7-Day South Africa Yacht Charter Itinerary: Wild Coast & Garden Route Discovery
7 planned days, starting at Port St Johns and finishing at Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Stops include Port St Johns, Coffee Bay, Morgans Bay, East London, Port Alfred and further stops detailed below. Confirm the daily passages and shore plans with your captain before booking.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- Port St Johns
- Final planned stop
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Hike to the Cape Hermes Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Day 1Explore the local craft markets
- Day 1River cruise up the Umzimvubu
- Day 1Relax on Second Beach
- Day 2Visit Hole in the Wall (iNqaba ka Zwelindaba)
- Day 2Walk along the pristine beaches
Confirm joining and departure ports, yacht availability and the daily passage plan before paying a deposit. The captain decides anchorages and any route changes for weather, sea conditions and local restrictions. Shore venues, marine-park permissions and activity bookings require separate confirmation.
Map connections are schematic, not a navigable passage plan. Distances, safe approaches and passage times must be checked by the captain.
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the charter fee, taxes, APA or package expenses, berth charges and any delivery or redelivery costs.
- DAY 01
Port St Johns
Arrive in Port St Johns, known as the 'Jewel of the Wild Coast'. The Umzimvubu River mouth provides a dramatic entrance, flanked by the iconic 'Gates of St John'. Explore the town's laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings.
- Hike to the Cape Hermes Lighthouse for panoramic views
- Explore the local craft markets
- River cruise up the Umzimvubu
- Relax on Second Beach
- Anchorage
- Umzimvubu River mouth (outer anchorage)
- Dining
- The Waterfront Restaurant (casual seafood)
- DAY 02
Coffee Bay
Sail south to Coffee Bay, a quintessential Wild Coast village famous for its dramatic cliffs and the iconic Hole in the Wall rock formation. The area offers a glimpse into traditional Xhosa culture and breathtaking scenery.
- Visit Hole in the Wall (iNqaba ka Zwelindaba)
- Walk along the pristine beaches
- Surf lessons for the adventurous
- Interact with local communities
- Anchorage
- Coffee Bay anchorage (weather dependent)
- Dining
- The Coffee Shack (local fare, relaxed atmosphere)
- DAY 03
Morgans Bay
Continue along the coast to Morgans Bay, a tranquil village known for its beautiful lagoon and pristine beaches. The area is perfect for nature walks and enjoying the quiet charm of the Eastern Cape.
- Horse riding on the beach
- Explore the protected lagoon
- Birdwatching along the estuary
- Walk to the Morgans Bay cliffs
- Anchorage
- Morgans Bay outer anchorage
- Dining
- Yellowwood Forest Tea Garden & Restaurant (farm-to-table)
- DAY 04
East London
Arrive in East London, one of South Africa's only river ports. This city offers a blend of urban amenities and beautiful beaches. It's an ideal stop for reprovisioning and exploring historical sites.
- Visit the East London Museum (home of the coelacanth)
- Explore Nahoon Beach
- Walk through the Queens Park Botanical Gardens
- Shopping and provisioning
- Anchorage
- East London Harbour (marina berth)
- Dining
- Grazia Fine Food & Wine (Italian cuisine)
- DAY 05
Port Alfred
Sail into Port Alfred, a popular holiday town situated at the mouth of the Kowie River. The town boasts stunning beaches, a bustling marina, and opportunities for river excursions.
- Kowie River cruise
- Relax on Kelly's Beach
- Visit the Port Alfred Lighthouse
- Explore the town's shops and galleries
- Anchorage
- Port Alfred Marina
- Dining
- The Highlander Pub & Restaurant (classic pub fare with river views)
- DAY 06
Kenton-on-Sea
Discover Kenton-on-Sea, a charming coastal town nestled between the Kariega and Bushmans Rivers. This area is renowned for its pristine beaches and natural beauty, offering excellent opportunities for water sports and relaxation.
- Canoeing or kayaking on the rivers
- Explore the unspoiled beaches
- Visit the Kasouga Dunes
- Enjoy sundowners on the yacht
- Anchorage
- Kariega River mouth (outer anchorage)
- Dining
- The Sandbar (beachside dining)
- DAY 07
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Conclude your journey in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, a vibrant city known as the 'Friendly City' and the gateway to the Garden Route. Enjoy a final exploration before disembarking.
- Visit the Donkin Reserve and Lighthouse
- Explore the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium area
- Relax on Hobie Beach
- Visit the South African Air Force Museum
- Anchorage
- Port Elizabeth Yacht Club (marina berth)
- Dining
- Ginger Restaurant (fine dining with sea views)
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