The Royal Alfred Marina does not exist in isolation. We are fortunate to be an integral part of Port Alfred, a multi-faceted coastal gem with loads of character, rich history, and a great deal to offer both long-term residents and holiday visitors.
About Port Alfred
This is a small town with a big heart and a relaxed holiday atmosphere, but there is a lot more to Port Alfred and its surrounds than may be immediately apparent.
Port Alfred residents enjoy all the usual benefits of urban living with access to excellent healthcare, education, shopping, light industry, and two major airports just an hour away in either direction.
Port Alfred Emergency Contact Numbers
Even more appealing is the range of recreational options available in the area all year round. Both residents and holidaymakers are spoilt for choice - with something to suit every possible interest, whether sporting, adventurous, relaxed or cultural. Some useful websites:
Places of Interest
In addition to Rosehill Mall overlooking the ocean, and all the usual banking, shopping and restaurant franchises, our town is known for the unusual, the artisanal, the artistic, the quaint, and the historic.
Wharf Street is a "must" for everyone. It is Port Alfred's oldest street with a number of historical buildings. You can stroll along the cobblestones beside the river by the light of the Victorian lamps. A unique and special experience.
A number of artists and craftsmen live and work nearby, creating artworks and artisanal products that are uniquely appealing. Their studios are well worth visiting, as are gift shops and local markets. We have lovely coffee shops that sell home-baked cakes and natural honey, and charming eateries to tempt you with dishes created from seasonal local produce.
This area has a rich and fascinating history starting with the Koi San. There are a number of excellent museums on the Sunshine Coast including the Kowie History Museum. Visit the Tourism Office in town to collect a Heritage Map before taking a self-guided heritage tour.
Educational Opportunities
Port Alfred has a number of pre-, primary and secondary schools, both public and private, including the truly historic Port Alfred School pictured here, which was established in 1826, almost 200 years ago.
Less than an hour away, Grahamstown offers more educational options, from schools such as:
St Andrews College and
Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), to its well-known
Rhodes University.
Stenden South Africa is a branch campus of Stenden University in The Netherlands. It consists of a School of Hotel Management and a School of Disaster Management.
43 Air School is a world-class training facility for both pilots and air traffic controllers.
Sport and Activities
Residents can take full advantage of the outstanding local sporting facilities. These include the prestigious Royal Port Alfred Golf Club situated on turf-covered dunes overlooking the beach, just 5 minutes from the Marina.
Port Alfred is renowned for great game fishing. Not only can you enjoy direct access through sheltered breakwaters to the rich fishing grounds in the open sea, you can also explore the long reaches of the Kowie River, both with direct access from the Small Boat Harbour.
The Port Alfred River and Ski Boat Club is situated on the banks of the river. The Kowie River is navigable for approximately 20 kilometres and ideal for water-skiing, canoeing, light tackle angling, boardsailing and general boating. This understandably makes it the favourite playground of Marina residents.
Those looking for something a little more relaxed, may want to consider the Port Alfred Country Club, or visit the St. Francis Health Centre. There are also a number of other local facilities such as the bowls and tennis clubs.
Local Nature Reserves
Experience the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape bushveld right here on the banks of the Kowie River at Mansfield Game Reserve. There are also numerous superb game farms and nature reserves, such as the world famous Addo Park, within easy visiting distance of Port Alfred. Many of the reserves offer excellent hiking opportunities.
For birdwatching and back-to-nature enthusiasts, the local sights are unsurpassed. Even the regal Fish Eagle can be found in abundance.
Annual Events
Water dominates all our lives, both the ocean and our river, and it attracts a number of annual events.
The annual Universities Boatrace takes place in spring every year and brings crews from high schools and universities across the country. The river is busy and the town bustles!
Port Alfred has also welcomed the South African Bodyboarding Championships and the Amanzi Challenge Thunder Cats Rubber Duck Racing, amongst others.
The Pineapple Cricket Tournament is held in Port Alfred every year. It is the oldest club cricket tournament in South Africa. Over a period of eight days, 34 teams compete in different sections for various trophies.