Watersports are a hugely popular pastime for many South Africans who make the most of our warm climate to get out there, have fun, make memories, and get wild and wet.
A few reasons why watersports are so popular include the fact that they’re great fun, they’re good exercise out in the fresh air (making it good for the mind and the body), they’re a great activity for all ages (with something on offer for almost everyone), they offer a sense of freedom, and you can find places to do watersports inlands and at the coast – anywhere that offers rivers, dams, and of course, the ocean.
If you have always wanted to try watersports but are unsure of how, or where, to get started, or if you are already a watersports fan but wondering where to go to enjoy your next memorable aqua adventure then look no further than Velddrif in the Bergrivier region – the Adventure Capital of the West Coast.
This beautiful area – right on Cape Town’s doorstep and known for its open spaces and dramatic landscapes – boasts some of the most pristine and untouched nature reserves, wetlands, lagoons, rivers, mountain landscapes and more. The hugely popular West Coast town of Velddrif, which hugs the banks of the beautiful Berg River, is a watersports mecca!
Some of the watersport activities on offer here include fishing – both ocean and river; stand up paddling; skiing; wind surfing; surfing at Dwarskersbos; canoeing and kayaking – either with your own equipment or with Canoe & Kayak World or Berg River Kayaks; paddle boating in the Port Owen Marina; sailing with Port Owen Sailing Charters; or river cruises up the Berg River with Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours or Knot Xtreme Bergrivier Boat Cruises.
Places to stay in Velddrif that offer access to the water to engage in your favourite watersports include Happy Campers on the Berg River with campers enjoying their own private jetty’s; the Kliphoek River Resort with a slip way to launch your boat; Knorvarkie, another gem on the banks of the Berg River; Kuifkopvisvanger, also on the banks of the river; the Stywelyne Beach Resort in Laaiplek right next to the beach; as well as the Dwarskersbos Beach Resort, right on the beach in Dwarskersbos.
This lovely town is also one of the most popular bird-watching sites in South Africa, with the tidal mudflats and salt marshes presenting more than 220 species of birds – including rare waders seldom seen elsewhere. Top bird watching spots in the area include Rocher Pan, the historic Bokkomlaan, Rooibaai, and Laaiplek harbour. Take a cruise on one of the local boats and go further up the Berg River for the best bird watching experience.
When it comes to watersport options in the Bergrivier area, visitors are truly spoilt for choice and there is a reason that the area has been dubbed as the Adventure Capital of the West Coast. For more information on the Bergrivier regiom and where to go for your next watersport adventure, as well as other things to see and do, visit https://bergriviertourism.co.za/
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The gentle current, the splash of paddles on the water, and the occasional ripple of a fish breaking the surface all combine to create the kind of relaxed summer atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time. For families, rivers offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Kids can paddle along the edges in kayaks or canoes, cast a fishing line with hopeful anticipation, or cool off with a refreshing swim on a warm afternoon. Along the banks, dragonflies hover above the water while shady trees invite parents to sit back and enjoy the slower rhythm of countryside life. Just outside Piketberg, Kleine Paradys offers the perfect place to enjoy all of this and more. Located alongside the Berg River, about 13 kilometres from town, this relaxed farm retreat invites visitors to make the most of river life. Here, families can spend their days fishing for bass, paddling along the river in canoes or kayaks, or simply cooling off in the water. Back on land, the fun continues with a large, heated swimming pool complete with a slide, while adults can escape to the smaller indoor pool reserved just for them. Accommodation options include camping sites, cottages and glamping-style caravans overlooking the river, creating a laid-back countryside escape where days are spent outdoors and evenings end with a braai beneath wide West Coast skies. And perhaps the best part? It’s the kind of place where children quickly forget about tablets and Wi-Fi passwords – swapping screen time for sunshine, splashing, paddling and riverside adventures instead. The Simple Joy of a Farm Dam While rivers offer one way to cool down, another classic countryside experience awaits high above Piketberg – the beloved farm dam swim. For many South Africans, farm dams hold a special kind of summer magic. Afternoons stretch lazily beneath wide blue skies, children splash happily at the water’s edge, and a quick dip somehow turns into hours outdoors. For kids, the dam becomes its own little world of discovery – spotting tadpoles in the shallows, watching dragonflies skim the water, keeping a hopeful eye out for frogs, and seeing the occasional fish ripple the surface as it rises to feed. High above the valley, on the cool plateau of Piket-Bo-Berg, lies Kruistementvlei Farm – a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor explorers. Surrounded by pristine fynbos, orchards and rocky koppies, the farm offers hiking, cycling and climbing trails, along with a refreshing mountain dam swim when water levels allow. Because Piket-Bo-Berg sits several hundred metres higher than the valley below, temperatures here are often noticeably cooler – making that first plunge into the water even more refreshing. Evenings bring their own magic, with owls calling, frogs beginning their nightly chorus and a spectacular canopy of stars overhead. 