About Witsand

Witsand/Port Beaufort, situated at the mouth of the mighty Breede River, is a holiday destination with a difference. It is situated 300km from Cape Town at the mouth of the Breede River along the Garden Route. The central feature of the Malgas/Witsand area is the magnificent Breede River. Witsand is part of the Hessequa Region, which includes the surrounding towns of Heidelberg, Riversdale, Stilbaai and Albertinia.

It is one of the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of the best fishing estuaries in the country with tidal action that reaches 60 km upstream. The river is also ideally suited to a range of watersports.

Our claim to fame is that we have the largest concentration of Southern Right Whales on the South African coast, growing at an annual rate of 7%. The official whale count done from a helicopter in October 2002 revealed 117 adults and 49 calves in St Sebastian Bay. On a good day up to 50 are visible from the shore.

Witsand's situation lends itself as a base to spend 3 or 4 days and explore the surrounding 200km full of exciting venues. Places of interest include: Arniston / Waenhuiskrans and Agulhas, which is the most southern point of Africa; the Wine Route of Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, Montague and Barrydale as well as the hot water springs at Montague, Barrydale, Warmwaterberg and Calitzdorp.

Malagas Pont

Barry Memorial Church

Breede River Mouth

Experience friendly village life that offers food for the soul and a place to simply relax and unwind.

Can you imagine the thrill of watching a baby whale being born, then tossed into the air by the ‘midwife’ in order for it to gasp its first breath of air? The birth of 62 calves was officially recorded in 2008.

Explore our rock pools and marvel at sea creatures like octopus, star fish, sea urchin and crab.
Whether it’s the desire to be close to nature and its gifts, or to participate in adventure- eco and sporting activities, Witsand has it all. We are a favoured destination for ‘away-from-it-all’ conferences and weddings.

We would love to share our gifts with you, so join us!