Ocean Adventures: Ultimate Guide to Water Sports in Port Elizabeth

If wine has its grand crus, then surfing in Port Elizabeth has Pollock Beach—a premier spot where swells arrive with remarkable consistency, offering both character and accessibility. Unlike the intimidating breaks I've encountered in Australia, PE's surfing scene welcomes families with a gentleness that belies its impressive waves.

For beginners, Hobie Beach presents gentle, rolling waves that forgive mistakes and encourage progression. I spent two mornings here with a local instructor named Themba, whose patience rivaled that of the most attentive sommelier. 'The wave will tell you when it's ready,' he would say, a philosophy I've since applied to many aspects of life.

Intermediate surfers should head to Kings Beach when the wind blows from the west, creating clean face waves that hold their form beautifully. More experienced wave-hunters will find Millers Point offers challenging breaks that demand respect and precision.

Before hitting the water, I recommend investing in a quality rash guard to protect against both sun and board rash. The South African sun is deceptively intense, even on cloudy days.

Much like how a wine's character is shaped by its unseen terroir, the true magic of Port Elizabeth's waters lies beneath the surface. The Sardinia Bay Marine Protected Area offers a spectacular underwater landscape that reveals itself to those willing to look closer.

This protected reserve feels worlds away from the city bustle, despite being just a 20-minute drive southwest of PE. The water clarity here reminded me of certain limestone-filtered springs I've encountered in my wine travels—crystalline and revealing.

My most memorable afternoon was spent gliding over the shallow reefs with a local marine biologist who pointed out the intricate ecosystem of soft corals, anemones, and the occasional octopus. Families with children as young as six can safely explore the shallower sections, where the abundant fish life seems curiously unafraid of human visitors.

For the best experience, I suggest bringing your own full-face snorkel mask. The panoramic view and breathing comfort make a remarkable difference, especially for children or first-timers who might feel anxious with traditional masks. My underwater action camera captured stunning footage of the vibrant fish life that I still revisit during cold Adelaide winters.

Some experiences blend the notes of adventure and tranquility in perfect harmony—kayaking the Sunday's River mouth is precisely this kind of balanced composition. Located just outside Port Elizabeth near Colchester, this estuary system offers families a gentle paddling experience with unexpected moments of wonder.

Unlike the ocean-facing beaches, the river mouth creates a protected playground where even novice paddlers can navigate with confidence. My group opted for a guided sunset tour, which I'd recommend as essential for appreciating the ecological significance of this area.

As we glided through the water, our guide Sipho shared stories of the river's history and pointed out the remarkable birdlife—from majestic fish eagles to the comical antics of kingfishers diving for their dinner. The massive sand dunes flanking the river create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly, especially when bathed in the golden light of late afternoon.

For families with younger children, consider booking the inflatable tandem kayak tour option, which provides greater stability and allows parents to pair with kids. I watched several families enjoying this setup, with children squealing in delight each time they spotted dolphins playing near the river mouth (a common occurrence, according to Sipho).

The experience culminates with a gentle hike up the Alexandria dunes—some of the highest coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere—offering panoramic views that capture the meeting of river, ocean, and sky in one breathtaking vista.

For those seeking deeper immersion—both literally and figuratively—into Port Elizabeth's marine world, Bell Buoy Reef presents an underwater landscape as complex and rewarding as an aged vintage. Located just off Cape Recife, this dive site consistently ranks among South Africa's top underwater experiences.

Having explored cave systems across Southeast Asia, I approached this dive with high expectations. What I discovered was an ecosystem with remarkable density and diversity—soft corals in vibrant purples and oranges creating a living tapestry against the rocky substrate. Schools of yellowtail and geelbek snapper moved in synchronized patterns while the occasional ragged-tooth shark patrolled the deeper sections with elegant indifference.

Pro Ocean Dive Centre became my home base for three consecutive days of diving. Their attention to safety protocols reminded me of the methodical precision I appreciate in top wine cellars—nothing left to chance, every detail considered. For families with teenagers (the minimum age for most operators is 14), this becomes an unforgettable bonding experience as you witness each other's wonder in this alien environment.

Before your trip, consider investing in a dive computer. While rental equipment is readily available, having your own dive computer provides peace of mind and consistency across multiple dives. The underwater dive light I brought illuminated the vivid colors of nudibranchs and other macro life that would otherwise appear muted at depth.

Sometimes the most profound experiences come not from the grand, obvious attractions, but from the subtle, hidden gems—much like discovering a small-production wine that outshines more famous labels. The Baakens River, flowing through Port Elizabeth's urban heart, offers precisely this kind of unexpected delight.

While the ocean-facing activities draw most tourists, this urban waterway provides a serene counterpoint that reveals the city from an entirely different perspective. I joined a morning paddleboarding tour that began near the Baakens Valley and meandered through surprisingly lush riverside vegetation teeming with birdlife.

For families, this presents the perfect introduction to stand-up paddleboarding. The sheltered waters remain calm even when coastal winds pick up, and the shallow depth provides reassurance for those still developing their balance. Children as young as eight can manage their own boards with proper instruction, while younger ones can ride with parents on wider, more stable boards.

The waterproof phone pouch I purchased specifically for this activity proved invaluable—allowing me to capture photographs of vervet monkeys watching curiously from overhanging branches and the occasional water monitor lizard sunning itself on half-submerged logs.

The experience culminates at a charming riverside café where we docked our boards and enjoyed a well-earned breakfast while watching the river life continue its unhurried pace. The guides shared fascinating insights about ongoing conservation efforts to restore this urban waterway to its former ecological glory.