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Discover Rock Pools, Rivers and Ridgelines: Summer in Porterville
Discover Rock Pools, Rivers and Ridgelines: Summer in Porterville Summer getaways in the Western Cape don’t always have to mean sand and sea. For those willing to look inland, the mountains offer wide horizons, cooling breezes, dramatic scenery and freshwater escapes — from crystal-clear rock pools and tumbling streams to waterfalls and high-altitude swimming spots, perfect for cooling off after days shaped by hiking, biking, birding and the many other ways the mountains invite you to explore them. Set at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains, Porterville is a town where the mountains shape daily life rather than simply forming a scenic backdrop. The rhythm of the place follows the landscape — early starts to make the most of cool morning air, afternoons drawn naturally towards water, and evenings spent watching the light fade across mountain slopes. Here, mountain adventures and water experiences are inseparable. Trails begin just beyond town, rivers and streams wind their way down the slopes, and in summer especially, life gravitates towards pools, waterfalls and shaded swimming spots that make time outdoors both active and refreshing. Following the Water into the Mountains The mountains above Porterville form part of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, a protected landscape where rivers, streams and seasonal waterfalls carve through fynbos-covered slopes. In summer, these waterways become natural pause points — places to cool off mid-hike, linger beside flowing water, or spend entire afternoons moving between sun and shade. Fed by high-lying catchments, the rivers and pools here are often remarkably clear, their cool temperatures offering instant relief on warm days. These waterways support a rich web of life — from dragonflies skimming the surface and insects sheltering among the reeds, to frogs calling from the banks and indigenous fish species moving quietly through deeper pools. 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Velddrif Water Escapes – Unforgettable Boats, Beaches & Beyond
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Once the boat pulls away from the jetty, you get a front-row view of the river’s natural beauty as reeds, birdlife and long peaceful stretches drift by. Cruises operate throughout the day, and local operators such as Cracklin’ Rosie River Tours, Knot Xtreme Bergrivier Boat Cruise and Step Lightly River Cruises offer everything from daytime outings to sunset trips with sundowners. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate Velddrif’s calm, wide-open landscapes. Paddle Power: Kayaking, Canoeing & SUP on the Berg River If you prefer setting your own pace, paddling is one of Velddrif’s best-loved activities. The Berg River’s broad, calm stretches make it ideal for canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddling. Early mornings are especially rewarding, with smooth water, gentle light and plenty of birdlife along the reeds. Visitors can bring their own craft or hire equipment from Canoe & Kayak World, making it easy for both beginners and confident paddlers to get onto the water. Bokkom Laan: Old West Coast Traditions on the River’s Edge Along the riverbank lies Bokkom Laan, Velddrif’s oldest road and a recognised Heritage site. This rustic strip is the historic heart of the bokkoms industry, where mullet have been salted and dried for generations. Today, it’s a charming blend of working heritage and laid-back riverside leisure. Visitors wander past old vishuise and drying racks, browse small shops, enjoy a drink on wooden jetties and watch the tide shift just metres away. Ek & Djy, the lane’s most-loved eatery, captures its unpolished, authentic West Coast character. Laaiplek Harbour: A Front-Row Seat to Fishing Life Further downstream, the Berg River meets the sea at Laaiplek — a working harbour rich in traditional West Coast character. Fishing boats move in and out with the tides, nets are repaired on the quayside, and the rhythm of harbour life is always on show. It’s a great place for a wander before stopping at the Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli for ice cream or a light snack with a view of the trawlers. Salt on Your Skin: Beaches, Surf & Ocean Energy Just north of Velddrif lies Dwarskersbos, a peaceful coastal village known for its long stretch of unspoilt beach. It’s ideal for long walks, beach days and photography. On calm days, the shallow