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Rough and ready along the south coast
Adventures in Port Elizabeth
Take to the ocean in Port Elizabeth
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Port Elizabeth's Oceanarium includes a dolphin research centre as well as two large tanks housing stingrays and sharks, and smaller tanks that are home to over 40 different species of bony fish.
Adventures in Port Elizabeth/Nelson Mandela Bay are a dime a dozen for those who love to feel the wind on their skin and adrenalin pumping through their veins.
When it comes Port Elizabeth, adventure activities are very much linked to the ocean. The coastline is also good for fishing, and deep-sea fishing can be arranged for individuals and groups. You can dive with sharks at the Oceanarium at Bayworld or head out to the real ocean on numerous wreck dives. A popular scuba diving site is St Croix Island, 20 km from the Port Elizabeth harbour, where fishing is prohibited and the result is large populations of penguins and cormorants. The best time for diving is the winter months when visibility is between 8 and 15 metres.
Although Port Elizabeth has its fair share of surfing beaches, the country's top surfing spots are in Jeffrey's Bay, a short trip from Port Elizabeth. This is the host town for major surfing competitions.
If you're a keen cyclist, there are a number of mountain biking trails, the most popular being the 23 km Baakens River trail and the 22 km circular route along the Swartkops Valley Nature Reserve.
Port Elizabeth is also 4x4 trail territory to suit all levels of skill, and 4x4 sojourns into the Valley of Desolation are a big hit with adventure-seekers. In the area there are also quad biking, dune biking and horse rides along the beach or in wildlife reserves. If that's not enough, there's gorge gliding, abseiling, paragliding, canoeing and sea kayaking all on offer.
If you move further down the coastline from Port Elizabeth, you'll reach the magnificent Wild Coast - a favourite spot for beach hiking holidays, where you also get to know a bit more about local communities.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Donkin Reserve, Lighthouse Building
Central Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 (0) 41 585 8884
Fax: +27 (0) 41 585 2564
Email: info@nmbt.co.za
How to get here
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth is easily accessible by plane, car or bus from the other host cities.
Around the area
Storms River Bridge – home to the world’s highest commercial bungee jump is not far away.
Tours to do
A trip to the Valley of Desolation is a must for adventure-seekers.
Get around
Hiring a car will be useful.
Length of stay
Spend a week or two in the Eastern Cape, exploring the various adventure options.
Where to stay
There are good quality hotels and bed and breakfasts in Port Elizabeth.
What to eat
The seafood is excellent.