Contact Us

The Whale Nursery of South Africa

Imagine a place where the mighty Breede River meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, creating a sanctuary so serene that even the giants of the sea choose it as their home. Welcome to Witsand, a coastal treasure where the white sands aren’t just a name—they are a 4km stretch of pristine, sun-drenched reality.

Known as the “Whale Nursery of South Africa,” Witsand offers the highest concentration of Southern Right Whales in a single bay between June and November. It is a place of rare phenomena, from the eerie “roaring sands” (Brulsand) that hum when disturbed to the historic “Kraaltjie” harbour where time seems to stand still. Whether you are kite-surfing the river mouth or watching a newborn whale calf breach for the first time, Witsand is the ultimate escape for those who seek the extraordinary in the quietest of places

The Woolshed located at the entrance of town will leave you breathless with the amazing gifts, art and crafts on offer – it is here, that you’ll also find the Koffie ‘n Kletz Coffee Shop, a popular stop for travellers.

The Spasie Restaurant is arguably one of the most unique offerings in Witsand with its delicious croissants, steak, and burgers. The Spasie Rum Distillery is licensed for wine and artisanal spirits sales and offers a unique rum with tasting sessions and is located within the Breede River Lodge complex.

The Witsand / Malgas Pontoon connecting Witsand with Malgas has been motorised and is operational between 06h00 and 18h00 daily. Please note that when the Pontoon is serviced, it does not operate. It is advised that travellers consult operations (Overberg District Municipality) on 028 425 1157 in advance.

The Sijnn Wines Estate is located a mere 40-kilometers from Witsand and can be reached via the Pontoon. Sijnn produces wine that is indicative of its distinctive terroir and geographical location. The two main wines produced at Sijnn Wines is Sijnn White Blend and the Sijnn Red Blend.

The Witsand Putt-Putt Park offers a variety of family fun activities, which includes a putt-putt course, bungy bounce, quad bikes, paintball target practice, and school holiday programmes. The Witsand Bowling Club is located close to the Putt-Putt Park and offers well-maintained facilities with a Club House.

For Booking & Inquiries



Call Us

+27 (0) 28 537 1010



Email Us

info@explorersgardenroute.co.za

A Legacy of Trade and Tradition

Witsand’s history is inextricably linked to the Breede River and the adventurous spirits who first navigated it.

Ancient Beginnings: Evidence of Stone Age activity suggests humans have been drawn to this fertile estuary for thousands of years.

The Moodie Legacy: In 1831, the British government granted the farm Westfield to Captain Benjamin Moodie. His family eventually allowed fishermen and holidaymakers to build the first cottages, leading to the town’s official proclamation in 1909.

Port Beaufort: Nearby Port Beaufort was once a flourishing trading hub in the mid-1800s, established by the Barry family to ship wool and produce between the Overberg and Cape Town.

Historic Landmarks: You can still visit the Barry Memorial Church (1859) and the Old Woolshed, which now serves as a local arts and crafts shop.

The bay and estuary provide a paradise for Snorkeling and Stand-Up Paddle Boarding on flat water and wide open spaces – the Breede River is a popular location in summer season.

It’s no secret that Witsand boasts with an incredible coastline and spectacular weather conditions which allows for some memorable Kitesurfing & Kiteboarding.

Kite-surfing is a sport that combines aerobics and resistance exercises and is ideal for gaining physical strength and for keeping balance.

The weather conditions in Witsand makes it one of the best kite-surfing and kite-boarding destinations within South Africa.

The Hopkins Land Parkrun is a weekly free and fun 5-kilometer run with scenic views of the surroundings fauna and flora. This is a flat gravel route and in winter, the spectacular bright yellow Canola-fields is a pure delight for the censes.

This coastal town connects with the inland villages of Slangrivier and Vermaaklikheid through gravel roads which are ideal for cycling or exploring by means of a 4×4 vehicle. The Witsand gravel roads connecting with Slangriver and the Overberg towns Malgas and Buffeljagsrivier is often the route of mountain biking challenges.

Fishing is a tradition in Witsand and the stories of those that were stranded or lost, are often a feature of entertaining evenings with the locals.