To miss visiting Port St Johns, is to miss going to the most beautiful spot on the entire Wild Coast. It is simply, stunning. The mighty Umzimvubu River has carved a magnificent narrow valley and left two huge cliffs that guard the estuary… “The Gates”. Perched on top of one mountain is the small plane airstrip. Walk or drive there for a sun downer and magnificent views.
Second Beach is very beautiful for walks and the cows but no swimming due to shark attacks. You can swim at Third Beach after an entrance fee is paid as this is a lovely little nature reserve, Silaka.
The town is quaint away from the high street which is spoilt at peak shopping times by crowds pouring in from rural areas and leaving their rubbish all over. See an original tin house and visit the little Museum.
Sit enjoying a meal at the Waterside, close the estuary then grab a kayak from Pondo Adventures and explore the river with fish eagle calls overhead. The river is bordered by magnificent forest covered cliffs and bird life is superb. Wanting to explore the river while someone else does the work? Take a trip on the barge “Bobalong”.
Enjoy many hiking opportunities. On the northern side of the river mouth is Agate Terrace with a great walk to Poenskop. The entire coast, north and south, is a fishing paradise.
The Sardine Run is nature’s most spectacular marine event and Port St Johns is home to one of the country’s top dive companies: Offshore Africa. Taking a boat trip with them whether to dive with sharks, watch the awesome Sardine Run or explore the incredibly beautiful coastline, has a hard to beat adrenaline rush when you speed out of the mouth over the waves to the calmer sea beyond.
Photos in memory of John Costello
