Kariega Main Beach
With its pristine sands, Kariega Main Beach is perfect for long sunset walks, paddleboarding, and enjoying the surf. Families particularly love this spot! Jerry’s and Pizzarell’as are just a stone’s throw away, and we recommend trying out the towpath walk along the lagoon and bridge back into town. This beach tends to be a busy spot due to the boat launching site at the slipway.
Middle Beach and Blue Pool
Kenton’s Middle Beach is an unspoilt stretch of golden sand that’s earned Blue Flag status for its cleanliness and safety. One of its biggest attractions is Blue Pool, a natural tidal pool enclosed by rocks and ideal for snorkelling and safe swimming. You’ll see colourful fish and, at low tide, the pool is calm – great for young swimmers learning the ropes. There is also a deep sea fishing boat launch, which is exciting to watch, and they even have their own NSRI satellite base here (which was funded by the community through Rotary). We love this spot, as it’s easily accessible from town with parking nearby, and there’s even a caravan café (Dilly Deli) for ice creams, light meals, and cold drinks.
Shelly Bay
Often called South Africa’s “secret beach”, Shelly Bay is a hidden gem tucked between rocky cliffs and is recommended to visit at low tide (either via a scenic coastal trail or through Middle Beach past a rock formation called Carriage Rock). This secluded cove offers a serene escape. Kids can explore rock pools (look out for the aptly named puff adder and the blowhole in the rocks). Because it’s a bit off the beaten path, Shelly Bay is usually quiet – it’s like having your own private beach!
The Island and Corner Rocks
On the Kenton side of Bushman’s River, near the river mouth, you’ll find a sandbank area that locals call The Island, as well as Corner Rocks. This area is accessible when the tide is low enough to wade across a channel (or via boat) and kids often play cricket and rounders here. This spot is popular for dog walking, sunset viewing, and young families, in particular. It features intriguing rock formations and tranquil coves shaped by the tides and is also a great fishing spot. From the cliffs above, you can often spot dolphins and, in season, whales out beyond the breakers.
Bushman’s Beach
Across the Bushman’s River, you’ll find a seemingly endless expanse of sand that’s great for solitude and nature walks. Bushman’s Beach is known for stunning sunrises (if you’re an early bird) and sunsets, and for the historic Kwaaihoek hike. You can start at Bushman’s Beach and walk about 2.5 km to reach Kwaaihoek, a rocky headland, and find the Dias Cross – a replica of a stone cross originally placed there in 1488 by Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias. This walk (and another 2.5 km further to Cannon Rocks) is a must for history buffs and offers gorgeous coastal views. Bushman’s Beach is often quiet – you may only see a few fishermen trying their luck or couples enjoying the solitude. It’s also a great beach for surf fishing and kite flying on windy days.
Kariega River
The Kariega is a calm, winding river stretching ~16 km inland through lush riverine vegetation and private game reserves. The river is fantastic for boating and water sports: you can launch a boat at the Kariega Slipway in town and cruise upstream through coastal thickets and the expansive Sibuya Game Reserve where you might spot an elephant or giraffe from your boat! The river is popular for water skiing, kayaking, and fishing (grunter and cob are common catches).
We recommend taking a river cruise: local operators offer guided barge trips where you can relax with a drink in hand while learning about the wildlife and history around you. The Kariega River meets the sea in a picturesque lagoon that’s great for kids to paddle and for swimming in warm, shallow water. Keep an eye out for birdlife too – fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons frequent the Kariega’s banks.
Bushmans River
The Bushman’s River (Afrikaans: Boesmansrivier) is South Africa’s second-longest tidal river (second to the Breede), navigavel 32 km from its source to the sea. It’s a broad, beautiful river and a bit more tidal than the Kariega, meaning it has sandbanks that appear at low tide. You can launch your boat at the Bushman’s Slipway in Boesmans or from the Kenton Marina in Merryhill. A trip upriver will take you under the Ghio bridge and into the tranquil wilderness; the upper reaches flow through the Kariega Game Reserve where, again, wildlife can sometimes be seen from the water.
The lower river activities offered from the slipway include kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding – especially in the quiet morning hours. Near its mouth, Bushman’s River is safe for swimming and using flotation devices.
Both rivers are rich in birdlife and offer something for nature lovers. The combination of rivers and sea means Kenton is also a paradise for fishing, whether you choose to surf fish on the beach, drop a line in the lagoon, or head upriver for estuarine species.
If you’re interested in adventure and have your own equipment, both rivers have specified ski zones for water skiing. You could also try sandboarding on the dunes along the Bushman’s or wakeboarding behind a boat on the Kariega.
If you’re interested in boats, Butt Cat Boats has an impressive legacy from the 1950s, when its founder, Stanley Butt, made a groundbreaking innovation in the design of ski boats. Today, Buttcat remains a thriving business, led by Stan Butt’s granddaughter, Keri!
Finally, after a day on the water, nothing beats enjoying a meal with a river view. Fortunately, Kenton has several options: Stanley’s Restaurant sits on a ridge overlooking the Kariega River – perfect for a sunset dinner – while The Sandbar, Bushmans Bar & Grill, The House Kitchen & Cellar, and Jerry’s on the Dune all offer tasty food with river or lagoon vistas. It’s these riverbank experiences that truly capture the essence of Kenton.
An important note regarding beach safety: Always be mindful of tides, especially when visiting Shelly Bay or The Island, as access can be cut off at high tide. Swim at beaches where others are present and ideally where lifeguards are on duty in season. The rivers are tidal but generally safe for swimming near their mouths – just watch for currents on outgoing tides.
Where can I launch my boat?
- Bushmans River Slipway, Boesmansriviermond
- Kenton Marina, Merryhill
- Kariega River Slipway, Kenton
What certification do I need?
- Buoyancy Certificate – Contact Erika Burdett at 072 088 612 for renewals.
- Certificate of Fitness – Contact Bruce Thompson 082 809 4303 or Hartley Timm 073 510 4266.
- River or Surf Launching License – Obtain these at the Ndlambe Municipality Finance Office.
What if I don’t have a boat and want to go up river?
- Outdoor Focus 071 197 0971
- Green Adventures 066 146 4880 | Rates are R300 per person – min 6 pax – max 12 pax | no kids under the age of 7 years
- Kingfisher Charters 082 361 9750
What other river activities can I book?
