a variety of waders and waterfowl. The estuary is particularly rich in birdlife, offering excellent opportunities for observing these creatures in their natural surroundings. Birdwatching tours and guided walks are available for those who want to learn more about the local avian species and their behaviours. Equipped with a good pair of binoculars and a field guide, birdwatchers in Witsand can look forward to hours of fun, and will no doubt be able to add to their Life Lists.
Check out this video about birding and hiking in Witsand by the Lower Breede River Conservancy Trust.
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More about birding in Witsand
HIKING
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Witsand offers several scenic hiking trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. The nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, featuring a network of trails that wind through fynbos-covered hills, coastal dunes, and wetlands. These trails offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, as well as an abundance of bird species.
The Whale Trail in De Hoop is particularly notable, offering a multi-day hiking experience along the rugged coastline with stunning views of the ocean and the opportunity to spot whales from the cliffs. For those seeking shorter hikes, the reserve also offers a range of day trails that vary in difficulty and length, catering to hikers of all levels.
Within Witsand itself, there are several coastal and riverbank trails that provide a more relaxed hiking experience. These trails offer beautiful vistas of the Breede River, the ocean, and the surrounding landscapes, making them perfect for leisurely walks and nature photography.
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Trails:
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Puntjie Walk: - ± 15 km.
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Moodies Well Walk: - 8 or 12 km.
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Moddergat Walk: - ± 4 km.
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Skuitbaai Walk: - ± 3 km.
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Infanta Walk: - ± 5 km
On other side of Breede River:
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Breede River Mouth Walk: - ± 6km.
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River View Walk - ± 2.5 km
Hiking in the Witsand nature reserve.
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Find Witsand trails on Alltrails
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CYCLING
Witsand and its surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for cyclists. The village and its environs feature a network of roads and trails that cater to both casual cyclists and serious mountain bikers. The scenic routes through the rolling hills, coastal paths, and riverbanks provide a fantastic way to explore the region's natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
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For mountain bikers, the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve offers challenging trails with varying levels of difficulty. These trails take riders through diverse landscapes, including fynbos-covered hills, sand dunes, and coastal areas. Cyclists can enjoy the thrill of navigating rugged terrain while taking in stunning views and spotting wildlife along the way.
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For those preferring a more relaxed ride, the roads around Witsand are relatively quiet and flat, and offer picturesque views of the countryside and coastline. Cycling along the Breede River provides a unique perspective of the estuary and the chance to observe birdlife and other wildlife up close. Bike rentals are available from us.
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Find Witsand trails on Trailforks
OTHER ACTIVITIES
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Canoeing on the Breede River, South Africa's broadest estuary.
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Cruises on the Breede River to the Bush Pub or Malgas
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Snorkelling for Pansy Shells is done over the sand banks at low tide.
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Quadbiking
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4x4 Trails - great tracks to enjoy with your family. Stunning views of whales in season.
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De Hoop nature reserve just over an hours' drive away and well worth a visit
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Kayacking
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Paintball
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Put-put (Mini-Golf)
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Children's playground with swings and jungle gyms
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History buffs can visit the Barry Memorial Church, a National Monument built in 1859, the Barry Woolshed (South Africa's first woolshed, which was used to store wool before transporting it to Cape Town by ship - now an arts and crafts shop) and the Kraaltjie Harbour, which is still in use. These were all built by the Barry family, who had an important impact on Witsand's development as a port in the 19th Century.
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For an unusual motoring experience, take your car on the pontoon to the far side of the Breede River to visit the Bent Head Pub and Infanta, the village on the other side of the river. Until a few years ago, this was the last hand-operated cable pontoon in South Africa, but is now motorized.
...and last, but not least, soaking up the sun on Witsand's pristine Blue Flag beach.
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