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Cape CreekRetreat

Coastal Activities

WHALE WATCHING

Seasonal · July to December

From July to December, the waters off South Africa come alive with the playful antics of Southern Right whales. Watch in wonder as they breach, lobtail, spy hop, and splash with sheer joy, a spectacular display of nature’s grandeur. These gentle giants travel from the Antarctic to our coastline to mate, calve, and, as many believe, simply have fun!

During this season, you’ll mostly spot mothers and their calves, gliding gracefully through the water. Stand in awe as they wave a fin or slap the water with a tail in exuberant celebration. With luck, you might witness the jaw-dropping sight of several tons of whale launching from the sea, landing with unmatched power. Having feasted in the Antarctic for six months, these majestic creatures are now on “vacation,” full of energy and curiosity. Sometimes, they even swim right up to boats for a closer look, leaving visitors utterly captivated. It’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Some of the best land-based whale watching spots include:

  • Agulhas National Park, offering scenic vantage points along the coastline.
  • De Mond Nature Reserve, a natural lookout with excellent visibility.
  • Koppie Alleen in De Hoop Nature Reserve, perched atop the dunes for panoramic views.

For an even closer encounter, Cape Sea Safaris runs 2-hour whale watching boat trips daily from Struisbaai Harbour between August and November. Trips start at R1,250 per person, and bookings can be made on their website.

Nearby Attractions & Travel Times:

  • Langezandt Beach – 5 minutes’ walk
  • Cape Sea Safaris – 5 minutes’ drive
  • De Mond Nature Reserve – 25 minutes’ drive
  • Agulhas National Park – 35 minutes’ drive
  • De Hoop Nature Reserve – 1 hour’s drive

Witness the extraordinary charm and playful spirit of Southern Right whales. It’s a spectacle you’ll never forget.

SUNSET CRUISE

Set sail from Struisbaai Harbour with Awesome Charters, where adventure and relaxation meet the sea. Fishing enthusiasts can experience deep sea fishing in some of South Africa’s most renowned fishing grounds, while thrill-seekers can enjoy spear fishing, diving charters, and full-day trips.

For a more leisurely experience, unwind on an hour-long sundowner cruise, or take a 30-minute scenic trip around the bay, soaking in the stunning coastal views and vibrant sunsets. Whether chasing the catch of the day or simply savoring the ocean breeze, Awesome Charters offers unforgettable memories on the water.

L'AGULHAS TIDAL POOL

Nestled along the L’Agulhas coastline, the L’Agulhas Tidal Pools offer a safe and relaxing way to enjoy the ocean. These man-made pools fill with seawater, giving you the joy of swimming in the sea without worrying about tides or rocks.

The area features a grassy field with benches, perfect for a picnic, and a small playground with swings and a slide for the little ones. Whether you’re in the pool or lounging on the grass, you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views and even catch a glimpse of the iconic lighthouse in the distance.

FISHING

Struisbaai is a paradise for anglers, with its long sandy beaches and harbour wall offering excellent shore fishing spots. Whether it’s day or night, you’ll find fishermen casting for Shad, Kob, Galjoen, Spotted Grunter, and more, while adventurous anglers may encounter Elf, Garrick, Musselcracker, smaller sharks, Belman, Puffer fish, and Kolsterte. The harbour wall is welcoming to fishers of all ages, making it perfect for a family outing.

For a professional deep sea fishing experience, book a trip with Awesome Charters at the harbour. Other trusted local operators include Morgan Rose Fishing Charters, Cape Agulhas Fishing Charters, and Captuna Yellowtail Fishing. Be sure to comply with local fishing laws and check whether a permit is required in certain areas.

Nearby Locations & Travel Times:

  • Langezandt Beach – 5 minutes’ walk
  • Struisbaai Harbour – 5 minutes’ drive
  • Awesome Charters – 5 minutes’ drive
  • Morgan Rose Fishing Charters – 7 minutes’ drive
  • Cape Agulhas Fishing Charters – 6 minutes’ drive

SCUBA DIVING

For thrill-seekers and ocean lovers, Southern Tip Extreme Activity Centre in Struisbaai offers an exciting array of water adventures. Dive into the underwater world with scuba diving courses and guided boat dives, try your hand at spearfishing, or enjoy snorkeling and scenic boat trips.

