Stilbaai is a charming seaside village on the scenic Garden Route. The area boasts natural assets that make Stilbaai a perfect holiday destination with special emphasis on water activities, fishing and getting away from it all.
The safe calm coastline with kilometers of pristine sandy beaches (blue flag status at Lappiesbaai) and shallow waters together with a beautiful lagoon and 15 kms of navigable river is ideal for water sports of any kind, rock angling, estuarine and deep-sea fishing.
The small, but active fishing harbour offers fishing charters and is central to all things boating and the source of excellent fresh fish for the unlucky fisherman. Surfers won’t be disappointed by the right-hand point break close to the harbour.
In the nature garden adjacent to Tourism, you will have the rare opportunity of viewing and feeding the only tame eels in South Africa. The eels in the Palinggat Fountain have been living there for the past 125 years. They are hand-fed daily at 11h00 daily (except on Sundays).
Between July and October the whales visit the coast between Stilbaai and Jongensfontein in large numbers and can be observed from the restaurants at Lappiesbaai and from the harbour.
During the holidays, visitors bring a buzz into town and the annual touch rugby tournament on 26 December is a big attraction. Afterwards, the crowds head to Puffies and 3 Ankers Disco, where big city DJs play till the sun rises.
Golf
For the golfer, the Stilbaai Golf Club is a nine-hole course with ocean views from every tee. Hike or even cycle along the coast from Stilbaai to Jongensfontein and enjoy exquisite views or take a walk in one of the three nature reserves: Pauline Bohnen, Geelkrans and Skulpiesbaai.
History
Visit the ancient fish traps, which are visible at low tide. They were originally built by the Khoisan about 3000 years ago and are still used by Stilbaai fishermen. The Stilbaai Tourism Bureau is housed in the Palinggat Homestead, a famous historical building which is a National Monument and exhibits some of the Khoisan artifacts thousands of years old.
Closeby
Jongensfontein: Situated 10km west of Stilbaai, this popular little hamlet offers spectacular views of the ocean. The waves at Jongensfontein are very popular among surfers while fishing, swimming, snorkeling and scuba-diving can also be enjoyed. The “Fonteinhuisie” is a historical landmark and serves as museum and local information centre.
Melkhoutfontein: Situated about 7 Km inland from Stilbaai, Melkhoutfontein has a proud heritage which can be enjoyed with the interesting township tours. These include a local walkabout tour, cooking up mouth watering traditional food and comfortable, affordable accommodation. Soete Inval Botanical Garden in Melkhoutfontein, the first of its type to be run by a previously disadvantage community, has a flower display from July to October and a craft centre.
The permanent population of Stilbaai, Jongensfontein and Melkhoutfontein is about 6000 so all the necessary services are available.
Directions: Stilbaai is 26kms from the turnoff signposted “Stilbaai” which is off the N2 between Mossel Bay and Riversdale.
