Port Elizabeth

With swimming, sailing and surfing opportunities, Port Elizabeth is the water sport capital of South Africa. Coined the "Friendly City," it has numerous and diverse attractions for families and adventurers.

View natural wildlife on scenic trails; bask on one of the 10 sandy beaches; or visit one of the many historic heritage sites. Best of all, Port Elizabeth boasts the fourth best weather in the world.

Port Elizabeth has a dozen popular surfing areas and even more opportunities in nearby Jeffrey's Bay. The city's annual sailboat race-- The Algoa Bay National Sailing Week held in May-- includes yachts from all over South Africa competing in the five-day race.

Other water activities abound in Port Elizabeth, including:  Bayworld, which has live animal displays, including dolphins, seals, penguins, fish, snakes and crocodiles. Historical exhibits include shipwrecks, dinosaurs, Xhosa beadwork, historical costume, local fossils and much more. There's also the Port Elizabeth Oceanarium with dolphin and seal presentation and an underwater observation.

Port Elizabeth's popular parks and trail system activities include bird watching, fishing, swimming, camping and nature walks.