Activities in the Area

Go to the most Southern Tip of Africa

This is a 1km boardwalk linking the Cape Agulhas lighthouse precinct with the southern-most tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Consider including this as part of your morning walks next to the ocean. The beauty, the absolute breath-taking scenery and abundance of fresh air is like food for the soul!

Study an unique map of Africa

The map of Africa which has been hand-sculpted out of concrete. The design illustrates the points of the compass and includes representation of several African landmarks. Raised with ridges, peaks and hills, showing the mountain ranges, valleys and more across the continent. The map is aligned with the earth compass, with the tip of the Africa monument pointing to the south.

Agulhas Light House

Visit the L’Agulhas Light House

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is situated at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. It was the third lighthouse to be built in South Africa, and the second-oldest still operating, after Green Point.[2] It is located on the southern edge of the village of L'Agulhas, in the Agulhas National Park; the light is operated by Transnet National Ports Authority. In 2016, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) identified the lighthouse as a deserving prominent historic engineering project and International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Eat in a restaurant

There are many options available to dine in Struisbaai & L'Agulhas. From seafood to pizza, you'll find almost anything! In Struisbaai, try 55 Knots Struisbaai , @tmcstruisbaai , Paljas, Fish and More, Earth Restaurant and many more. In L'Agulhas there are also many options! Seagulls Pub & Grill, @old_cape_last_trading_post, L'Agulhas Seafoods, Suidpunt Potpourri and more.

Go hiking

Spookdraai Hiking Trail is great for the whole family, and wonderful for
bird watching. Length: 4.2 km; Rasperpunt Hiking Trail is great for birding, hiking, and trail running. Length: 5.5 km; De Mond Nature Reserve Trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Length - 6 km.

Go birding

As a birding destination the triangle of land between Bredasdorp, Arniston and Agulhas offers a wide diversity with many fynbos endemics being best viewed here. Our region provides a home to many threatened animal and bird species. The Agulhas Plains Birding Project has identified 235 species here – with this list growing all the time.

Swim in a Tidal pool

Situated close to the lighthouse, these pools are fantastic for swimming, sunbathing and even exploring sea life between the rocks! It is protected from waves and the whole family can enjoy it!
Remember to bring protection against the sun, there is no natural shade. Bring your chairs, blankets and even pack a picnic. Ablution facilities are available at the pools and there are shops within walking distance for refreshments.

Our local school has their annual triathlon at these pools as well, it is always a major event in our town. The joy's of life by the ocean!

Find a ship wreck

The Meisho Maru was a small Japanese fishing vessel who met its end on November 16, 1982. A storm caused it to run aground. Fortunately, because it sank so close to shore, all 17 members of its crew were able to swim to safety.

After spending decades being beaten by the elements, the wrecked vessel finally broke apart. For now, its prow still rests in place, though it’s likely the sea may one day claim that as well. If you’re in the area and like shipwrecks, you’ll want to be sure to see it before it’s gone. From the "southernmost tip of Africa," it is a short 20-minuteswalk to the wreck.

Find the tidal fish traps

Well-preserved tidal fish traps occur at Cape Agulhas, Rasperpunt and Suiderstrand. The tidal fish traps were most likely built by pre-colonial LSA (Later Stone Age) people – possibly the same people responsible for the accumulation of shell middens that are found along the rocky shoreline. 

Archaeological research has shown that people have occupied the Agulhas area for well over a million years! 

Fish traps are old stone structures in which fish were caught. The structures consist of low walls of stone built to enclose a portion of a bay or rocky sections on the coast. When the tide rises and floods over the wall, the fish swim into the enclosure getting trapped when at low tide the water seeps away. The fish trapped in the shallow water can easily be caught by hand or net.

Walk on a beach

A truly unique celebration of all the best things this region has to offer. The long stretch of white sandy beach, with its sparkling white sands and gentle slope into the water, makes for safe and happy bathing!

Find Parrie the Stingray in Struisbaai Harbour

Parrie is a celebrity in these parts and is in fact a short-tail stingray. Parrie measures a staggering 4.3 metres in length and 2.1 metres in width, and has a long barbed tail with venom which can be fatal to humans. These beautiful animals can be found off the coasts of Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Weighing over 350kg they are the largest of the marine stingray species.

According to the locals, the beloved Parrie has been visiting Struisbaai Harbour for more than 30 years, attracted by fish morsels that get thrown over the side of the fishing boats returning from sea. It is thought that this stingray can recognize the sound of the boats and then waits for them. Parrie became famous in 2003 when he made a brief visit to Two Oceans Aquarium but was later returned to Struisbaai when locals demanded their fishy friend be returned.

This gentle giant enjoys human company, people can actually get into the water and feed or swim with Parrie and his friends. He is the larger of the local Struisbaai harbour stingrays. Seeing these beautiful animals is a definite activity you should add to your 'to do' list when visiting the Overberg region.

It is truly a dream experience to encounter such majestic creatures.

Visit a Museum

Shell and Sea Life Museum - View shell collections and displays, items made with shell inspired designs and many sea and shore findings like corals, sponges and all sorts of surprises. A great educational experience!

Ship Wreck Museum Bredasdorp - The main theme is "Shipwrecks along the dangerous Southern Cape coast and their influence on the development of the Strandveld". But you can view all sorts of things from local history. Truly worth a visit!

Elim Heritage Centre in Elim - A long thatched building that used to be the mission store today houses it’s a heritage centre and museum of the community’s way of life. You can see some old furniture and farm implements, but photos dominate, showing: people fording streams with ox-wagons in the old days, smart 1950s-style weddings, puffed hair and dresses with nipped-in waists. Stop and read the info panels to learn about Elim’s history, its architecture and its people.