Exploring the coastline of South Africa is a gateway to an adrenalin junkie’s heart. From St Helena Bay and Saldanha through to Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Port Elizabeth, East London, Port St Johns, Durban and eventually Richards Bay the adventurer in you will find a plethora of exciting activities and memorable experiences to enjoy.
You can go abseiling down one of the most iconic mountains in the world, cage dive with the most dangerous underwater predator or attempt challenging 4×4 courses, all along the edge of beautiful, sunny South Africa.
If you’re lucky enough to be at St Helena Bay between August and November look out for the Southern Right Whales coming into the bay to calve. Otherwise look out for the dolphins found in large numbers all year round. You could catch yourself some dinner at one of the fishing centres – during the winter months Snoek is an abundant fish on the hoek.
Saldanha offers the perfect bay for fishing. You can anchor the boat in the harbour or out to sea and catch White Stump, Cob, Hottentot or Elf fish with some light tackle. You can also choose to go the more challenging route of deep sea fishing for Tuna and Yellowtail or book for early morning crayfishing on 
022 714 2511. A tour of the bay is also an option with 1 hour trips to the mussel farms and Markus Island, and 2-3 hour trips to the same plus Jutten and Malgas Island. Call Schaafsma Charters on 082 638 5723 for more information.
Further along the coast at world-renowned city Cape Town you won’t be wanting for exciting activities. Extreme abseil spots include the dramatic coast of Chapman’s Peak, the iconic Table Mountain and further inland you’ll find the Kamikaze Canyon. Call Abseil Africa on 021 424 4760 to book your abseil expedition. If you prefer the deep waters to sheer cliffs then the 4 Day Shark Cage Diving Adventure is more your cup of sea. This package will take you from Cape Town to Gansbaai and back again all the while coming face to face with the jagged jaws of our oceans most-feared predators. For more information call Revel Adventures on 021 422 3652
Mossel Baai is a popular holiday destination among the locals and offers you the chance to go tandem skydiving. If the idea of free falling from a plane for a few hundred feet, the cold air gushing past as you plummet towards earth with the comforting knowledge that you’re traveling with an expert sounds like great fun to you, call 082 824 8599 for more information or to book. Otherwise you could go sandboarding, it’s not as heart-racing but sure is a lot of fun, call 082 971 1405 to find out more.
The seaside town of Port Elizabeth is a great place to kick back and relax. You can enjoy one of many day tours from the area. Visit the colossal animals at Addo Elephant Park or head around the corner to Jeffery’s Bay, rated one of the top 10 surfing spots in the world, and get your feet wet.
East London, described as one of the most appealing cities on the coast, is also a surfing hotspot. You can also go sand-boarding on the massive dunes at Bonza Bay or visit the Lion Park to catch a glimpse of the King of the African landscape. You can also enjoy the fact that this is the only river port city in South Africa and go boating, sailing and water-skiing.
Port St Johns lies on the banks of the Mzimvubu River. You can visit the sulphur springs and mud caves or enjoy a spot of fishing. You can also take a hike up to the Buffalo Waterfall; what it lacks in size (the waterfall) it makes up in deep, cool water to swim in by way of a rock pool.
The city of Durban is also a favourable holiday destination for both locals and foreigners. You can take a cruise from the harbour; the port in Durban is the ninth-largest ion the world, and has fats become one of Africa’s busiest general cargo ports. If the weather is good, there’s also deep sea fishing to do. But of course one place that you simply must stop over at for an afternoon or even a full day is uShaka Marine World. It is Africa’s largest marine theme park and spans over 15 hectares. Don’t miss out on feeling like a kid again and enjoy the sea-shows and rides.
Then lastly there’s Richard’s Bay. Indulge in some slow- and fast-paced water sports like scuba-diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, wind surfing, surfing and fishing. If you feel like a bit of a party, the nightlife is said to keep many a tourist busy from dusk ‘til dawn.
If you’re planning a trip along the coast of South Africa there are things to do and places to see for all types of adventurers. The gorgeous coastal line is just waiting to be experienced complete with crystal clear waters, sheer-dropping mountain cliffs and deep sea explorations.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
