St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay, a wide bay extending to the west of Port Elizabeth, was given its name by Manoel Perestrelo, a Portuguese navigator, in honor of St Francis, patron saint of all seafarers. There are a number of bathing resorts round the bay, consisting almost exclusively of holiday homes which are occupied only for a few weeks in the year. The attractions of St Francis Bay are its beautiful beaches and the opportunities it offers for surfers and wind-surfers; the mighty waves, particularly towards the west end of the bay, are a challenge to their skill. Their sport can also be enjoyed by the lookers-on. Shell collectors, too, will find some marvelously beautiful shells here.