There is no doubt that South Africa is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with Cape Town being a crowd favourite. The country has long attracted people wishing to get a taste of the unique atmosphere, breathtaking scenery and captivating wildlife.
Of late, it has become a popular holiday and movie spot for the rich and famous. If you haven’t spotted any celebrity yet, don’t be disappointed. From Oprah and Will Smith to Victoria Beckham and Rebel Wilson, celebrities can’t have enough of our beautiful country.
While the country’s game parks and museums attract a substantial number of visitors, the coastlines really steal the show. Why leave all the fun to tourists and celebrities? You too should get out there and take in the sights, and sailing is the perfect way to do it. You don’t have to own a yacht to get out on the water either.
There are commercial sailing establishments at all the ports ready to give you the experience of a lifetime. Additionally, all coastal cities have yacht clubs that can organise day excursions and fantastic sailing trips. You will definitely enjoy moving at a fast clip over ocean swells while you sit back and relax. Who knows? You might even spot the famed Lady Christine, while cruising on the water. Lord Laidlaw owns a prime piece of property in Noordhoek and loves sailing on his super yacht in his free time.
South Africa’s coastline has something for everyone, from ardent adventurers to people looking to escape the noise and madness of the cities.
Beaches and Water Sports
If you are looking for sun, sand and sunbathing during your sailing trip, the excellent beaches are just what the doctor ordered. Cape Town is home to Clifton and the famous Bloubergstrand beaches. The latter is a lovely spot from which to view Table Mountain.
Away from the tourist trail, other coastal cities also have their own gems. Port Elizabeth’s Hobie beach (perfect for sailing enthusiasts), KwaZulu-Natal’s Umhlanga, and Mossel Bay’s Diaz and Santos beaches are some examples. Other sailing spots not to be missed include Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
Sailing accords you the chance to snorkel and scuba dive. You can explore mystical lagoons and estuaries in Knysna or go discover wrecks and mystical kelp forests while swimming with tropical fish. There is a wide variety of marine life off the shores of South Africa and if you time your trip well, you are sure to encounter dolphins, penguins, seals and maybe even whales.
If you are looking for more excitement, take your pick from one of the numerous water sports available. You can go surfing at the Bay of Plenty in Durban, kitesurfing in Langebaan near Cape Town or experience the sea in a specially designed sea kayak. For something more challenging, try surf-skiing.
Next time you are planning a holiday, contact your local travel office and arrange to enjoy a trip sailing around the spectacular South African coast. You are guaranteed to have the time of your life with awesome marine life, magnificent scenery and fantastic seas.
