Surf’s up

Get a feel for Port Elizabeth at Hobie Beach. Recently upgraded Shark Rock Pier shares centre stage with the Boardwalk Hotel complex and is the gathering place for people to watch swimmers and surfski paddlers. Take the plunge and go snorkelling, or splash out on ocean kayaking. You can hire gear at Pro Dive Watersport Centre. Advance booking is essential. 

Wild thing

Port Elizabeth is dubbed the ‘bottlenose dolphin capital of the world’ and you’ll probably spot numerous pods in the bay. However, the best way to see them up close is on a wildlife sea cruise. Raggy Charters offers a three-hour expedition, during which you may see dolphins, whales, sharks and penguins.

Sidewalk café culture

The quaint suburb of Richmond Hill is five minutes from the beachfront. Packed with locals most nights, Stanley Street’s sidewalk café culture provides a snapshot of Port Elizabeth’s diverse society. Fushin is known for Asian food with a twist. Try the New York, a California-style roll crammed with fresh tuna and avocado, topped with tempura prawns. Follow with something sweet at Salt – the ‘chocolate jar’ is a popular choice. More of an adult milkshake, it combines chocolate milk with liqueur and vodka.

Walk this way

Escape the hubbub of the beachfront by visiting Cape Recife Nature Reserve. This deserted stretch of pristine beach and fynbos shrubbery is best explored on foot via well-maintained trails. Watch the varied birdlife and seek out the World War II military observation post.

End on a high (note)

Port Elizabeth Opera House is the only surviving example of a Victorian theatre in Africa. Its links to the great performers of South African theatre, including John Kani and Nomhle Nkonyeni, give it an incredible cultural pedigree. Take a guided, night-time, ghost tour of the surrounding area – the venue is built on the site of the town’s gallows.

British Airways (operated by Comair) offers daily flights between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. To book visit ba.com