ST FRANCIS BAY

• Latitude: -34.183
•
• Longitude: 24.851
•
• South Africa
•
• Port in South Africa

Address: St. Francis Bay Eastern Cape South Africa

St Francis Bay is a picturesque coastal area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. While it is renowned for its seaside beauty and tranquil surroundings, it is not traditionally known as a major commercial marine port. The nearby commercial port that handles significant maritime traffic is the Port of Ngqura, also known as Coega, which is located near Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).

However, St Francis Bay is home to a smaller facility known as the Port St Francis. This private harbor mainly serves fishing vessels and recreational boats rather than large commercial shipping vessels. Here’s a brief overview of Port St Francis facilities and specifications:

Port St Francis Overview

• Location: St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Coordinates: Approx. 34°10′S 24°50′E
• Primary Use: Fishing harbor, recreational boating, and tourism
• Owner/Operator: Privately managed

Specification and Facilities

1. Moorings and Berths:

   • Equipped with moorings for fishing boats, yachts, and small recreational vessels.
   • Capacity for approximately 100 vessels.

2. Fishing Industry:

   • Main focus on the chokka (squid) industry, which is a major local economic activity.
   • Several seafood processing facilities within the harbor area.

3. Marina Amenities:

   • Offers docking services, boat maintenance, and fueling.
   • Yacht club facilities including moorings, clubhouses, and other amenities.

4. Recreational Activities:

   • Popular venue for sailing, fishing charters, and leisure cruises.
   • Several restaurants and boutiques located around the harbor area, enhancing its touristic appeal.

5. Accessibility:

   • Small ports can handle yachts and smaller vessels, but not suitable for large commercial cargo ships.
   • Typically accessed via road from major nearby cities like Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), which is approximately 90 km away.

6. Safety and Navigation:

   • Limited navigational aids given its smaller scope compared to major international ports.
   • Vessel entry should be cautious, particularly in rough weather conditions.

Natural and Scenic Aspects

• Surrounded by natural beauty and often considered a hub for water sports.
• Proximity to natural reserves, including the Cape St. Francis Nature Reserve, which boosts its ecological value and tourist appeal.

Development and Prospects

• The harbor contributes significantly to the local economy through tourism and the fishing industry.
• There has been talk of potential future expansions or upgrades to accommodate increasing tourism and recreational activities, however, these would still retain a focus more on leisure and fishing rather than heavy commercial shipping.

Conclusion

Port St Francis at St Francis Bay caters mainly to local maritime activities focusing on fishing and recreational boating. For commercial shipping and larger maritime activities, vessels typically use larger nearby ports like Ngqura (Coega) or Port Elizabeth Harbor.

Travelers and investors interested in the area should appreciate its unique blend of economic activity, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, making it a niche yet vibrant marine hub within the Eastern Cape region of South Africa.