water becomes a family-friendly swimming area; when the swell rises, surfers enjoy uncrowded waves. Consistent West Coast winds also make the area popular with kite surfers. Dwarskersbos is close enough for a quick seaside outing and offers a refreshing contrast to the quiet river scenes upriver. Casting Off: River Fishing, Beach Angling & Deep-Sea Adventures Fishing is woven into Velddrif’s identity. The Berg River estuary supports healthy fish stocks, making riverbank angling both accessible and rewarding. Knor Varkie is a favourite spot where fishing and relaxed riverside gatherings often blend into one. Surf anglers head to the beaches around Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, targeting deeper channels beyond the shore break. For offshore enthusiasts, deep-sea charters leave from the harbour and marinas, offering outings into St Helena Bay in search of larger species. The mix of river, beach and open ocean makes Velddrif a standout fishing destination. Wildlife in Watercolour: Birding in a Ramsar Paradise Velddrif’s Berg River estuary is a Ramsar wetland and a magnet for birdlife, with more than 200 species recorded. Flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, terns and migrant waders are regularly seen across the tidal flats and salt marshes. Birdwatching is rewarding almost anywhere — along Bokkom Laan, on a river cruise, at Rooibaai, from the harbour wall, or at nearby Rocherpan Nature Reserve. Even casual visitors often leave with memorable sightings thanks to the area’s rich bird diversity. Eat, Sleep and Stay by the Water Good food in Velddrif usually comes with a view. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed meal at De Brug or Teyana’s, or heading to Soverby Lapa for seafood on the beach, dining here is unfussy and full of West Coast flavour. River Shack at Knor Varkie offers a rustic riverside stop, while Suikerbekkie at Kuifkopvisvanger brings countryside calm beside the water. The Lighthouse Giftshop & Deli remains a go-to for harbour treats and ice creams. This waterside lifestyle extends to the accommodation. Throughout Velddrif, Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, you’ll find everything from cosy riverside cottages to relaxed self-catering units and simple seaside stays. Wherever you choose, water is never far away — and neither is that unmistakable slow West Coast ease. A Place Where Water Writes the Itinerary Velddrif offers the kind of variety that turns a simple trip into a memorable one. You can spend a morning paddling on still water, an afternoon exploring Bokkom Laan or the working harbour at Laaiplek, and a sunset on the beach in Dwarskersbos. It’s an easy, welcoming destination where the water is always close and every day can look slightly different from the one before – a perfect must-do adventure for the fresh new year ahead. If this sounds like the kind of escape you’d love to experience, Bergrivier Tourism launched its Love on the Water Valentine — offering a chance to win a romantic two-night stay at Draaihoek Lodge, including a
Take the Festive Slow Road: A Countryside-to-Coast Adventure
Take the Festive Slow Road: A Countryside-to-Coast Adventure This festive season, skip the queues, parking lots, and crowded malls — and trade them for wide-open landscapes, festive farmstalls, Christmas markets, and slow, scenic days in the countryside. Just 90 minutes from Cape Town, the Bergrivier region unfolds as a warm and welcoming holiday escape, where summer days are filled with crisp mountain air, shimmering coastlines, local craft food and drink, and adventures that stretch from golden wheat fields to sparkling rivers. If you’re craving meaningful experiences, or you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly getaway with room to breathe, Bergrivier’s towns of Piketberg, Porterville, Velddrif, Aurora, Dwarskersbos, and Redelinghuys offer a festive season that feels grounded, wholesome, and deeply South African. A Festive Countryside Road Trip: Slow Down, Stop Often, Savour Everything For a truly memorable festive adventure, set out on a road trip through Bergrivier — a journey best enjoyed slowly, with plenty of time to pause, explore, and soak in the charm of each stop. This is where the festive magic lies: moving gently from mountains to coast, meeting the makers, tasting local flavours, wandering through Christmas markets, and discovering the textures of small-town life along the way. Rustic padstalle overflowing with mosbrood, rusks, pies, biltong, dried fruit, creamy cheeses, and homemade jams set the tone for a trip where the journey itself becomes part of the holiday. Piketberg — Heritage Charm & Mountain Calm Start your trip in Piketberg, a historic mountain town where sandstone churches, Victorian façades, and the town’s self-guided Heritage Route offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s layered past. Fuel your festive travels with a stop at the Desert Rose, Winkelshoek or Kardoesie farmstalls along the N7 — both beloved for their roosterkoek, pies, jams, and farmstall favourites that embody the flavours of Bergrivier. While you’re there, take a scenic detour on 6 December to nearby Redelinghuys, where the Family Fun Country Fair at