Beginners can learn the basics with an open water scuba course, while qualified divers can explore Struisbaai’s magnificent reefs on a guided dive for R1,000. Spearfishing excursions are also available for R1,500, and Stephen Griffiths, the centre’s founder, can tailor trips to your needs. Contact him directly at (+27) 76 672 9731.

For land-based adventure, hire an e-bike from just R200 for the first hour, with additional hours at R100, and explore Struisbaai or even ride to L’Agulhas with ease. E-bikes are available daily on Main Road, across from the Caltex, from 8am.

SURFING

Struisbaai’s beautiful waters and reliable waves make it a hotspot for surfers. The winter months bring the most consistent surf, perfect for catching great waves.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Robbie’s Surfing Lessons offers classes for all levels. Beginners learn right at Struisbaai Beach, while advanced surfers can take lessons at other nearby surf spots. Lessons start at R300 per hour per person, including board and wetsuit rental, a fantastic way to start a new hobby or improve your surfing in the stunning Cape Agulhas region.

Nearby Locations:

  • Struisbaai Main Beach – 3 minutes’ drive
  • Robbie’s Surf Lessons – 2 minutes’ drive

HORSE RIDING

Struisbaai's beach runs uninterrupted for fourteen kilometres, the longest stretch of white sand in the southern hemisphere, and it is flat, firm and open all the way. It is the reason people ride here: long, level going with the sea on one side and the dunes on the other, and enough room that you rarely share it.

Rides along the sand are usually arranged in advance rather than turned up for, and the calmest going is early morning or late afternoon when the wind drops. Tell us when you are coming and we will set it up with a local stable for you.

Nearby:

  • Langezandt Beach – 5 minutes' walk
  • Struisbaai Main Beach – 3 minutes' drive

KITE SURFING

Struisbaai is a prime destination for kite surfing, offering smooth waters and consistent winds that make wave-sailing a thrill. The outer reef allows easy waves to pass through, keeping conditions especially calm during low tide. Die Plaat is ideal for kite surfing during South-West winds, while Struisbaai Main Beach and the harbour area provide great spots for wake-style flat water riding.

A grassy area at the Struisbaai Promenade makes rigging easy, with plenty of parking nearby. For lessons or guidance, reach out to Tip of Africa Kite Surfing, perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their skills.

Nearby Locations:

  • Struisbaai Main Beach – 3 minutes’ drive
  • Struisbaai Harbour – 5 minutes’ drive
  • Die Plaat – 8 minutes’ drive
  • Tip of Africa Kite Surfing – 3 minutes’ drive

Ready to have the house to yourselves?

Tell us roughly when, and how many. We reply personally, usually within one working day.

Plan Your Retreat

No obligation, and no cost to enquire.

FAQs

Booking and pricing

What is the cost of hosting a retreat?

Every retreat is priced around your dates, group size and the extras you'd like. Send us your dates and headcount at bookings@creekretreats.co.za and we'll reply with a tailored quote.

What's included in the price?

Exclusive use of the whole property: the thatched main house, three private cottages, the courtyard and braai. It also includes premium linen and towels, uncapped fibre wifi, the working spaces, the games room and cinema loft, firewood for the braai and fireplace, and a final clean. Catering, excursions and transport are quoted separately.

How do deposits and payment work?

If you book 8 weeks or more before arrival, a 50% deposit secures your dates, with the balance due 8 weeks before you arrive. Inside 8 weeks, the full amount is due on booking. Payment is by EFT (bank transfer), in South African rand. A refundable damage deposit of R2,000 and a cleaning fee apply.

Can you invoice our company?

Yes we are able to invoice the Company and you are welcome to send over the details once the quotation has been accepted.

What is your cancellation policy?

