Hobie Beach

About Hobie Beach

Port Elizabeth may be the metropolitan hub of Nelson Mandela Bay, but it is probably best known for its gorgeous beaches. Long stretches of light-golden sands are lapped by the warm Indian Ocean waters of the bay, making for the perfect place to spend a hot summer's day in the Eastern Cape.

Hobie Beach, in the suburb of Summerstrand, is one of the treasures of the PE beachfront. It is the home of the iconic Shark Rock Pier, which thrusts out from the shores and into the blue of the water. From the end of the pier, you can often see fish swimming in the clear sea below.

Hobie Beach is popular for swimming, body-boarding, surfing, and long days spent tanning and building sandcastles on the flat, warm sand. There is a slipway onto the beach too; so, rubber ducks, jet skis, and boats often launch from here. The sandy shore is not only perfect for long walks or more energetic jogs, but also for volleyball and other exciting beach sports. In fact, Hobie Beach hosts some sports competitions through the year, thanks to its great conditions.

The rock pools here are full of marine life and intriguing crevices that are loads of fun to explore. Kids love spending time on the rocks, when they're not splashing around in the waves.

Along the edge of the beach are a number of bars and restaurants, which are great for a quick breakfast, delicious lunch, romantic dinner, or sundowners. Parking and ablutions are available too. The Boardwalk and its casino are just across the road from Hobie Beach, and the airport is between 10 and 15 minutes' drive away.

The beach is about 20 minutes from the Walmer Park Shopping Centre, and around 30 minutes from the Kragga Kamma Game Reserve. Summerstrand is home to many guest houses, hotels, B&B's and lodges; ensuring enough accommodation for the visitors that want to be close to beautiful beaches like Hobie.