Seal Point Nature Reserve is a hidden gem located at the southernmost tip of the Cape St Francis coastline. Nestled beyond the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, Seal Bay Nature Reserve, and the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve, this reserve offers visitors the chance to experience some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the area.
Learn About Penguin Rehabilitation
Seal Point Nature Reserve not only offers visitors the chance to take in breathtaking coastal views and participate in outdoor activities like surfing and sandboarding, but it also provides an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the conservation of marine birds.
The reserve is home to the historic Seal Point lighthouse, which was commissioned in 1878 and stands 28 meters tall. Declared a national monument in 1984, the lighthouse is also known as the Cape St Francis lighthouse and the two names are used interchangeably. Although the lighthouse is no longer in full operation, visitors can still explore it as part of a guided tour.
Located at the Seal Point Lighthouse in Cape St Francis, the reserve is home to Penguin Rescue & Rehabilitation, a facility that works in partnership with Portnet to provide treatment and temporary care to injured, displaced, or oiled marine birds. The center’s primary focus is on the endangered African Penguin, but they also care for all indigenous birds.
The service provided by Penguin Rescue includes responding to emergency situations, providing immediate medical attention, housing, and feeding injured marine birds, expertly managing their captivity and then their release back to sea. Additionally, they also play an educational role by providing information to visiting school tours and tourists. This provides visitors with a unique and meaningful way to engage with and contribute to the conservation of marine birds during their visit to Seal Point Nature Reserve.
The area around the lighthouse is rich in maritime history, with many shipwrecks having occurred in the past. The street names in Cape St Francis pay homage to some of these shipwrecks, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.
Seal Point Lighthouse
Seal Point Nature Reserve is home to a variety of activities and attractions that offer visitors a unique and memorable experience. One of the most notable attractions is the Seal Point Lighthouse, which is located within the eastern sector of the Cape Floristic Region.
The Cape St Francis Lighthouse was commissioned on 4th July 1878, and stands at 28 meters tall. It is a circular masonry tower that supports a lantern house and 2nd order revolving lantern consisting of 8 catadioptric lens panels. The lighthouse was declared a National Monument in 1984, and offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime history.
The lighthouse is also located within the Cape Floristic Region, which is internationally recognized for its spectacular diversity of vegetation. The area supports a diversity of bird, rodent, and other small animal populations, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. Efforts are being made to have the area declared a Private Nature Reserve, which would further protect and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Visitors to Seal Point Nature Reserve can explore the lighthouse as part of a guided tour and take in the stunning coastal views that surround it. They can also enjoy the varied flora and fauna of the Cape Floristic Region and learn about the efforts being made to protect it.
Surfing at Seal Point
Seal Point Nature Reserve is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world, who come to sample the excellent waves and warm waters of Cape St Francis. The entire town has a relaxed, surfing village feel to it, making it an ideal spot for holiday-makers and locals to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastal resort.
Seal Point, in particular, is a consistent, exposed point break that remains quiet and peaceful all year round. The surfing conditions are best when there is a north-westerly wind blowing and a swell that is south-southeast. This makes it an ideal spot for surfers of all skill levels.
The international surfing destination of Jeffrey’s Bay is only a short drive away, making Seal Point Nature Reserve an ideal spot for surfers looking to explore the area. The entire area is geared up for tourists, offering a range of accommodation, shops and restaurants to make the most of their stay.
Seal Point Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for surfers looking for excellent waves and warm waters. The reserve’s relaxed, surfing village feel and its close proximity to Jeffrey’s Bay, make it an ideal spot to explore the area. The surrounding town also offers a range of accommodation, shops and restaurants for visitors to make the most of their stay.
Full Stop Pub And Grill
Seal Point Nature Reserve offers visitors not only the chance to experience breathtaking coastal views and participate in outdoor activities like surfing and sandboarding, but also the opportunity to enjoy a casual and relaxed dining experience at the Full Stop Pub and Grill.
Located in the charming holiday village of Cape St Francis, the Full Stop Pub and Grill is a popular watering hole where visitors and locals can enjoy chilling out with a cold beer, delicious pizza, and the added highlights of pool tables and a dance floor. The bar is busy on weekends, with patrons knowing that a good time awaits them at Full Stop.
The pub and grill also offers lapa and braai facilities outdoors, where visitors can order legendary grilled meats straight from the braai. The menu offers a variety of delicious meals, from starters through to decadent desserts, but the favorites are the pizzas and grilled meats, which can be washed down with a cold beer and rounded off perfectly with a game of pool.
Seal Point Nature Reserve offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions that provide a diverse and memorable experience. From the natural beauty of the reserve to the casual and relaxed dining experience at the Full Stop Pub and Grill, visitors are sure to find something that interests them at this unique and special reserve.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Seal Point Nature Reserve is a paradise. The reserve is known as a great place to surf, and the dunes of Sand River are popular for sandboarding. There are also beautiful walks to be had, with the Shark Point Walk being a particular highlight. This walk takes visitors via the Sea Point Lighthouse, the Shark Point shipwreck, and onto Shelly Beach.
In conclusion, Seal Point Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Cape St Francis coastline. With its rich history, stunning coastal views, and opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s no wonder that this reserve is considered one of the most beautiful and least-inhabited parts of the cape.