Vensterklip offers homely cooking, a traditional spitbraai, festive music, and the warmth of small-town summer. Before continuing your journey, wander up to Piket-Bo-Berg, a high plateau of orchards, forests, mountain-bike routes, waterfalls, fynbos trails, and still, quiet viewpoints — a hidden world ideal for travellers seeking nature, peace, and beauty. Porterville — Art, Air & Adventure Next, visit Porterville, a town where creativity, nature, and community spirit converge. If you visit on 13 December, the Houtconstant Farm Christmas Market becomes a highlight of your festive journey — a joyful gathering beneath shady trees with farm-grown produce, festive bakes, handmade goods, and a relaxed countryside feel. Explore Porterville’s artistic side by visiting pottery studios and artisan workshops where local creators open their doors to travellers. For adventure lovers, summer turns the town into a paragliding paradise. The dramatic Dasklip Pass becomes a sky stage as colourful gliders soar above the valley, creating one of the most spectacular sights of the season. Just beyond town lies the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, where rugged routes lead to crystal-clear rock pools, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping mountain views — an ideal escape for hikers and nature lovers. End your Porterville day with a visit to Tygerkloof Distillery (Ginsmiths), where fynbos-infused gins and mountain views pair beautifully with small plates and warm local conversation. Redelinghuys — Country Quiet, Sandveld Charm Continue your slow festive journey to Redelinghuys, one of the Sandveld’s most peaceful villages — a place known for its wheat fields, warm community spirit, and small-town tranquillity that feels like a step back in time. If you’re travelling on 13 December, make sure to stop at the Redelinghuys Christmas Market, taking place from 5pm to 8pm at 78 Voortrekker Street, right next to Sandveld Oase. This much-loved community market brings together clothing and handmade crafts, unique festive gifts and locally made items, light meals, cakes, and hot or iced tea and coffee served by Grounded Café. It’s a relaxed, friendly event filled with West Coast hospitality — the perfect place to stretch your legs, browse for gifts, and enjoy a warm summer evening under the trees.From here, the road opens toward the coast as you make your way to Velddrif and Dwarskersbos for river life, beaches, and seaside festive markets. Velddrif & Dwarskersbos — Water, Wildlife & West Coast Wonder As your journey reaches the coast, Velddrif welcomes you with festive charm and slow river rhythms. If you arrive on 6 December, you can wander through the lively Port Owen Monthly Market, where the marina fills with artisanal flavours, handmade goods, and the joyful exchange of holiday shoppers chatting between the stalls. Return on 16 December for the Port Owen Christmas Night Market, when the harbour glitters with lights, festive music drifts along the water, and families stroll beneath soft summer skies. But markets are only the beginning of your culinary journey here. Make your way to Tolbossie Farm Stall, a gem in the heart of Velddrif and home to Tannie Aggie’s famous fish pies and heat-and-eat rolls — a flavourful slice of true West Coast tradition. Beyond the farmstalls, Velddrif offers a world of simple pleasures. Stroll along Bokkomlaan, the iconic riverside lane lined with drying-shed heritage, wooden jetties, and intimate riverside coffee spots. Take a tranquil boat cruise on the Berg River, drifting past pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills, and estuary vistas glowing gold at sunset. Explore Laaiplek Harbour, where colourful trawlers and sea-salt air capture the heartbeat of the West Coast. And while here, grab some ice cream from the Lighthouse Deli. Or get out onto the water with canoeing, kayaking, SUP, or relaxed river paddling — ideal for cooling off and soaking up nature. Just minutes away, Dwarskersbos offers safe, warm waters and long stretches of quiet beach perfect for swimming, strolling, or letting the festive season unfold slowly in the sunshine. On the 14th of December there is also a Christmas Night Market filled with handcrafted gifts, festive treats, and a relaxed coastal mood that captures the heart of West Coast summer. Stay a Little Longer: Places to Rest,
A Detour Worth Taking: Discover the Mountain Town of Piketberg
A Detour Worth Taking: Discover the Mountain Town of Piketberg Many travellers heading north from Cape Town on the N7 pass right by Piketberg — bound for Clanwilliam Dam, the Cederberg, or even Namibia. Others veer west towards Elands Bay or Velddrif, never realising that this unassuming turnoff hides one of the Western Cape’s most rewarding destinations. Backed by the magnificent Piketberg Mountains and surrounded by rolling wheat fields, vineyards, and fruit farms, this historic town offers everything from mountain biking and hiking to camping, stargazing, and simple, soul-soothing relaxation. With its breathtaking views, welcoming farm stays, and trails that wind through fynbos-covered slopes, Piketberg captures the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Only an hour and a half from