Port Alfred Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Port Alfred showing a coastal town, a marina and boating
Port Alfred showing landscape views, waves and mist or fog
Port Alfred featuring a beach and landscape views
Port Alfred which includes a house, a marina and a coastal town
Port Alfred which includes general coastal views, landscape views and waves

Find great beaches, charming markets, outdoor adventures and the chance to spot South Africa’s famous wildlife at this Sunshine Coast town.

Long stretches of beach, plenty of sunshine, game reserves and a scenic marina make Port Alfred an enticing destination. English settlers founded Port Alfred as a fishing village in the early 1800s, where the Kowie River meets South Africa’s Sunshine Coast. Today, this laid-back town blends its fishing heritage with a lively beach atmosphere and modern attractions.

Port Alfred’s town centre is an unhurried collection of streets lined with colourful low-rise buildings. Stroll along Wharf Street to find food markets, restaurants and an antique store. Take a tour of the Wharf Street Brew Pub and enjoy live music events at the Little Theatre on the Wharf. Learn about the town’s English settlers at the nearby Kowie Museum.

Go to Royal Alfred Marina and check out the exclusive waterfront neighbourhood set on five islands. Cross the Kowie River via Port Alfred Bridge and walk along the scenic Beach Road to the Indian Ocean and beaches on either side of the river mouth.

West Beach is a long and pretty stretch of gold-colored sand. This family-friendly beach is a great place for safe swimming and collecting shells. Watersports centers, located downtown, can arrange scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing and whale-watching excursions. On the opposite side of the river is East Beach, where bigger waves roll in from the ocean. Come here to watch surfers and kitesurfers, or try sandboarding down the huge dunes.

Explore the meandering Kowie River by kayaking and hiking on the Kowie River Canoe Trail. The trail travels upriver to the Water Meeting Nature Reserve, where you can hike through forests and spot the endangered barred owl. Play 18 holes at the century-old Royal Port Alfred Golf Course.

Port Alfred is about a 2-hour drive from both Port Elizabeth and East London. The town is best reached via rented car. Port Alfred's consistently mild climate makes it a great year-round destination. The town is also a gateway to superb game parks. Go in search of South Africa’s famous “big five” at Shamwari Game Reserve and Sibuya Game Reserve.

Where to stay in Port Alfred

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West Bank

West Bank might not have many top sights, but The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Shipwreck Hiking & Canoe Trails are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Bank
My Pond Hotel

My Pond Hotel

3.5 out of 5
33 Van Der Riet Street, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is £28 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
£28
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Great Fish Point ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (49 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2025

My Pond Hotel
Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa

Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa

4 out of 5
19 St. Andrews Road, West Bank, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Port Alfred. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and Sports ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"Beautiful bedrooms, friendly and helpful staff, fantastic hot and cold buffet for breakfast, great chef in the Highlander Pub too, and conveniently located. I enjoyed waking to the Bygones Bookstore and Handmade Coffee (Ciabatta loaves were delicious). Also walke down to Kelly's Beach and then along ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Royal St. Andrews Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa
First Group Kowie River Chalets

First Group Kowie River Chalets

3 out of 5
Oriole Road, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
The price is £91 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£91
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Port Alfred. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Popular attractions East Beach and The Royal Port Alfred Golf ...
Awesome place
"The chalet was clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2022

First Group Kowie River Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
First Group Kowie River Chalets

First Group Kowie River Chalets

3 out of 5
Oriole Road, Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Port Alfred. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna. Popular attractions East Beach and The Royal Port Alfred Golf ...
Awesome place
"The chalet was clean and beautiful"

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2022

First Group Kowie River Chalets
Beach View Paradises

Beach View Paradises

Port Alfred, EC
Stay at this holiday home in Port Alfred. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Kelly's Beach and The Royal Port Alfred ...
Beach View Paradises
Comfort on the waters edge

Comfort on the waters edge

Port Alfred, EC
Stay at this holiday home in Port Alfred. Enjoy private pools, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions East Beach and Fish River Sun Golf Course ...
Comfort on the waters edge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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