Cape St Francis: South Africa's Best Unspoilt Coastal Destination
Cape St Francis is a small coastal village on South Africa's Sunshine Coast in the Eastern Cape, around 110 km west of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Known for its untouched beaches, untamed coastline, abundant marine life and relaxed atmosphere, it's a place where nature takes centre stage. Visitors come here to surf, hike, cycle, fish, watch whales, or to discover one of South Africa's oldest lighthouses.
The village has its own personality. Laid back, naturally pristine and deeply connected to its surrounding landscape, flanked by the ocean.
Cape St Francis Snapshot
- Province: Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Region: Sunshine Coast
- Closest City / Airport: Gqeberha / PLZ
- Location: 34.206° S, 24.834° E
- Plus Code: QRRM+Q3 Cape St Francis
- Ocean: Indian Ocean
- Best Time to Visit: All year, with each season offering something different
What Makes Cape St Francis Different?
Cape St Francis has resisted the temptation to become a busy commercial seaside town. Instead, it has stayed a place where nature shapes everyday life.
The coastline alternates between long sandy beaches and rocky shoreline, creating habitats for seabirds, dolphins, whales and countless marine species. Inland, coastal fynbos blankets the dunes and attracts a wide variety of birdlife all year through.
The famous Seal Point Lighthouse has stood watch over this coastline since 1878 and is one of Cape St Francis' best-known landmarks. Today, it shares the shoreline with surfers, walkers, anglers and visitors who come simply to enjoy the views.
Overlooking Cape St Francis towards Seal Point Lighthouse
FOSTER Sign Boards Marking Nature Reserves And Walking Trails
A Village Where Nature Is A Part Of Life
Cape St Francis borders four protected nature reserves, safeguarding some of the Eastern Cape's most important coastal habitats. Together, the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, Seal Point Nature Reserve, Seal Bay Nature Reserve and Greater Irma Booysen Nature Reserve protect a diverse landscape of coastal dune fynbos, rocky shoreline, wetlands, thicket and indigenous vegetation.
In 2025, following years of conservation work led by FOSTER (Friends of St Francis Nature Areas) and its partners, the municipal-owned sections of these reserves were formally proclaimed as protected areas, securing long-term protection for this internationally significant biodiversity.
Things to Do In Cape St Francis
Walk the beach, swim, hike or cycle a coastal trail, paddle on the water, explore rock pools or browse lifestyle shops.
During whale season, you’ll see southern right whales on the Wildside, while dolphins are regular visitors.
Cape St Francis also has a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Visit Year Round
Every season brings a different reason to visit.
Summer is made for beach days and water sports. Spring and autumn’s mild temperatures lend themselves to walking, cycling and hiking the coastline.
Winter offers crisp, sunny days, incredible surf breaks, and some of the best land-based whale watching along South Africa's coast.
Discovering Cape St Francis
Cape St Francis Resort is positioned for village exploration and adventure, with beaches, restaurants, walking trails and many of the area's best-known attractions all within easy reach.
Come and uncover our village’s stories, from fascinating shipwrecks and age-old history to famous beach breaks and community conservation programmes protecting this remarkable corner of the Eastern Cape for future generations.
Get in Touch
| | anita@capestfrancisresort.co.za |
| | +27 (0) 42 298 0054 |
| | +27 (0) 82 494 3755 |
| | +27 (0) 86 412 3764 |
| | Da Gama Way, Cape St Francis, 6313 |
| | 34 11’ 56.39" S | 24 49’ 53.04" E |
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