Swartkops Beach

About Swartkops Beach

On the outskirts of the industrial area of Port Elizabeth, heading towards the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, is the tiny sandy stretch of the Swartkops Beach, at the mouth of the Swartkops River. Although the beach is small, the views of the river are beautiful, the waters are warm, and the sandy portions are ideal for playing bat-and-ball or Frisbee, and soaking up the sun.

However, Swartkops is best known for its fishing opportunities and especially popular amongst keen anglers for its leervis and skipjack springer. You may also land a kob or grunter in these waters; all on the fly. Sitting on the sandy banks of the river or the shore, or bobbing peacefully on a boat may just be the perfect way to spend a summer’s morning or a wintery afternoon with the family.

The area is not frequented as a swimming spot, but is suitable for swimming, surfing and kite-surfing. Families with little ones may prefer to swim in the nearby river, where there are no waves or strong rips.

Near Swartkops is the Aloe Trail, which is an easy to moderate seven kilometres long and takes about three hours to complete. It starts between Amsterdamhoek and Bluewater Bay, at the top of the Tippers Creek Road. Views of the Zwartkops Estuary are beautiful from the trail. In June and July, the aloes here burst into bloom, attracting sunbirds and promising really lovely sights along the way.

The Swartkops Beach is only about 15 to 20 minutes from the malls of Port Elizabeth and its other popular beaches (including Hobie and Pollock beaches).