ST FRANCIS
Your essential handbook for visiting St. Francis
St. Francis Bay is a quaint coastal town renowned as a premier surfing destination, attracting visitors from around the globe. The area is especially renowned among surfers for its magnificent waves, such as ‘Bruce’s Beauties’ (named after the photographer featured in the cult film ‘Endless Summer’ from the 1960s) and Seal Point, where surfers can catch rides of up to 150 meters at its peak.
The village offers a variety of clothing boutiques and surf shops, while boasting a vast selection of upscale restaurants.
Whether in summer or winter, St. Francis is equally captivating, though swimming on its stunning beaches is less appealing during the winter months.
The warmest period in St. Francis occurs between October and March, with February often experiencing intense heat extending into early March.
South Africa observes its annual builders holiday shutdown from mid-December to mid-January, during which time the St. Francis factory also closes for its yearly holiday break.
St. Francis Bay is a picturesque coastal town located on the southeastern coast of South Africa, in the Eastern Cape province. Here are some key features and aspects of St. Francis Bay:
What to Expect
Discover St. Francis
Natural Beauty
St. Francis Bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and picturesque canals. It’s surrounded by the Indian Ocean on one side and the Kromme River on the other, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for water-based activities such as surfing, swimming, fishing, and boating.
Surfing Destination
The town is a popular destination for surfers, with world-class waves attracting surf enthusiasts from around the globe. Notable surf spots include ‘Bruce’s Beauties’ and Seal Point, known for their spectacular waves featured in the iconic surfing documentary film “Endless Summer.”
Canals and Waterways
St. Francis Bay is often referred to as the “Venice of South Africa” due to its unique canal system. These man-made canals wind through the town, providing waterfront properties with direct access to the water and creating a picturesque backdrop for residents and visitors alike.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond surfing and water-based activities, St. Francis Bay offers a range of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, birdwatching, golfing, and horse riding. The surrounding natural landscapes, including nature reserves like the Seal Point Nature Reserve, offer opportunities for exploration and wildlife encounters.
Marina and Yachting
The town features a modern marina that serves as a hub for yachting and boating enthusiasts. It’s a popular stopover for sailors navigating the South African coastline and offers various amenities for boat owners and visitors.
Community and Lifestyle
St. Francis Bay has a vibrant community with a laid-back coastal lifestyle. The town boasts a range of amenities including boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also known for its architectural style, featuring whitewashed buildings and thatched roofs that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Overall, St. Francis Bay offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, water-based activities, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle, making it a sought-after destination for both tourists and residents alike.
Meet your Hosting Team
Roger Paarman
General Manager
Jonathan Paarman
Chief of Production
Daryl Staples
Financial Consultant
Amber Russell
Senior Management Assistant
Devlin Benjamin
Storeman
Your Experience
What you can expect from our team
When visiting Balance Catamarans St Francis your main points of contact will be Roger Paarman and Amber Russell, they will take you on a factory tour of Nexus Yachts and guide you through our/your build process.
Getting around Cape Town
Unfortunately, St. Francis Bay lacks local taxi services or Uber, necessitating the rental of a vehicle for transportation. For those uncomfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road, shuttle services to and from the airport are available, and alternative transport arrangements can be made upon request.
Although there is only one ‘hotel’ in St. Francis Bay there is a great selection of self-catering apartments and houses as well as B&B accommodation with friendly and accommodating hosts.
We highly recommend that you stay at My-kono’s in St. Francis Bay, which is a beautiful beach front accommodation, there is also the Sands Hotel and Dune Ridge Country House is a great option for nature lovers. There is a lovely B & B on the canals called The Canal Guest House and for the golf lovers there is The Golf Lodge in The Links, along with a few more self catering options.
Cape St Francis Resort is also an option, with quick access to the beach and local restaurants in Cape St Francis. Cape St Francis is a few minutes’ drive from our factory and St Francis Bay Village.
To book any accommodation, we suggest contacting the companies directly or book online with a platform like booking.com or airbnb.com.
When making your bookings we would suggest that you request a sea view with easy access to the beach. There are shops and eateries in and around the Village as well as further afield.
Port St Francis is where your Balance catamaran will be moored. A lovely little privately owned port with restaurants and quaint shops. It is also home to the local chokka (squid) and sardine industry and there are always several fishing boats at moorings providing a colourful look at life in this little Village.
Where to stay
Preferred Lodging Options
The Sands, St. Francis Bay
My-konos, St. Francis Bay
Dune Ridge Country House, St. Francis Bay
Things to do
Bruce’s Beauties Surf Spot
Hypnotic right-breaking point wave located on the southeast coast of South Africa, about 60 miles from Port Elizabeth; the fabled “perfect wave” as featured in Californian Bruce Brown’s 1966 hit movie The Endless Summer.
Golf at St Francis Links
Endless lazy seaside days. Exhilarating Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Indulgent self- catering accommodation and luxury guesthouse. Nature trails and spectacular vistas. Sumptuous restaurant and greenside bar.
Mooihoek Strawberry Farm
Visitors to Mooihoek Strawberry Farm can come and pick their own fresh strawberries when open in season.
Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve
Set in the Karoo Midlands, the Baviaans area features majestic mountains rising from rolling plains, with lush green valleys providing stark contrast. With stunning sunsets and clear, starry nights, the Baviaans offers a taste of life at its unspoilt best. (4×4 Vehicle Needed)
Addo Elephant Park
Activities at Addo abound – from self-drive game viewing, guided game drives and 4×4 trails to short walks and longer overnight hikes or simply bird watching or relishing in a relaxing spa treatment. Addo has it all!
African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary
In the heart of a valley, only a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of PE and Jeffrey’s Bay lies African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary.
The sanctuary is set within beautiful grounds nestled between rolling hills, close to the ocean and is a relaxing place to spend a lazy day.
Our spacious enclosures and open grounds provide the visitor with a feeling of peace and tranquility. We have several braai areas located around the park and welcome you to bring your own picnic.
Safari
If you are here when your vessel is launched, the best time to go on Safari is straight after the launch, as the Nexus Yachts commissioning team need around three weeks to finish commissioning your vessel.
Where to Eat
Some Popular Eateries are in Cape St. Francis, St. Francis village and Port St. Francis.