Cape Town, the town feels worlds away from the rush of the city. The landscape shifts beautifully with the seasons — from golden harvest tones to deep green slopes after the rains — making it a year-round destination for those who crave nature, tranquillity, and wide-open views. A Town Steeped in History and Charm The perfect way to explore this town and immerse yourself in its layered past is by following the Piketberg Historic Route – a self-guided walk or drive that connects 12 heritage landmarks, each telling the story of the people who built this mountain town. Highlights include the striking Neo-Gothic Dutch Reformed Church built from sandstone quarried on the mountain, the old Commercial Hotel with its ornate cast-iron balconies, and the Piketberg Museum housed in a former synagogue. Together, these landmarks offer a fascinating glimpse into Piketberg’s 19th-century origins and its evolution into one of the Western Cape’s most characterful country towns. For those staying over, Cornerstone Guesthouse offers modern comfort and sweeping valley views – perfect to soak up stunning Piketberg sunrises and sunsets, while Dunn’s Castle exudes Victorian-era romance with its turreted architecture and panoramic outlook. Built in the late 1890s and believed to have been designed by Sir Herbert Baker, this grand retreat is a timeless escape from city life. Wine lovers should make time for Org de Rac, the renowned organic wine estate just outside town. Here, visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of the estate’s handcrafted wines, including a glass of their signature crisp MCC bubbly paired with oysters, and enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the valley. Adventure and Tranquillity in the Mountains Above In the mountains above Piketberg lies Piket-Bo-Berg – a high plateau that feels like another world altogether. Here, orchards and fynbos-covered slopes give way to sweeping views across the valleys and plains below. The air is cooler, the silence deeper, and the sense of space profound. This is where nature lovers find their rhythm. The Retreat Guest Farm, a working farm, has become a favourite among hikers, mountain bikers, and those seeking a true escape into nature. Trails wind through forests and along rocky ridges, revealing ancient rock art, waterfalls, and viewpoints that stretch as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re tackling the mountain bike loops or taking a slow hike through the Yellowwood forest, this spot offers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. Nearby, Pomona Farm invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Bright fields of protea roll across the hills, and the rare protea canary can often be spotted flitting between the trees. Evenings here are best spent around a crackling fireplace or soaking in a wood-fired hot tub beneath a starlit sky – there’s even a stargazing net designed for making the most of the mountain’s unpolluted night skies. Other activities in the area include trail running, bouldering, rock climbing, birdwatching, kayaking, and simple, restorative relaxation. Next door to The Retreat Guest Farm lies Kruistementvlei Farm, the venue of the monthly Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market – a must for those who time their visit right. It draws visitors from across the region for a morning of artisanal breads, preserves, honey, handmade crafts, and farm-fresh produce – all enjoyed beneath the shade of ancient oak trees. It’s one of those rare markets that still feels genuinely local, and it captures the essence of what makes Piketberg so special. Culture, Community, and the Simple Life A short drive from Piketberg leads to the Goedverwacht Mission Station, a historical gem nestled in a lush valley. Established as a Moravian mission in 1889, it remains one of the area’s most atmospheric and culturally rich villages. Its whitewashed cottages with bright window frames, the old mill, and the Moravian church all stand as testaments to the community’s enduring spirit. Visit during the sweet potato harvest season and you’ll see the town come alive with celebration and colour. Sundays in Piketberg are affectionately known as Silent Sundays – a time for rest, reflection, and unhurried living. Streets grow quiet, shops close, and the town settles into an easy stillness that feels both rare and restorative. It’s an authentic glimpse of local life and one of those small but meaningful experiences few visitors know to seek out. Worth More Than a Stopover Whether you come for the trails, the food, the history, or the sheer tranquillity, Piketberg is far more than a name on a road sign – it’s a destination that rewards those who pause to explore. You’ll understand why those who find Piketberg rarely just pass through again. For more information on Piketberg and its surrounds, visit Piketberg History Western Cape South Africa. Win a Piketberg Getaway for Two! Before you plan your next escape, why not stand a chance to win one? Bergrivier Tourism is giving one lucky entrant two nights for two at their favourite accommodation in Piketberg – complete with selected experiences to enjoy around the town. Simply visit Accommodation Campaign – Bergrivier Tourism.
