About St Croix Island Marine Reserve

The St Croix Island Marine Reserve lies in Algoa Bay, a series of three islands (the islands of the cross) just north-east of Port Elizabeth.

Did you know? Alongside the 22 000 penguins St Croix Island Marine Reserve supports, one also often spots Cape fur seals, sharks, dolphins and a variety of seabird life.

St Croix and its two sister islets – Jahleel Island and Brenton Rock - are quartzitic outcrops of the Table Mountain Group, almost entirely devoid of soil. They form the base of the largest breeding colony of African penguins on the planet.

There is another set of three islands in close proximity known as the Bird Island group. Collectively the six islands are considered important because they are the only islands along the stretch of coastline between Cape Agulhas and Inhaca Island in Mozambique. Combined they provide a surface area of 40 hectares.

St Croix is small at only 12 hectares in size. Yet alongside the 22 000 penguins it supports one also often spots Cape fur seals, sharks, dolphins and a variety of seabird life - Cape gannets, white-breasted cormorants, African black oystercatchers and rock pigeon.

The St Croix group and a 300 metre maritime zone around each island became an island marine reserve in 1981, originally as part of what was then the Woody Cape Nature Reserve. The Woody Cape Nature Reserve, with the islands, was later incorporated into the Addo National Elephant Park, which now boasts the 'big seven' as a result.

Conservationists are outspoken about the threat to this group of islands. There are very few growing colonies of penguins in the world. This particular one has increased steadily over the last century probably because penguins from other colonies on the decline are relocating here.

They, and the seabirds of the St Croix group, are considered under threat from the Ngqura deep water port. Visitors are not encouraged although there are charter boats for penguin viewing and the seas around St Croix are considered excellent dive sites.

Need to Know

WhereSt Croix Island Marine Reserve, Algoa Bay, Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

WhenBest during daylight hours.

OvernightStay in Port Elizabeth Accommodation, Eastern Cape

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Port Elizabeth

Things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation near St Croix Island Marine Reserve

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation

Port Elizabeth as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Port Elizabeth property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Game Reserves
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.