A full refund within 48 hours of booking if arrival is at least 14 days away, a full refund 30 or more days before arrival, 50% 7 or more days before, and no refund within 7 days of arrival.

Is there a minimum stay?

We have a 2 night minimum stay requirement for the Retreat

Group size and rooms

How many people can the retreat accommodate?

9 team members can be accommodated comfortably

Will everyone have their own room?

There are seven bedrooms, so seven people can each have their own room. The three cottages each have their own entrance and en suite, which gives senior team members extra privacy.

What are the bedrooms?
RoomBedsBathroom
Oceanpearl (main house)QueenEn suite
Saltstone (main house)QueenShared
Driftwood Loft (upstairs)Twin bedsShared
Oystercatcher Loft (upstairs)Double or twinShared
Oceanbreeze CottageQueenEn suite, shower
Dune CottageQueenEn suite, with bath
Fynbos CottageQueenEn suite, shower

The three main-house bedrooms without an en suite share one bathroom. Every room has premium linen, plush duvets and block-out curtains.

Is there anything to know about the stairs?

The stairs to the two loft bedrooms are steep.

Working at the venue

Is the wifi good enough for video calls?

Yes, uncapped fibre runs throughout, and a back-up supply keeps the main router running for about two hours during loadshedding.

Where can we hold meetings?

Around the large dining table in the open-plan main house, with quiet nooks around the property for focused work. The games room's pool table converts into a dining table with benches if you need a second space.

Can we present from a laptop?

Yes, there are smart TVs with HDMI adaptors in several rooms, plus a cinema loft with a smart TV and Bluetooth speaker. Any additional extras such as flipcharts and markers are available upon request and at an additional charge.

Catering

Can we self-cater?

Yes. The kitchen has SMEG appliances, a gas hob, oven, dishwasher and Nespresso machine, with full cookware for a large group. Tea, coffee, sugar and a starter supply of pods are provided. The covered pergola braai seats the whole group.

Can you arrange catering or a private chef?

Yes, bespoke catering is available as an add-on and quoted individually.

Can we eat out as a group?

Yes. Catch Cook at the harbour and Pret at 55 Knots are 3 to 5 minutes away. For a larger dinner or daytime session, Earth Restaurant, 4 minutes away, hosts functions for up to 30 people.

Getting there and arrival

How far is the retreat from Cape Town?

About two and a half hours' drive.

Can you arrange transport?

Yes, private transport can be arranged and quoted as part of your retreat.

How do we get into the estate?

The property is inside the gated Langezandt security estate. Before arrival, our local property manager will ask for vehicle registration numbers so cars can be added to the estate access system.

What time can we arrive and leave?

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.

Is there parking?

Yes, secure parking for four vehicles inside the property, plus two on the front driveway.

Team-building and activities

What can we do on site?

A games room with a pool table that converts to table tennis and a dartboard, a cinema loft, a large indoor fireplace, and the courtyard braai. Langezandt beach is about a 5-minute walk through the estate.

Can you organise team activities?

Yes. We can arrange private excursions and hosted activities, quoted to suit your group:

  • On the water: scuba diving, fishing, sunset cruises, whale watching (roughly July to December), surfing and snorkelling.
  • Outdoors: hiking trails from 5 to 10.5 km, Agulhas National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Nuwejaars Wetlands.
  • Wine: tastings at Black Oystercatcher, Zoetendal Vineyards and Lomond Wine Estate.
  • Sightseeing: the southernmost tip of Africa, the Cape Agulhas lighthouse, and the historic fishing village of Arniston.

House rules

Can we host an event?

Yes, with our prior written agreement. Please tell us when you enquire. Langezandt estate rules ask all guests to keep noise considerate and not to use fireworks.

Can we smoke?

No, the venue is non-smoking, inside and out.

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, up to three pets, by prior arrangement, at R900 per pet.

Extras

What else can you arrange?

Bespoke catering and private dining, team-building and adventure experiences, creative and wellness experiences, private transportation meeting and technology support. Each is quoted individually.